FOOTBALL: Ferris Not Taking Anything For Granted Coming Off A 1-10 Record In 2009

Ferris State football player Skyler Stoker tries to break a tackle during last weekend's home game against Tiffin University at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids. (FSU Photographic Services/Ed Hyde)

Don't expect any kind of a letdown from these Ferris State University if the words of head coach Jeff Pierce are on point.

Pierce sees a motivated squad not ready to relive the pain of the 2009 season. In fact, he sees a group that is hungry to keep things moving in the right direction.

Lake Erie College is a tough team (as nationally-ranked Hillsdale College discovered last week as it hung on for a 42-37 win). This game has all the makings of a trap-type game if Ferris is not ready to play.

"You have to go on the road and play them," Pierce said as his team goes on the road with an experienced quarterback, Tom Schneider, who has played in these kinds of environments and feels comfortable behind a strong offensive line anchored by the likes of Scott Shattuck and Jake Hancock (pictured). "We have to come out and play our 'A' game or we're going to be disappointed."

The sting of last year's 1-10 record keeps these Bulldogs grounded.

"Our kids still have a chip on our shoulders," Pierce said. "We've had a great week of practice. Our guys are focused and we need to keep getting better and better."

FOOTBALL: Ferris Looks Ahead To Lake Erie Storm

Ferris State's defense goes after Tiffin's quarterback in the backfield led by Matt Ryan (44), Muneer Bawayeh (97), Tayo Moss (41) and others. (FSU Photographic Services/Ed Hyde)

Ferris State University is clearly not in a position to begin taking opponents lightly as it heads to eastern Ohio to take on Lake Erie College this weekend.

Sure, Ferris is 3-1 overall and undefeated in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (3-0), but that will not win the Bulldogs any games on the field. And, this is a team just a year removed from a painful 1-10 record. That experience, humbling as it was, still motivates Ferris as it heads to Painesville, Ohio for Saturday's 1 p.m. contest at Jack Britt Memorial Stadium on the LEC campus.

"Lake Erie is a new program in our conference," Ferris head coach Jeff Pierce said as his team's offense has been led by quarterback Tom Schneider, a running game that last week featured rusher Skyler Stoker and a passing attack last week paced by receiver Chris Wilson's two touchdowns. "They're a good football team, they're record (0-4, 0-3) doesn't show it. Look at their game last week against Hillsdale (a 42-37 loss). It went right to the wire."

The Storm started the season with a 26-20 non-conference loss to Gannon University. From there, LEC opened GLIAC action for the first time in school history with a 42-13 loss at home to Michigan Tech. The following week, Lake Erie was beaten 49-17 on the road by Saginaw Valley State and, last week, the Storm fell 42-37 to nationally-ranked Hillsdale.

Lake Erie, coached by Mark McNellie, had good quarterback play from Sean Bedevelsky, who completed 20-of-27 passes for 261 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown. So, he is quite a dual threat. Bedevelsky poses a challenge for the Ferris defensive front, led by Jacob Moreno, Muneer Bawayeh (pictured), Jordan Morgan and Brad Iskow and the linebackers led by Matt Ryan.

This game promises to be a challenge for the Bulldogs as it will be a road contest and it will be homecoming at Lake Erie.

VOLLEYBALL: Bulldogs To Host Grand Valley On Friday (Oct. 1)

Ferris State's Samantha Fordyce (11) and Mallory Kopa (16) will join teammates on the court Friday (Oct. 1) evening as the Bulldogs host Grand Valley State University in the Ewigleben Sports Arena in Big Rapids. (FSU Photographic Services/Ed Hyde)

Ferris State University has won three of its last five matches coming into this (Oct. 1) Friday night's home match against Grand Valley State University at 7 p.m.

It's usually a fun atmosphere in the Ewigleben Sports Arena for this particular contest.

Northern Michigan University continues to lead the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division with a league record of 8-0 (the Wildcats are 12-0 overall this season. In second place is Grand Valley at 6-2. The Lakers are followed by 4-3 Saginaw Valley State and 4-4 Ferris.

This is an important match for head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm's Bulldogs to begin to gain some ground in the North Division standings. A win by Ferris could significantly shrink the gap between second place and fourth place (with still a lot of volleyball, granted, left to be played).

Senior middle hitter Arielle Goodson continues to lead Ferris in kills with 170 while Ashley Huntey is second at 134 this season. Setter Samantha Fordyce has 424 assists while Lisa Tobiczyk is the leader in digs at 193.

HOCKEY: Ferris Returns A Solid Group Of Forwards To The Ice

Ferris State University head hockey coach Bob Daniels has been through this enough times to know how it all works with preseason projections.

People are asking questions about who replace the goals scored by the likes of Cody Chupp (nine goals), Casey Haines (12 goals), Aaron Lewicki (12 goals), Blair Riley (18 goals) and others.

That is a lot of goal-scoring production to replace.

Look for the Bulldogs, this season, to rely on guys like Mike Embach, Travis Ouellette, Matt Kirzinger, Justin Menke, Mike Fillinger and others. Embach and Kirzinger return with nine goals apiece, Menke is back with eight and Ouellette returns with seven.

Ferris has a whole lot of scoring to replace, but some good candidates to replace them with as pointed out by Daniels. As he said, the Bulldogs traditionally have introduced new faces to make a major impact in replacement of players from the past. A year ago, Riley burst upon the scene and was an early favorite for the Hobey Baker.

As Daniels pointed out, the aforementioned guys already have a bit of a proven track record and should excel with more opportunity to showcase their talents.

A strong defense and good goaltending should only help the forwards soar to greater heights.

HOCKEY: In CCHA Poll, Ferris Picked Seventh By The Coaches, Sixth By The Media

Ferris State hockey goaltender Taylor Nelson (29) is expected to compete with Pat Nagle for the starting nod between the pipes this season. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

It's a historic season of hockey coming up for the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Ferris State University hopes to be one of the teams celebrating near the end of the season in Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

The Bulldogs of 19th-year head coach Bob Daniels were picked to finish seventh in the CCHA Coaches Poll (with 64 points) and sixth in the media poll (with 546 points).

This year's polls really offered no huge surprises at the top as Michigan was picked first by the coaches while Miami was picked first by the media. The RedHawks were chosen second in the coaches poll while the Wolverines placed second with the media. Alaska, Michigan State and Notre Dame were three, four and five in both polls with the order just differing.

Northern Michigan and Ferris were next in both polls. The coaches liked Northern slightly more while the media preferred Ferris a bit better.

This should be a competitive year in the CCHA with a lot of teams confident in their ability to be in the mix for success this season.

2010-11 CCHA Coaches Poll (1st-place) Points

1. Michigan (8)	108
2. Miami (3)	103
3. Alaska	81
4. Michigan State	76
5. Notre Dame	75
6. Northern Michigan	65
7. Ferris State	64
8. Ohio State	56
9. Lake Superior State	35
10. Western Michigan	29
11. Bowling Green State	23

2010-11 CCHA Media Poll (1st-place) Points

1. Miami (57)	877
2. Michigan (17)	825
3. Michigan State (1)	651
4. Alaska	618
5. Notre Dame	567
6. Ferris State	546
7. Northern Michigan	536
8. Ohio State	428
9. Lake Superior State	312
10. Western Michigan	225
11. Bowling Green State	190

HOCKEY: Daniels Highlights Ferris State's Defense And Goaltending

Ferris State University looks like a team that will be strong on defense, led by All-America candidate Zach Redmond (pictured), and tough in the net, led by Pat Nagle and Taylor Nelson.

During the Central Collegiate Hockey Association conference call with head coaches, Ferris head man Bob Daniels cited his team's defense and goaltending as a strength.

Redmond, a Traverse City native who had a chance to take his game to the next level in the National Hockey League but chose to return to Ferris, is back to lead the defense. A year ago, Redmond totaled six goals and 21 assists as he was named an All-CCHA Second-Team performer for his efforts. Also back are Brett Wysopal, Scott Wietecha and Chad Billins to strengthen the defense.

"If you look at it, that’s what pops out at you," Daniels said of his defense and goaltending entering the 2010-11 season. "That group will be headlined by Zach Redmond, and then also in net we return two goaltenders that for the most part split the games last year, Pat Nagle and Taylor Nelson. We’ll open it up this year to start the season with a healthy competition between the two of them."

Ferris should be tough on opponents with that defense and, if the offense comes together, the Bulldogs could REALLY be tough on the competition.

"You feel like the defense and goaltending that we have returning, those two positions right there are top-four positions within the league," Daniels said.

VOLLEYBALL: Ferris' Sutton Participates In ArtPrize Competition

Anne Sutton is a model Ferris State University student-athlete with talents showcased on the volleyball court in the classroom and now beyond the boundaries of campus.

In Sutton's case, the beyond is her talents as an artist - talents that have been in display through her participation in ArtPrize, an annual open art competition in Grand Rapids, Mich., which presents the world's largest art prize of $250,000 to the first-place winner. Artists submit one entry with the top 10 entries receiving a prize. Art is displayed in venues and on properties in the downtown Grand Rapids area.

Event attendees can vote and a winner is determined by public vote as a total of $449,000 in prize monies will be awarded.

Sutton, who completed a three-year art program at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, is showing her entry at San Chez Bistro & Cafe on 38 West Fulton Street in Grand Rapids.

A 6-foot-2 sophomore middle hitter for the Bulldog volleyball team and a native of Grand Rapids, Sutton is a graphic design major at Ferris.

"This event is incredible for Grand Rapids and the small businesses within," said Sutton, who graduated from Northview High School in Grand Rapids. "The competition submerges the city in beauty and culture, drawing more attention to the splendor it already contains.

"I love what I'm studying," she added about her Graphic Design studies and her artwork in general. "I wanted to use a skill which I developed and make something great. There was no grade or rubric to motivate me, just passion."

Sutton was motivated to push her creativity and artistic talents.

"The greatest reason I decided to try this out is to challenge myself," she said. "We've done a lot of this kind of work, which is cut paper, throughout our curriculum, but I've never done anything very large scale."

Sutton is presenting a cut paper portrait entitled "Central Park" which is an image of a simplification of a photograph taken in New York City's Central Park. The image is a four-person band which consists of a man singing, a man playing the bass fiddle, a man on trumpet, and an individual playing the guitar. Sutton's art piece is cut in layers from darkest to lightest out of various Canson and Strathford papers. The use of the different layers and values gives the piece a sense of depth.

For more information, visit the Ferris Athletics Web site.

A special thanks to Ferris State University Athletics Communications Director Joe Gorby for his work in compiling the information and in conducting the video interview.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Releases 2010-11 Roster

Ferris State University has released its women's basketball roster for the 2010-11 season.

The group that will suit up for head coach Tracey Dorow has some familiar names on the return and includes the new additions cited in press releases.

Ferris welcomes back Andrea Clancy, a 6-foot-2 center who missed all of last season with an injury. She will be a nice addition to the team this year with her talent and experience.

The Bulldogs have added Caitlin Carmody, a 5-foot-9 player from Grand Rapids who played at Forest Hills Central High School.
2010-11 Women's Basketball Roster

3	Lindsey Pettit	G/F	Jr.	5-9	Portland, Mich./Portland
4	Caitlin Carmody	F	So.	5-9	Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central
10	Kylie Muntz	G	So.	5-8	Dayton, Ohio/Wayne
11	Becci Houdek	G	Sr.	5-9	Canton, Mich./Canton
15	Nikki Arner	F	Fr.	6-2	Ludington, Mich./Ludington
20	Andrea Clancy	C	Sr.	6-3	Port Austin, Mich./North Huron
21	Kelsey DeNoyelles	G/F	Jr.	5-9	Mt. Pleasant, Mich./Sacred Heart
22	Sarah DeShone	G	Fr.	5-7	Elkhart, Ind./Jimtown
24	Felicia Standley	C	So.	6-3	Augusta, Mich./Galesburg-Augusta
32	Katy Fox	F/C	So.	6-1	Royal Center, Ind./Pioneer
34	Ashley Rando	G/F	Fr.	5-9	Jackson, Mich./Northwest
42	Tricia Principe	G/F	Jr.	5-9	Kalamazoo, Mich./Mattawan
44	Tiara Adams	F	Sr.	5-9	Lansing, Mich./Waverly

Head Coach: Tracey Dorow
Assistant Coach: Kurt Westendorp
Volunteer Assistant Coach: Rick Bloodworth
Student Assistant Coach: Rachel Folcik

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Releases Its 2010-11 Roster

The Ferris State University men's basketball team has released its 2010-11 roster as it prepares for the start of preseason practice later in the month of October.

The roster has some familiar names on it, but it also has a number of the newer names that head coach Bill Sall and his staff added during the off-season period.

Ferris welcomes back a roster that is highlighted by preseason All-American center Justin Keenan (pictured), a 6-foot-6 power player who appears destined for another big-time season.

The Bulldogs have added Spencer Sellner, a 6-foot-5 player from Lowell to the roster. The other new additions have been highly publicized and some are expected to make major contributions right away.

Here is the Ferris roster this season.
2010-11 Men's Basketball Roster

No.	Name	Pos.	Cl.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown/High School
1	Dontae Molden	G	Jr.	5-11	180	Detroit, Mich./Pershing
2	Kenny Brown	G/F	So.	6-2	180	Farmington Hills, Mich./Harrison
3	Brandyn Mungo	G/F	So.	6-5	180	Westland, Mich./Detroit Renaissance
5	Matt DeHart	G	Sr.	6-3	185	Greenville, Mich./Greenville
10	Tyler Dwyer	F	Fr.	6-4	210	Saginaw, Mich./Arthur Hill
11	Darien Gay	G	Sr.	5-10	160	Detroit, Mich./Henry Ford
21	Lou Williams	G/F	Sr.	6-6	200	Muskegon Heights, Mich./Muskegon Heights
23	Jerrell Sanders	F	Jr.	6-6	220	Grand Rapids, Mich./Creston
24	Daniel Sutherlin	F	So.	6-4	185	Detroit, Mich./Renaissance
25	DeMarco Sanders	G	Fr.	6-2	180	Flint, Mich./Powers
32	Thomas Drew	F	RFr.	6-5	200	Grand Rapids, Mich./Catholic Central
40	Justin Keenan	F/C	Sr.	6-6	240	Grand Rapids, Mich./Ottawa Hills
44	Spencer Sellner	F	Fr.	6-5	195	Lowell, Mich./Lowell
54	Jim Boylan	C	Jr.	6-10	250	Grayling, Mich./Grayling
Head Coach: Bill Sall Assistant Coach: Andy Bronkema Volunteer Assistant Coaches: Bill Killian, Ed Douma

HOCKEY: Ferris Could Make A Large Number Of Appearances on Television

Ferris State University hockey head coach Bob Daniels talks to his team last year in the locker room.

Ferris State University, tentatively, is scheduled to make nine television appearances during the 2010-11 season. The Bulldogs, right now, are penciled in to appear on Fox Sports-Detroit, CBS College Sports, Comcast and Ferris Television.

"We're thrilled to have Bulldog Hockey showcased a number of times on TV this upcoming season," said Ferris State head coach Bob Daniels said. "Having these televised contests is great exposure not only for our program, but for Ferris State University. We're appreciative of FOX Sports Detroit coming to Big Rapids again to highlight one of our home games and also are excited about Comcast making their first-ever appearance on our campus."

Here is the composite list of games as posted on the CCHA's Web site: http://www.ccha.com/fifty_ccha_games_to_be_televised_in_2010-11.aspx

Date	Game	Time	Network
10/2/10	Mercyhurst at Michigan	7:35	Comcast
10/8/10	Michigan at Bowling Green	7:05	Comcast
10/8/10	New Hampshire at Miami	7:35	CBS College
10/14/10	Maine at Michigan State	7:05	Comcast
10/15/10	Maine at Michigan State	7:35	CBS College
10/22/10	Alaska at Michigan State	7:05	Comcast
10/30/10	Ferris State at Michigan	7:35	Comcast
11/5/10	Michigan State at Western Michigan	7:35	Comcast
11/12/10	Ohio State at Michigan State	6:35	Comcast
11/13/10	Notre Dame at Michigan	7:35	Comcast
11/19/10	Lake Superior at Michigan	7:35	Comcast
11/23/10	Ferris State at Michigan State	7:05	Comcast
12/3/10	Michigan at Ohio State	7:35	BTN
12/4/10	Ferris State at Michigan State	7:05	FSD
12/11/10	Michigan State v. Michigan The Big Chill at the Big House	3:05	FSD
12/12/10	Northern Michigan at Notre Dame	4:05	Comcast
12/30/10	G-L-I Championship (Teams TBD)	7:35	FSD
1/7/11	Michigan at Michigan State	7:35	BTN
1/7/11	Miami at Ohio State	7:35	CBS College
1/8/11	Michigan State at Michigan	7:05	FS PLUS
1/14/11	Ferris State at Michigan	7:35	CBS College
1/14/11	Ohio State at Western Michigan	7:35	Comcast
1/15/11	Michigan at Ferris State	7:05	Comcast
1/21/11	Alaska at Michigan	7:35	FS PLUS
1/21/11	Miami at Michigan State	7:35	CBS College
1/22/11	Miami at Michigan State	7:05	Comcast
1/27/11	Michigan State at Ferris State	7:35	FSD
1/28/11	Miami at Notre Dame	7:35	FSD
1/29/11	Miami at Notre Dame	5:05	CBS College
1/29/11	Michigan v. Michigan State (JLA)	8:05	FSD
2/4/11	Michigan State at Ohio State	7:35	BTN
2/4/11	Michigan at Miami	7:35	CBS College
2/5/11	Michigan at Miami	5:05	FSD
2/11/11	Northern Michigan at Michigan State	7:05	Comcast
2/11/11	Ohio State at Michigan	7:35	BTN
2/12/11	Northern Michigan at Michigan State	5:05	FSD
2/12/11	Ohio State at Michigan	7:35	BTN
2/18/11	Western Michigan at Michigan	7:35	Comcast
2/19/11	Western Michigan at Michigan	7:35	FSD
2/25/11	Bowling Green at Michigan State	7:35	FS PLUS
2/26/11	Bowling Green at Michigan State	7:05	Comcast
3/4/11	First-Round Campus-Site	7:35	FSD
3/4 OR 5/11	First-Round Campus-Site	TBA	CBS College
3/11/11	Second-Round Campus-Site	TBA	Comcast
3/12/11	Second-Round Campus Site	TBA	Comcast
3/18/11	CCHA Semifinal # 1	4:35	FS PLUS
3/18/11	CCHA Semifinal # 2	8:05	FS PLUS
3/19/11	CCHA Championship Game	7:35	FS PLUS

HOCKEY: Redmond, Nagle Earn Preseason All-CCHA Honors

It's that time of the year. Yes, it does seem early, but we're already talking seriously about some college hockey getting going.

The start of the season 2010-11 will be here sooner rather than later as preseason conditioning and skills workouts are underway.

Ferris State University has two players on the first and second team All-Central Collegiate Hockey Association. Zach Redmond (pictured top), a senior playing defense, is a first-team preseason All-CCHA pick while Pat Nagle (pictured bottom), a senior goaltender, is a second-team preseason All-CCHA selection. These two will more than likely be the cornerstones of Ferris State's success during the upcoming 2010-11 season. Considering the competition, however, don't expect anything to come easy for Ferris - even with these two standouts leading the way.

Redmond was a 2009-10 All-CCHA Second-Team pick while Nagle split time between the pipes with Taylor Nelson.

Voting was conducted among the 11 head coaches in the CCHA. Coaches could not vote for their own players.

Preseason First Team

Position	Name, Year, School	First	Totals
Forward	Carl Hagelin, SR, Michigan	10	50
Forward	Andy Miele, SR, Miami	7	44
Forward	Louie Caporusso, SR, Michigan	6	39
Defense	Zach Redmond, SR, Ferris State	8	46
Defense	Chris Wideman, JR, Miami	5	38
Goaltender	Cody Reichard, JR, Miami	8	46

Preseason Second Team

Position	Name, Year, School	First	Totals
Forward	Carter Camper, SR, Miami	3	34
Forward	Andy Taranto, SO, Alaska	3	31
Forward	Matt Rust, SR, Michigan	0	21
Defense	Torey Krug, SO, Michigan State	3	30
Defense	Chad Langlais. SO. Michigan	1	20
Goaltender	Pat Nagle, SR, Ferris State	1	20

Honorable Mention (next six point totals, regardless of position with first-team votes in parentheses): Joe Sova, JR, D, Alaska, (2) 23; Greger Hanson, SR, F, Northern Michigan, (2) 20; Calle Ridderwall, SR, F, Notre Dame, (1) 19; Scott Greenham, JR, G, Alaska, (1) 16; Drew Palmisano, JR, G, Michigan State, (1) 14; Justin Florek, JR, F, Northern Michigan, (1) 12.

It's nice to see a pair of Bulldogs being represented on the preseason All-CCHA teams with Nagle and Redmond.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Players Talk About The Return Of A Strong Running Attack

In this video, Ferris State University running back Skyler Stoker and receiver/tight end Chris Wilson discuss the return of a strong running game.

Stoker rushed for more than 100 yards and the Bulldogs also enjoyed solid running performances from guys like Leon Curry and Tyler Thomas.

The Bulldogs, behind a strong offensive line that gets better and better with each game, continue to run the football effectively.

SOCCER: Ferris On A Nice Streak To Date

Ferris State University's Bri Borgman recorded the second three-goal match of her career in Sunday's shutout win over Lake Erie College. (Photo by Ben Amato)

Ferris State University had some tough outings earlier in the season, but has picked it up of late with a nice run of 4-0-1 during its last five matches.

After a bumpy start to the season, Ferris' good luck started to reveal itself on Sept. 12 as the Bulldogs of first-year head coach Matt Kellogg defeated Northwood 3-0.

Ferris tied Northern Michigan 0-0 on Sept. 17, but then got a winning streak going with victories over Michigan Tech (3-2), Ashland (2-0) and Lake Erie (5-0).

The trend of a stingy Ferris defense continues as opponents still struggle to put goals on the scoreboard against these Bulldogs.

Ferris started the season 0-4, but was outscored just 6-0 in those four contests (three of which came against defending national champion Grand Valley State).
2010 Women's Soccer Schedule/Results

Overall	Pct.	Conf.	Pct.	Streak	Home	Away	Neutral
4-4-1	.500	4-2-1	.643	Won 3	2-3	2-1-1	0-0

Date	Opponent	Result	Time/Status	Links
Sep. 3	Minnesota State	L, 1-0	Final	Boxscore Recap
Sep. 5	Winona State	L, 1-0	Final	Boxscore Recap
Sep. 8	Grand Valley State *	L, 3-0	Final	Boxscore Recap Photos
Sep. 10	at Saginaw Valley State *	L, 1-0	Final	Boxscore Recap
Sep. 12	at Northwood *	W, 3-0	Final	Boxscore Recap
Sep. 17	at Northern Michigan *	T, 0-0	Final - 2OT	Boxscore Recap
Sep. 19	at Michigan Tech *	W, 3-2	Final	Boxscore Recap
Sep. 24	Ashland *	W, 2-0	Final	Boxscore Recap Photos
Sep. 26	Lake Erie *	W, 5-0	Final	Boxscore Recap
Oct. 1	Ohio Dominican *		4:00 PM	Directions
Oct. 8	Saginaw Valley State *		4:00 PM	Directions
Oct. 10	Northwood *		12:00 PM	Directions
Oct. 12	at Lewis (Ill.)		2:30 PM
Oct. 15	Michigan Tech *		5:00 PM	Directions
	Top Taggart Field
Oct. 17	Northern Michigan *		12:00 PM	Directions
Oct. 22	at Findlay *		4:00 PM
Oct. 24	at Tiffin *		12:00 PM
Oct. 30	at Grand Valley State *		12:00 PM
Nov. 2	TBD		TBA
	GLIAC Tournament First Round
Nov. 5	TBD		TBA
	GLIAC Tournament Semifinal Round
Nov. 7	TBD		TBA
	GLIAC Tournament Championship
Nov. 11	TBD		TBA
	NCAA Midwest Regional
Nov. 18	TBD		TBA
	NCAA Midwest Regional Elite Eight
Dec. 2	TBD		TBA

SOFTBALL: Video Highlights Of Ferris/Central Michigan Twinbill

Here are some video clips from Sunday afternoon's fall softball doubleheader between Ferris State University and Central Michigan University at the FSU Softball Field in Big Rapids.

This was my first attempt at shooting softball video.

SOFTBALL: Ferris Splits A Doubleheader With Central

Ferris State first baseman Lindsey Pettit takes a look at a pitch during the team's fall doubleheader with Central Michigan on Sunday afternoon at the FSU Softball Field in Big Rapids. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

Sunday afternoon, Ferris State University had a nice opportunity to host Central Michigan University in a battle of Division II vs. Division I played on the softball diamond in Big Rapids at the FSU Softball Field.

CMU used some power hitting to win the first game of the twinbill before the Bulldogs bounced back to win game two and salvage a split. The Chippewas took game one by a score of 9-3 and Ferris claimed game two 4-3.

Head coach Keri Becker's Bulldogs took the loss in the first game, but bounced back to grab the early lead in game two and held on late for a victory over Central.

Ferris pretty much utilized its entire roster and mixed in some newcomers with veterans at pretty much all positions throughout the doubleheader.

The Bulldogs have veterans like Lynsay Weaver, at shortstop; Rachel Mueller, at catcher; Colleen Roney, in the outfield; Morgan Kramerich, in the outfield, Chelsea Morris, at first base; Makenzi Peterson, at third base; Allison Webber, also at third base, as being among those returning with experience.

Pitcher Dana Bowler, outfielder Stephanie Dusendang, first baseman Lindsey Pettit and second baseman Lainee Clay also have returned.

Coach Becker was able to go deep into her roster during the fall doubleheader. In addition to the vets, Ferris also has a group of newcomers that includes Cara DeLange, a pitcher; Amy Dunleavy, a pitcher; Bianca Vasovski; who can play infield and outfield; Emily Carlson, a pitcher; and Alex Wittman, an outfielder.

Lots of players saw action as the Bulldogs bring their fall season to a close and begin to look ahead to the spring campaign of 2011.

NOTE: Look for video highlights from Sunday's doubleheader later tonight.

FOOTBALL: Video Highlights From Ferris State-Tiffin Game

I'm posting some game highlights from the Ferris State-Tiffin football game on Sept. 25 at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids.

FOOTBALL: Ferris State 52, Tiffin 28

Ferris State's Elijah Johnson (31) carries the football during Saturday night's 52-28 home win over Tiffin University at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids. (FSU Photographic Services/Ed Hyde).

It has been a long time since Ferris State University has put up the kind of offensive numbers it featured Saturday night at Top Taggart Field.

In an awesome display, the Bulldogs put up 479 yards of total offense en route to a 52-28 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference win over Tiffin University to improve to 3-0 in the conference and 3-1 overall. Things looked a little bumpy for the Bulldogs, early in the first quarter, but Ferris was far from discouraged.

"We got a little bit of a slow start and Tiffin was doing some things that were a little challenging for us, but once we got comfortable we started to roll," Ferris head coach Jeff Pierce said. "Our offense continues to get a little better each week. It's a new system these guys are working right now we're starting to get the bugs out of it. ... Each phase is starting to click and it's really starting to come along."

Tom Schneider, Ferris' starting quarterback, passed for 142 yards and four touchdowns as he completed 13-0f-16 passes. Chris Wilson had four catches for 64 yards with two touchdowns, Aaron Olman had three catches for 32 yards and a touchdown and Kevin Guirand, bouncing back from injury, had a 1-yard touchdown reception.

On the ground, Skyler Stoker had 12 carries for 106 yards, Schneider had seven carries for 76 yards, Leon Curry had five rushes for 53 yards and a touchdown, Tyler Thomas had five rushes for 46 yards with a touchdown and Elijah Johnson handled the ball five times for 21 yards with a touchdown.

The FSU head coach credited an offensive line that includes Taylor Sprague, Joe Voiles, Jake Hancock, Scott Shattuck and Trevor Smolinski.

"Our offensive line is a young group of football players," Pierce said. "Nice to see the way they're coming along. We feel comfortable with the way we're able to run and throw the football and giving up very few sacks."

Stoker knows the joy of running behind an offensive line that is getting the job done.

"It's easy to trust our linemen," Stoker said. "They know their jobs well. I myself have matured as a running back. We know the holes are going to be there and we just run."

Defensively, Matt Ryan led Ferris with 12 total tackles and one tackle for loss, Tayo Moss had nine tackles, Jacob Moreno had two sacks and five total tackles, Brad Iskow had 1.5 sacks and four total tackles, Muneer Bawayeh had 0.5 sacks and four total tackles and Jordan Morgan had one sack and three total tackles.

The Bulldogs trailed 6-0 as Tiffin scored right off the bat. Ferris took the lead on a Thomas TD run and ended the first half with a 21-18 lead. The Dragons tied the score at 21-21, but it was all Ferris from there as the Bulldogs would outscore Tiffin 31-7 for the balance of the game.

When Tiffin jumped out in front of Ferris, right off the bat, there was no panic on the sideline of the Bulldogs.

"We didn't hold our heads down and we didn't get down on each other ... we just all came together and was like 'lets do it,'" Wilson said. "This game we said lets just finish as a unit."

Ferris is on the road in Ohio as it takes on Lake Erie College in a 1 p.m., GLIAC contest on Saturday (Oct. 2).

HOCKEY: Daniels Excited To Get Going With The 2010-11 Season

Ferris State University head coach Bob Daniels knows all too well that the start of the hockey season is just around the corner even as we're still in the month of September.

Daniels and the rest of the coaching staff are limited with the amount of contact they can have, at this point, but are working to make the most of that time to fully prepare the Bulldogs for the challenge ahead in and out of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

Early in preseason practice, much of the emphasis generally is on conditioning to be ready for the rigor of a college hockey campaign.

"Guys look pretty good and they're in great shape," Daniels said when asked about getting ready for the start of the season and the level of conditioning for the players. "You have to get in hockey shape, but they're in great physical shape in terms of the strength, their endurance and their (cardiovascular)."

Check out the video here and look for more to come during the next week as we highlight a Ferris team that returns key veterans like Zach Redmond, Pat Nagle and numerous other veterans who have gained experience.

The Bulldogs open the season on Oct. 2 with an exhibition contest versus Ontario Institute of Technology in Big Rapids at Ewigleben Ice Arena beginning at 7:05 p.m.

Officially, however, the 2010-11 season commences Oct. 7-8, as Ferris visits Alabama-Huntsville for a two-game non-league series in Huntsville, Ala. Both games start at 8:05 p.m.

HOCKEY: Everyone's Ready ... Even Now ... To Drop The Puck

The Ferris State University hockey team is not too far off from beginning the 2010-11 college hockey season. Expect to see scenes like the one in this photo. (Photo/Calvin Carter)

I know it's almost hard to believe, but the time is fast approaching for the start of the Ferris State University ice hockey season.

With that in mind, "Drop The Puck Night" is slated to take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, at Falcon Head Golf Course in Big Rapids. The event, in its third year, highlights the start of the hockey season for the Bulldogs of 19th-year head coach Bob Daniels and the Big Rapids High School hockey team, coached by Tim Blashill, a familiar name to Ferris people.

"I would like to invite all Bulldog and Cardinal hockey fans to attend," said Daniels, a former national Division I coach of the year. "This fun-filled event provides a special opportunity to reach out to more hockey fans in the surrounding areas while also giving hockey fans a chance to interact with one another and our student-athletes."

Events like this are great with how supportive the Big Rapids community is regarding Bulldog and Cardinal hockey.

Try to make it to Falcon Head if you get a chance.

This annual event is organized through the Blueline Club and sponsored by Independent Bank of Big Rapids. Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 12 and under. The price includes dinner and beverage.

Both Daniels and Blashill are scheduled to speak at the event to talk about their respective teams as they are with the 2010-11 season on the near horizon. In addition to coach, some student-athletes are expected to speak at the annual event.

FOOTBALL: Dragons Will Take Chances In Coming After Bulldogs This Weekend

Ferris State offensive linemen like Taylor Phillips (75) and Joe Voiles (61) will be important players for the Bulldog offense. (FSU Photographic Services)

Tiffin University brings a different style of play to the table for which Ferris State University will have to make some adjustments.

The Dragons, coached by David Walkosky who is in his third season, are 1-2 on the fall. After an opening-day win over Malone, 31-21, Tiffin has fallen on some tough times. The Dragons were beaten decisively by Wayne State, 63-14, and then dropped a heartbreaker this past weekend to Findlay, 10-7.

This game against the Bulldogs represents the Dragons first trip on the road this season as it heads to Big Rapids for this weekend's Saturday night 7 p.m. game at Top Taggart Field.

"What Tiffin brings defensively (is a system where) this weekend is going to be blitz pickup.," Pierce said of a TU defense that works to put pressure on the offense to play plays under duress as pressure will come from different areas on the field. "They're going to come at you from a number of different angles."

Tiffin's style of defense, however, could create some big-play opportunities for the Bulldogs through the running game (with Skyler Stoker, Tyler Thomas, Leon Curry and others) or through the passing game (with Tom Schneider, Mike Ryan, Damien Miller and others).

They're a group of players that are right on the edge of trying to make things happen. They're very athletic. They do some things that catch you by surprise. It's something our guys have to go in and play well to win this football game. Tiffin won its opening ball game and last week gave Findlay a run for its money.

Defensively, defensive end Joseph Collard and linebacker Kody David, a local product who prepped at Chippewa Hills High School, led the team with 30 tackles apiece. David has three sacks.

The Dragons' top rusher is David McKnight, who has 128 yards and a touchdown, Nate Scully is the top passer with 535 yards through the air with two touchdowns and five interceptions. The top receiver is Trey Williams, as expected, with 176 yards through the air on 14 receptions with a touchdown. Brenton Williams has two touchdown receptions this season.

Tiffin Notes: The 2010 campaign represents TU’s 25th season of varsity competition ... Tiffin has went 6-3 in night games over the last five seasons ... Tiffin was picked to finish 12th out of
14 teams in the 2010 GLIAC Preseason Coaches Poll ... Kody David, a former standout prep player at Chippewa Hills High School, will be returning to his home area to compete against the Bulldogs ... Taylor Leonard, who began his college career at Tiffin, now plays for Ferris.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Knows It Has Room For Improvement Going Against Tiffin

Ferris State University was defensive in its home win over Saginaw Valley State two weeks back and last weekend against Ohio Dominican. Ferris will need a similar effort this weekend against Tiffin University here in Big Rapids at 7 p.m. (FSU Photographic Services)

Ferris State University had far too many miscues in special teams during its 34-28 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory over Ohio Dominican University last weekend in Columbus, Ohio.

The Bulldogs this week are back home at Top Taggart Field to take on Tiffin University in a GLIAC showdown scheduled for 7 p.m.

"There are some things that need to improve on special teams," Ferris head coach Jeff Pierce said during his weekly media interview conducted by Ferris Associate Athletics Communications Director Rob Bentley.

Going on the road, however, was a good opportunity for the Bulldogs to get a taste of how tough it is to compete against GLIAC competition. For the young players, however, Pierce felt the overnight road trip had a greater significance.

"We do have a lot of young players on our football team which is great for the future of our program, but you're trying to see how they're going to respond," Pierce said before he exercised caution about the miscues that nearly added up to what would have been a disappointing loss had the team not held on late against ODU. "I thought the guys responded well, but we have to continue to improve."

Ferris had some troubles, among other areas, with its punt protection. That had been a big issue last season that seemed to have been addressed through the first two weeks. Ferris also had an issue fielding a punt that ended up to ODU's benefit on the scoreboard.

The Bulldogs will need improvement there and in general with execution in all three facets against the Dragons and other future opponents.

NOTES: Ferris' back-to-back wins represent the Bulldogs' first two-game winning streak since opening the 2008 season with victories over Tiffin and Ashland ... Ferris led last week by 22 points (28-6) before hanging on to win 34-28 ... Ferris had 412 yards of total offense in the win over ODU ... The 412 yards was the most for Ferris since putting up 550 in a 2008 road win over Indianapolis ... Saturday is "Kids Night" for Ferris football with a number of activities planned for kids of various ages ... Every rocket youth football player and cheerleader in a jersey or uniform will receive free admission.

FOOTBALL: No Letdown For Ferris

Ferris State quarterback Tom Schneider will once again need to be a key player in the Bulldogs' offensive efforts this weekend against Tiffin University in Big Rapids at Top Taggart Field. (FSU Photographic Services)

With Tiffin University coming to town, some might be tempted to think this is a win that is in the bag, but now is not the time for Ferris State University to take anything for granted.

We know the visiting Dragons are just 1-2 and yet winless in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, but that guarantees nothing.

Ferris (2-1 overall, 2-0 GLIAC) knows it has a lot to work on this week after nearly blowing a 28-6 lead before holding on to knock off Ohio Dominican in Columbus, Ohio last weekend.

The Bulldogs have work to do on special teams, the offense can continue to get sharper and the defense must continue to mature and grow.

After the win over Ohio Dominican, I had a chance to talk to receiver Mike Ryan and defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Duane Wilson. Both Ryan and Wilson talked about being glad to get a win on the road but wanting a higher and more consistent level of play going into future games.

Both men were right on the money. Ferris, in the end, escaped Ohio Dominican with a win in a game that should not have been so close.

Current GLIAC standings

Grand Valley St.	2-0	3-0
Michigan Tech	2-0	2-0
Ferris St.	2-0	2-1
Northern Mich.	2-0	2-1
Hillsdale	1-1	2-1
Indianapolis	1-1	2-1
Wayne St. (Mich.)	1-1	2-1
Findlay	1-1	1-2
Northwood (Mich.)	1-1	1-2
Saginaw Valley	1-1	1-2
Ashland	0-2	1-2
Tiffin	0-2	1-2
Ohio Dominican	0-2	0-2
Lake Erie	0-2	0-3

This weekend's games:

9/25/10
Football
Saginaw Valley
Northwood (Mich.)

12:00 PM

Live stats Video Audio Audio

9/25/10
Football
Grand Valley St.
Findlay

12:00 PM

Live stats Video Audio

9/25/10
Football
Ohio Dominican
Wayne St. (Mich.)

12:00 PM

Live stats Audio

9/25/10
Football
Lake Erie
Hillsdale

1:00 PM

Live stats Video Audio

9/25/10
Football
Michigan Tech
Indianapolis

2:00 PM

Live stats Video Audio

9/25/10
Football
Ashland
Northern Mich.

4:00 PM

Live stats Video Audio

9/25/10
Football
Tiffin
Ferris St.

7:00 PM

Preview Live stats Video

FOOTBALL: Tune In Tonight To The 'Bulldog Beat' On The Internet

The fourth edition of the "Bulldog Beat" Ferris State University football show takes place tonight beginning at 9 p.m. and will be broadcast live via the Internet.

The show, broadcast through Blog Talk Radio, is co-hosted by Ferris Associate Athletics Communications Director/Football SID Rob Bentley and Sandy Gholston, a local journalist who works in Ferris' University Advancement and Marketing division.

Tonight's episode will focus on the Bulldogs road win last weekend in Columbus, Ohio against Ohio Dominican University. The show also will preview this coming weekend's contest, at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids, against the Tiffin University Dragons at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

To access the show, via the Internet, visit www.blogtalkradio.com/ferrisathletics. The show is scheduled for Thursday evening's throughout the 2010 Ferris football season.

Additionally, each show episode is also archived for those not able to catch the live version and made available both via the official Blog Talk Radio show site along with the official FSU Athletics Website at www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com after completion of the show. It can then also be downloaded via iTunes, RSS or an MP3 file.

Ferris Athletics Communications contributed to this blog.

FOOTBALL: Chris Wilson Still Chasing The Dream

In this next video in the series, Ferris State University football student-athlete Chris Wilson talks more about balancing academics and athletics during his senior season.

He also talks about the time spent with teammates, what it means to be a teammate and some of what goes into working with his classmates in Television and Digital Media Production.

WOMEN'S SOCCER: Borgman Continues To Lead Bulldogs In Scoring

Bri Borgman is enjoying another solid season of college soccer for the Bulldogs as she leads the team in scoring with seven points so far.

Borgman (pictured) has seven points on three goals with one assists as she also is being credited with 12 shots this season for head coach Matt Kellogg's squad.

Cassie Aro, Kasey Ruimveld and Megan Stec each have two points and with one point apiece are Kara Lovelace and Emily Kraska.

Rachel McCollum, playing goalkeeper for the Bulldogs, has a record of 2-4-1 overall with a 1.11 goals against average and a .843 saves percentage.

The Bulldogs have been outscored just 8-6 in goals this season - a stretch that includes some very close affairs. Some of those matches have gone in Ferris' favor, but others have not.

2010 Ferris State University Women's Soccer Match Results:

Date	Location	Result
Sept 19,2010	Houghton, Mich.	Ferris State 3, Michigan Tech 2	Box score
Sept 17,2010	Marquette, Mich.	Ferris State 0, Northern Michigan 0	Box score
Sept 12,2010	Midland, Mich.	Ferris State 3, Northwood 0	Box score
Sept 10,2010	University Center	Saginaw Valley State 1, Ferris State 0	Box score
Sept 8, 2010	Big Rapids, Mich.	Grand Valley State 3, Ferris State 0	Box score
Sept 5, 2010	Big Rapids, Mich.	Winona State 1, Ferris State 0	Box score
Sept 3, 2010	Big Rapids, Mich.	Minnesota State 1, Ferris State 0	Box score