WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Former Bulldog Loosvelt Gains Fame, Aids In Weight Loss

Ferris Athletics Communications

Former Ferris State University women's basketball player Katie Loosvelt continues to make her mark in the sports world and athletics as evidenced by her recent national television appearance.

A four-year letterwinner with the Bulldogs from 2004-08, Loosvelt appeared on Wednesday (Dec. 29) evening's premiere episode of MTV's "I Used To Be Fat" television series.

During the 60-minute reality show, Loosvelt serves as the personal trainer for Gabriella, a 18-year old high school graduate who learns to eat and exercise her way to a healthier weight before she heads off to college.

Loosvelt is featured prominently throughout the debut episode along with Gabriella and her family. The show follows Gabriella's four-month weight loss program, which resulted in a loss of nearly 90 pounds over the 111-day stretch.

Gabriella's efforts to lose the weight were due in large part to Loosvelt based on an interview she did with Seventeen Magazine (www.seventeen.com).

"I lost weight the only way to really lose weight, by eating right and exercising," Gabriella said. "I had a great support system. I had my family and friends, but most importantly, I had my amazing trainer, Katie. I owe her my life. She really is amazing and I'm so blessed to have her in my life. She continues to this day to support me."

A native of Trenton, Mich., Loosvelt attended Carlson High School and presently works as a personal trainer for Tilton Fitness in New Jersey and specializes in a number of different areas including weight loss and toning, core development, aerobics, circuit training, strength training and senior fitness among others. A member of the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, Loosvelt is also active in the American Council on Exercise and is certified in both CPR and Automated External Defibrillators. She earned a bachelor's degree from FSU in Marketing along with a minor in recreational management.

During her collegiate playing career at Ferris State, Loosvelt appeared in 115 games and made 29 starts for the Bulldogs. A 5-3 point guard, Loosvelt totaled 322 points, 291 assists, 172 rebounds and 95 steals over her four-year career. She dished out a personal career-high 99 assists for FSU as a senior in 2007-08 under head coach Tracey Dorow.

Loosvelt claimed Ferris' Hardest Worker Award as a freshman in 2004-05 and helped the Bulldogs to a school-record 23 wins and a NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen appearance in her junior season (2006-07). FSU also reached the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Postseason Tournament in all four of her seasons and advanced to the tourney semifinals in both of her final two years. She presently ranks 10th in school history with her 291 career assists and was a three-time GLIAC All-Academic Team honoree.

"I Used to be Fat" is from MTV News & Documentaries, which continues to produce inspiring and in-depth programming that is relevant to young people today. The show is created by 3 Ball Productions, with JD Roth, Todd A. Nelson and Adam Greener serving as Executive Producers.

Wednesday's premiere episode was the first of 10 scheduled shows to run in the series' first season with a new show airing each Wednesday evening in the 10 p.m. (ET) time slot.

The documentary series will follow teens during the summer after high school as they sweat it out to lose weight and transform themselves completely before entering college. The show comes from the producers of The Biggest Loser, and is part of the network's effort to reconnect with a "millennial" audience

Additionally, MTV.com will check in with each student after their show airs, to catch up with them via video diary. They will also provide users with exercise and eating tips from the trainers featured in the series, to help guide healthy living habits.

MTV is the world's premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people.

MTV is available on most major cable systems across the United States and can also be found on either DirecTV (Channel 331) or Dish Network (Channel 160). The "I Used To Be Fat" series will also be distributed throughout the world via MTV later this spring.

Visit this link below for the official show page:
http://www.mtv.com/shows/i_used_to_be_fat/series.jhtml

Visit this link to watch the first episode online:
http://www.mtv.com/videos/i-used-to-be-fat-ep-1-gabriella/1654995/playlist.jhtml

Visit this link for more coverage of the first episode:
http://www.mtv.com/shows/i_used_to_be_fat/episode.jhtml?episodeID=174955

The debut episode of the show featuring Katie Loosvelt is tentatively slated to be replayed on MTV several times throughout the next week. A list of tentative times is found below - please check your local listings. All times are Eastern.

Thursday (Dec. 30) - 5 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Friday (Dec. 31) - 1:30 a.m.
Sunday (Jan. 2) - 11 p.m.
Tuesday (Jan. 4) - 2 p.m.
Wednesday (Jan. 5) - 12 a.m., 9 a.m. & 9 p.m.

FOOTBALL: A Pair Of Former Ferris Assistant Coaches Gain Spots On University Of Minnesota Staff

On my Crimson and Gold Report blog, I've posted blog entries on a pair of former Ferris State University assistant coaches, Jay Sawvel and Matt Limegrover, earning positions on the staff of new University of Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill's football staff.

Limegrover was hired for a position on Kill's staff:
http://blog.mlive.com/crimson_and_gold_report/2010/12/former_ferris_assistant_limegrover_joins_kills_staff_at_university_of_minnesota.html

Sawvel was hired for a position on Kill's staff:
http://blog.mlive.com/crimson_and_gold_report/2010/12/former_ferris_assistant_sawvel_joins_kills_staff_at_minnesota.html

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Recruit Excels After Signing With Bulldogs

Jared Stolicker, one of the cornerstones of Ferris State University's 2011-12 men's basketball recruiting class, is playing far more relaxed now that he has committed to the Bulldogs.

Stolicker, a 6-foot-9 center from Middleville, is playing strong basketball of late according to a Grand Rapids Press article:

Now that he has accepted a full ride to Ferris State University, the Middleville senior’s sole focus is to have a solid final season and show off his skills to West Michigan.

He’s made a great impression on everybody. His fourth consecutive double-double, this time 28 points and 16 rebounds, was enough as the Trojans scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to beat Fremont, 57-47, in the first game of Monday’s Red Hawk Holiday Tournament.

Middleville (2-2) will face the host Red Hawks (2-3) in tonight’s championship at 7:30. Cedar Springs defeated Kent City, 43-26, in the final game of the evening.

“I’ve been just more relaxed because there hasn’t been so much pressure to decide where to play (in college),” Stolicker said.

A big season should be the perfect springboard for Stolicker into what the Bulldogs hope is a strong college career on the hardwood.

Grand Rapids Press:
http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/-8932779140820610802/jared-stolicker-leads-middleville-past-fremont-in-tournament-opener/

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Playing In Maryland With Victories In Mind

Ferris State University's Kylie Muntz goes to the floor for a loose ball during a game earlier this season in Big Rapids.

Ferris State is on the road for a couple of women's basketball games against struggling opponents.

On the other hand, especially on the road, nothing can be taken for granted as head coach Tracey Dorow's Bulldogs seek to lift their record above the .500 mark.

Ferris is 5-5 overall this season and 2-4 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings.

Last time out, the Bulldogs suffered a pair of losses in the Upper Peninsula as they dropped a 64-43 decision to No. 12 Michigan Tech (Dec. 18) and then a 75-56 decision to Northern Michigan (Dec. 19) before they returned to Big Rapids.

Tiara Adams, a senior forward, and Tricia Principe, a junior guard, continue to lead the Bulldogs on the court this season - as expected. Adams is the leading scorer on the season with a 12.8 scoring average where Principe is not too far off that pace at 12.6 per contest. Adams is tops on the boards averaging 8.2 per contest while Principe is averaging 4.7.

Up next, Ferris will compete in the Lady Bulldogs Holiday Classic hosted by Bowie State in Bowie, Md. (Dec. 29-30). Ferris takes on Virginia Union on Dec. 29, at 4 p.m., and then challenges host Bowie State on Dec. 30, at 6 p.m.

Here is some info on Ferris' upcoming opponents as the Bulldogs seek to take care of business in non-conference action:

Virginia Union (0-5, 0-0 CIAA) is still searching for its first win after its most recent game versus Caldwell (N.J.) was postponed until a later date on Dec. 17.

Bowie State (2-3, 0-0 CIAA) has lost three-straight heading into its first day matchup with Gannon in the holiday classic after winning its first two games of the year.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Looks Toward Contests Against Parkside And Eastern

Darien Gay (11)

Ferris State University is set to return from winter break with a pair of non-conference games - including a big regional Division II contest against Wisconsin-Parkside, Dec. 29, in Kenosha, Wis. at 8 p.m.

Additionally, head coach Bill Sall's Bulldogs (7-4 overall and 4-2 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) are back on the road to begin 2011, in Ypsilanti, against Division I Eastern Michigan, Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m.

A lot of people will look at the Eastern game and point to that as a contest of interest - and it is one that intrigues. However, the Bulldogs would love to knock off another Great Lakes Valley Conference school, like Parkside - a regional rival. Ferris needs to rack up as many of these regional wins as possible.

Now, beating Eastern (a team that is Division I, but has had its struggles so far during the 2010-11 season) wouldn't be bad either. The Parkside, a .500 team from a record standpoint, game is most important for two reasons: it's the next game and it's a regional opponent.

The Bulldogs already have faced adversity this season with the injury loss of Jerrell Sanders, but players like Justin Keenan, the preseason Division II national player of the year, and Darien Gay, who recently scored the 1,000th point of his career, have been among those who have elevated their play.

Keenan is leading the team in scoring (20.6 points per game) and rebounding (nine per contest).

Photo by Scott Whitney

FOOTBALL: The Latest Installment Of Chris Wilson's Chasing The Dream

Ferris State University student-athletes arrive on campus with all kinds of hopes and dreams of how they can best utilize their dual status as students and as athletes.

In this latest installment of the Chasing the Dream series, now former Ferris football student-athlete Chris Wilson discusses the important role his mother has played in his life. He also talks about growing up from humble beginnings to achieve success thanks to a foundation of support from his family.

Throughout this series, Chris has discussed family, goals (team and personal), dreams, talents and challenges as he performs a juggling act as an adult with college athletics, academics, fatherhood and chasing a career.

In addition to being football student-athlete for the Bulldogs, Chris now is a graduate of Ferris' Television and Digital Media Production program.

Here is the 13th video of the continuing series.

SOFTBALL: Newspaper Highlights Signing Of Amodeo With Ferris

A Ferris State University softball recruit was highlighted in The Times of Munster, Ind.

C.P.'s Amodeo signs at Ferris State: Crown Point senior softball player Allison Amodeo recently signed her national letter of intent to continue her playing career for the Ferris State Bulldogs. Amodeo batted .433 last spring for C.P., which included six doubles and had 11 RBIs for the Bulldogs.

"Ali will give us options defensively with the speed to play in the outfield and the quickness to cover ground on the infield," said Ferris State coach Keri Becker.

For the full article: http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/article_eb352446-660b-540d-8d02-359097fb56a1.html

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Gay Reaches 1,000 Points For His Career

Ferris State University senior guard Darien Gay reached a major career milestone in the Bulldogs' men's basketball road victory at Northern Michigan on Sunday (Dec. 19) as he notched his 1,000th career point.

Gay topped the mark by hitting a three-pointer with 7:36 remaining in the Bulldogs' 73-63 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) road win at Marquette's Berry Events Center, which enabled him to become only the 27th player in more than 80 years of Ferris State basketball history to top the 1,000 career points mark. The preseason All-GLIAC pick is the sixth FSU player in head coach Bill Sall's nine years at the helm to reach the milestone, joining Adam Anderson (1998-03), Carlton Epps (2001-05), Dennis Springs (2002-06), Terrance Shaw (2003-07) and current senior teammate Justin Keenan (2007-present).

Source: Ferris Athletics Communications

SOFTBALL: Bulldogs Officially Add Buti To 2011 Spring Roster

Ferris State University has unveiled its 2011 softball roster and it shows the addition of Brittney Buti, a 5-foot-3 freshman utility player from Niles.

She earned 2010 All-Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference recognition during her senior year at Niles High School. She was a two-time academic all-state selection (2009, 2010) and batted .404 with 42 hits with 20 RBI during her senior season at Niles.

Buti lists USA Olympian (2004 and 2008) and standout softball pitcher Jennie Finch, a three-time University of Arizona All-American as a close family friend.

Buti played as a shortstop on the 2009 state championship team and was a member of the 2008 squad which competed in the state tournament quarterfinals round.

HOCKEY: Redmond And Nagle Saluted For First-Half Efforts By Inside College Hockey

Ferris State University is off to a solid start this season in college hockey and the team's efforts are being recognized on a national level.

A pair of Bulldog standout skaters, goaltender Pat Nagle and defenseman Zach Redmond, earned spots on writer James V. Dowd's Inside College Hockey's mid-season All-Central Collegiate Hockey Association team:

G–Pat Nagle, Ferris State: Nagle (pictured top) has been the best in a league filled with strong, veteran goaltenders. The senior leads the CCHA in save percentage and is second in goals against average.

D–Torey Krug, Michigan State: The Spartans are struggling to score goals, but where would they be without Krug? The sophomore captain has a 5-10—15 line in 18 games, and that’s from the back end.

D–Zach Redmond, Ferris State: The senior (pictured bottom) has been one of the league’s steadiest blueliners over the past few seasons, and this year is no different. Redmond has 12 points and a plus-3 rating.

F–Carter Camper, Miami: Camper is blowing away just about everyone except for teammate Andy Miele in the conference scoring race; he’s currently the nation’s top scorer.

F–Carl Hagelin, Michigan: Hagelin remains one of the CCHA’s elite forwards. He’s unquestionably one of the leaders on a strong Michigan team and plays a great all-around game.

F–Sergio Somma, Ohio State: Somma leads the CCHA with five power-play goals, and his 10-8—18 line puts him on pace for his best season ever. With coach Mark Osiecki trying to install a new system and attitude, Somma has kept the offense on track.

Redmond had an injury issue during a portion of the season's first half, but he has bounced back and been strong when he has been on the ice. Nagle has been healthy and solid all season.

McCabe Lists Ferris Recruit In His Top 100 Players In Michigan

Ferris State University men's basketball signee Dietrich Lever, a 5-foot-10 point guard from Canton High School, was listed among Detroit Free Press writer Mick McCabe's top 100 prep players in Michigan.

The Bulldogs are high on Lever and his ability to not only score, but to distribute the basketball to scorers in head coach Bill Sall's program.

Here is McCabe's list: http://www.highschoolsports.net/local/Detroit/article/2010101209075

VOLLEYBALL: Senior Tribute Video To All-American Arielle Goodson

Here is a video tribute put together by the Ferris State University volleyball coaching staff for senior All-American player Arielle Goodson.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Canton Coach Thinks Ferris Has A Steal With Signing Of Lever

Is Ferris State University getting a Division I-caliber player in Canton High School's Dietrich Lever?

Jimmy Reddy, the Canton coach, certainly believes that is the case for Ferris and head coach Bill Sall:

But Canton coach Jimmy Reddy still sees his offensive catalyst as a player who should have found a Division I program to come calling.

“If Dietrich was 5-11 or 6-0 he'd be a D-1 player,” Reddy said. “I've actually had a couple college coaches tell me he's a D-1 player in a D-2 body.”

According to the 5-10 Lever, who averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 assists and 3.5 steals in 2009-10, he waited until the last possible hour to commit to Ferris because of hopes for a bigger opportunity.

“I was waiting for a Division I look, because I was pretty sure I could play Division I, it was just my size,” Lever said. “At first, I was going to risk it and just wait until after the season. But I didn't want to pass up an opportunity to go to Ferris State, because it was a good fit.”

If Lever is as good a fit as it seems he will be then Ferris will be quite happy.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris State 76, Northwood 65

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University didn't play its prettiest men's college basketball game of the season, but it played well enough to get a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference win.

The Bulldogs got a game-high 23 points from shooting guard Darien Gay (pictured) en route to a 76-65 win over Northwood University in Jim Wink Arena Saturday.

It was nice to see Gay step up as he knocked down 10-of-16 shots from the floor and 3-of-4 from outside the 3-point arc. In addition, Gay pulled down seven rebounds and dished three assists.

Senior Justin Keenan totaled 19 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as he hit 6-of-19 shots from the floor in 32 minutes.

Also for the Bulldogs, Kenny Brown scored 15 points to go along with three assists and three rebounds against the Timberwolves. Brown hit 6-of-8 from the floor overall and connected on 3-of-4 attempts from 3-point land.
Lou Williams added nine points and eight rebounds while Daniel Sutherlin contributed eight points and four rebounds.

Ferris collected 20 offensive rebounds in the contest (led by six from Williams).

Bobby Lewis led Northwood with 15 points in the contest.

Northwood focused a lot of attention on Keenan (as most teams do) and the Bulldogs made them pay thanks to a big scoring night from Gay and solid work on the glass.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris State 81, Northwood 79

BIG RAPIDS - It was a treat watching this afternoon's women's basketball game between Ferris State University and Northwood University.

The Bulldogs capitalized on a late basket from Lindsey Pettit en route to an 81-79 win over the visiting Timberwolves in Jim Wink Arena.

But, perhaps the big treat of the afternoon was watching the duel between Ferris' Tricia Principe (pictured) and Northwood's Pam Wilson, the preseason Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year. The battle left no doubt that fans in Wink were watching two of the top players in the league go at it (even if they were not necessarily matched up directly).

Wilson, who once again lived up to the hype, led all scorers in the game with 34 points to go along with nine rebounds while Principe led the Bulldogs with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Wilson put the team Northwood on her back and carried them to within an eyelash of a victory on the road in Big Rapids. She knocked down 11-of-24 shots from the floor.

Principe, however, connected on 7-of-12 shots from the floor as part of a brilliant all-around game to lead the Bulldogs. She got help as Tiara Adams scored 14 points, Pettit scored 12 and Andrea Clancy added 11.

The rematch between the Bulldogs and Timberwolves will likely be just as exciting when they go back at it in Midland.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: More Tough Competition Is Ahead

In taking a look at the competition in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference it appears Ferris State University will be in a battle most nights during league play.

This afternoon, Northwood comes in with a record of 2-7 overall and 1-2 in the GLIAC after a 71-63 loss on Thursday evening in Midland.

Including coaches, only four of the 15 members of the team are back from a year ago. Northwood is being coached by Jeff Rekeweg, who is in his first season. Rekeweg has a staff of assistant coaches that includes Lewis Garner, a Bulldog Athletics Hall of Famer who played and coached men's basketball at Ferris.

The leading scorer for this Northwood team is Bobby Lewis, who is averaging 16.8 points and 7.1 rebounds this season. Andrew VanDierenDonk is averaging 11.3 points as another double-digit scorer for the Timberwolves.

Northwood has lost four of its last five games (the lone win during that stretch being an 86-77 victory over Lake Superior State University on Dec. 4).

Ferris is led by Justin Keenan, a 6-foot-7 senior who is averaging 21.4 points and nine rebounds.

The Bulldogs will be battling a Northwood team that has some size. So, the Bulldogs will need to run and spread the floor to open things up for Keenan in the paint.

WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Enjoying Nationals

They came, excelled and had a good time in the process.

Here is a photo of Ferris State University's women's cross country team at the NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country National Championships.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Grand Rapids Press Reports On Ferris Commitment From Christina Branch

The Grand Rapids Press, in previewing area girls basketball teams, reported on the signing of 6-foot-2 center Christina Branch with Ferris State University.

WEST MICHIGAN LUTHERAN
Class: D
Coach: Bryan Sinner, fourth season
Last season: 18-4, 12-0
Key players: C Christina Branch (6-2, Sr.), G Nikki Rangel (5-0, Sr.), F Rachel Bahr (6-0, Jr.), G Katie Krueger (5-7, Jr.)
Fast fact: Branch, who has signed to play at Ferris State, went over 1,000 career points in the final game last season.

This solid Ferris recruiting class gets another addition. More information will be coming in future posts.

Grand Rapids Press:
http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/-1451040009888143509/girls-basketball-season-preview-alliance-league/

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Hoffman Will Bring Size, Fundamentals And Solid Defense

Ferris State University women's basketball coach Tracey Dorow sees 6-foot-3 recruit Hannah Hoffman, a native of Okemos, as a fundamentally-sound post presence.

Set to graduate 6-foot-2 Andrea Clancy, Dorow and her coaching staff needed to add some nice size in the paint and have done just that with Hoffman's signing.

"Hannah will be very tough to defend in our system," Dorow said of Hoffman, who averaged 11 points and 9.6 rebounds last season. "Most post players get to college and have to learn how to keep the ball high, but Hannah has learned many basic fundamentals that will really make her transition to playing collegiate basketball much more smooth. She has a very soft touch and finishes extremely well around the basket as well."

Getting a post player who could have the potential to come in and play right away in the GLIAC, and perhaps at a high level, is something that has the Bulldogs hopeful with Hoffman.

Dorow also is excited about Hoffman's defensive potential.

"Defensively, Hannah has a knack for blocking and altering shots and she is a very solid rebounder because she moves so well," she said. "We are eager to start working with her at Ferris State and I don't think she even realizes how good she could be yet.

FOOTBALL: Wilson To Compete In All-American Bowl Football Game

Ferris State senior split end Chris Wilson, a native of Georgia, is set to compete in the All-American Bowl on Dec. 18 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Ferris State University senior football receiver Chris Wilson, who recently concluded his college eligibility, is taking his game to what he hopes is a higher level.

The 6-foot-7 Wilson, who played mostly at split end, is set to play in the All-American Bowl (Dec. 18) with the hopes that this college all-star game will give him some much-need

"This is a great honor for me not only to go down and to represent Ferris State, as a football player and person, but this also is an opportunity for me to showcase myself as far as making it to the next level and have a chance to play in the NFL and be a positive figure in the Big Rapids Ferris State community," Wilson said.

A native of Hingsville, Ga., Wilson had 34 catches for 457 yards with three touchdowns, during his final campaign in the 2010 season.

"When you work hard and give something your all and you see it pay off there is no greater joy," Wilson said as he also is set to graduate from Ferris' Television and Digital Media Production program this month. "Now, I have to put all the work into action and have the best game of my life on Saturday Dec 18."

Wilson hopes to have good support from Bulldog fans.

"I would love to have the support of the whole Big Rapids community and Ferris state Students and Alumni," he said.

Here is the itinerary for the All-American Bowl:

December

Thursday, Dec. 16

1:00 p.m. Sign-In & Jersey Pick up (Meet-N-Greet) @ Hotel

5:00-9:00 p.m Practice #1 @ Metrodome

(Players must bring: Helmet, Shoulder Pads, White Game Pants, Shoes.)

Friday, Dec. 17

9:00-1:00 Practice #2/ Combine @ Augsburg

1:00-3:00 p.m. Practice #3 @ Augsburg

5:00 p.m. Banquet

Saturday, Dec. 18

12:00 p.m. Report to Metrodome Locker Room

Enter Gate D-Park in East Bus Lot

Follow Signs & Directions to Locker Room

Team and Individual Pictures

Pre-Game warm-up and walk-through

Announcements of Players/Teams

National Anthem

11:00 a.m. JUCO All American Bowl

2:00 p.m. College Division II/III/Free Agent All American Bowl

5:00 p.m. College Division II/III/Free Agent All American Bowl

* Post Game Awards After Each Game

The All-American Bowl was founded in 1996 to give athletes the opportunity to compete against the best at their level in an all-star game setting. The All-American Bowl was created to fill the void of the lack of all star games available to athletes in high school, Division II, Division III, junior college and minor league football.

For complete information, visit: http://www.allamericanbowl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128:2010-metrodome-confimed-players&catid=27:2010-news&Itemid=41

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Recruit Stolicker Rated 10th In Grand Rapids Area

The Ferris State University men's basketball coaching staff is high on recruit Jared Stolicker, a 6-foot-9 senior center who as a double-double performer last season.

Stolicker, a native of Middleville, is a big man the Bulldogs believe can be a solid contributor in the paint in the years to come for head coach Bill Sall.

Here is what writer Dean Holzwarth, of the Grand Rapids Press, wrote:

10. Jared Stolicker, Middleville — The 6-foot-9 senior averaged nearly 16 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks last season, and had 30 points or more in six of his past eight games. He has committed to Ferris State.

For the complete rankings of the top area individual players, visit the Grand Rapids Press Webpage at: http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/2862216489006194515/boys-basketball-preview-toledo-bound-ryan-majerle-among-top-area-players-to-watch/

HOCKEY: The Bulldogs Are Ranked 18th Nationally By USCHO

Ferris State University is getting set to take on the University of Alaska in a battle of teams ranked nationally by U.S. College Hockey Online.

Head coach Bob Daniels' Bulldogs are ranked 18th in the Dec. 6 poll while the Nanooks are rated 14th in the land among the nation's best.

This will be a good test for a Ferris team that, in recent years, has struggled against Alaska.

USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll

Dec. 6, 2010

	Team	(First Place Votes)	Record	Points	Last Poll
1	Yale	(34)	10-1-0	973	2
2	Minnesota-Duluth	(13)	12-2-2	950	1
3	New Hampshire		9-2-4	882	5
4	Boston College	( 3)	11-5-0	819	8
5	North Dakota		11-5-2	814	7
6	Miami		10-5-3	683	6
7	Boston University		7-3-5	678	2
8	Maine		7-3-4	676	9
9	Denver		11-5-2	601	10
10	Nebraska-Omaha		9-4-1	585	4
11	Notre Dame		10-5-2	499	12
12	Michigan		9-5-4	454	11
13	Union		8-3-3	412	13
14	Alaska		8-5-3	348	14
15	Rensselaer		8-4-3	260	16
16	Wisconsin		8-7-3	243	15
17	Merrimack		7-4-4	210	18
18	Ferris State		8-6-3	113	20
19	Dartmouth		6-3-1	98	NR
20	Western Michigan		7-5-4	60	19
Others Receiving Votes: Clarkson 42, Minnesota 30, Robert Morris 23, Colorado College 17, Minnesota State 9, Northern Michigan 8, Michigan State 4, Bemidji State 3, Princeton 3, Providence 2, Niagara 1

Source:
http://www.uscho.com/rankings/d-i-mens-poll/

HOCKEY: Ferris Gets Big Win Over Spartans On Friday

Lets face it, Ferris State University was in need of a big win against Michigan State University, on Saturday, after dropping a hard-fought 3-2 decision in Big Rapids on Friday.

It wasn't the prettiest goal ever, but defenseman Chad Billins' late score, Saturday night at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing, lifted the Bulldogs to a 1-0 win against the Spartans before a statewide, regional (and in some cases) national audience in a game televised on Fox Sports Detroit.

With a big series coming up this weekend, against an Alaska team that has given the Bulldogs all kinds of fits in recent seasons, it was nice for the Bulldogs to finish off the MSU series successfully.

The Bulldogs of head coach Bob Daniels (pictured) host the Nanooks this weekend on Friday and Saturday in Ewigleben Ice Arena with start time scheduled for 7:05 p.m. both nights.

For Ferris, now is as good a time as any to finally solve the hockey riddle that is Alaska (a riddle that, at times, has stumped the Bulldogs).

CROSS COUNTRY: Ferris Women, Muir Excel At National Championships

Tina Muir

It was a weekend of history in cross country action as Ferris State University's women's team earned and eighth-place finish at the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championships on Saturday in Louisville, Ky.

It was the best finish in program history for the nationally-ranked Bulldogs, who were eighth as rated by the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division II National Poll. Grand Valley State University won the women's team title.

Individually, Ferris was led by senior runner Tina Muir, who placed 11th individually as she claimed All-American honors for the third consecutive year. Muir finished the 6K course in 21:38.3.

Here are the rest of the Bulldogs' results:

Freshman Samantha Johnson placed 63rd (22:49.5). Next was freshman Brittany Anderson, who finished 70th place (23:01.5) followed by sophomore Alyssa Osika at 73rd (23:03.5). Second-year runner Anna Rudd finished 81st (23:08.7), senior Paige Onweller was 94th (23:21.1) while sophomore Shelby Janutol took 98th place (23:25.2).

Congratulations are certainly in order for Muir and her teammates on an outstanding season.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Recruit Lever Gets Rave Reviews From His Prep Coach

Ferris State University's men's basketball team sounds as if it will be bringing a top-notch point guard into its program next season with the addition of Canton High School's Dietrich Lever.

Here is a little excerpt on Lever from the Observer & Eccentric Hometown (from down in the Detroit suburbs):

Leading the way will be senior co-captain point guard Dietrich Lever (19.5 points, 7.5 assists) and 6-7 junior co-captain forward Paul Baumgart.“Dietrich's been able to attack the lane and create shots for other people ever since I've seen him play,” said (Canton High School head coach Jimmy) Reddy about Lever, who recently signed to play college basketball at Ferris State University.

The Bulldogs know they will have some shoes to fill with, among others, the loss of combo guard Darien Gay, a solid ball handler, scorer and long-range shooter.

For the full preview article: http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20101205/SPORTS03/12050472

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Hoffman Liked Team, Coaches, Comfort Level At Ferris

The Lansing State Journal got a comment from Hannah Hoffman, a 6-foot-3 center from Okemos High School, about her signing to play college basketball at Ferris State University.

"The team and the coaches at Ferris really welcomed me and made me feel very comfortable about joining their program," Hoffman said to the LSJ. "I loved the atmosphere there and just felt like it was the right place for me."

The Bulldogs look forward to Hoffman joining the program with the team expected to lose 6-foot-2 center Andrea Clancy, among others, to graduation.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Commit Hannah Hoffman Highlighted By Lansing State Journal

Ferris State University women's basketball recruit Hannah Hoffman, a 6-foot-3 center, was selected as one of the "Players to Watch" in the Lansing area.

Hoffman, a prep standout at Okemos High School, was highlighted by Lansing State Journal Geoff Kimmerly.

Hannah Hoffman

Okemos

6-3 senior center

An injury to all-state honorable mention center Whitney Turner midway through last season opened up a bigger role for Hoffman, who has signed with Ferris State. She earned a Class A all-area honorable mention as a junior.

The Bulldogs will look forward to Hoffman's arrival as she prepares to put on the FSU crimson and gold colors.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Jerrell Sanders' Dunk Makes ESPN Top 10 Plays

Ferris State University's Jerrell Sanders shows his hops as he dunks out during a trip to Kentucky with the Bulldogs.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris State's Sanders Shows His Hops With A Big Dunk

Here is a dunk from Ferris State University forward Jerrell Sanders during a recent game in Owensboro, Ky. at Kentucky Wesleyan College.