MEN'S BASKETBALL: Did Grand Valley Coach Take A Swipe At Keenan?

Ferris State senior center Justin Keenan became the GLIAC's all-time leading scorer during Saturday's game against Grand Valley State.

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University suffered a tough loss to rival Grand Valley State in a hard-fought battle between the two rivals in Jim Wink Arena on Saturday afternoon by an 82-80 score in overtime.

FSU-GVSU games, particularly in basketball, rarely disappoint from an excitement standpoint these days.

It has been interesting to hear a lot of complaining and disrespect toward Justin Keenan, Ferris' standout big man.

I found this post-game comment from Grand Valley men's basketball coach Ric Wesley to be more than a little interesting.

“It was sort of an epic game,” Wesley said to the Grand Rapids Press after his team earned the victory over the Bulldogs. “I think we were ready to play. They were doing all they could not to let (Justin) Ringler get going and we were trying not to let Keenan shoot 20 free throws in the game.”

It's hard to tell if GVSU coach Wesley is taking a swipe at Keenan, if he is taking a swipe at the officials or perhaps a little bit of both.

Wesley seems to give Ringler respect, but seems to imply that Keenan only gets to the free throw line and is not successful based on his skill.

HOCKEY: Ferris Looking For Big Series Against Buckeyes

Ferris State University needs a big series this week against Ohio State University on the road in Columbus, Ohio.

The Bulldogs need to come away with some points in what is a tightly-compacted Central Collegiate Hockey Association race.

Here are some of the particulars on the game from Ferris Athletics Communications

This Week:
at Ohio State
Thursday & Friday (Feb. 24-25) - 7:05 p.m. (EST)
Value City Arena (17,500 capacity) - Columbus, Ohio

Live Game Statistics: Thursday | Friday
Live Video Webcast: Thursday & Friday - Big Ten Network
Television: None
Radio Broadcast: Thursday & Friday: 1460 AM and 107.7 FM WBRN
Dominic Hennig | Dan Kowalski Listen Live

The Opening Faceoff: The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team will conclude the regular-season portion of its 2010-11 schedule this week (Feb. 24-25) with a two-game Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) road series versus the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio. Both contests will start at 7:05 p.m. (EST) in what represents the second series between the two teams this campaign.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris State 84, No. 3 Findlay 66

Ferris State University basketball player Daniel Sutherlin cuts down some of the nets as the Bulldogs celebrate winning the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division championship following their 84-66 win over No. 3 Findlay in Jim Wink Arena Saturday afternoon. (Photo/Ed Hyde, FSU Photographic Services)

BIG RAPIDS - It was an afternoon of celebration as the Ferris State University men's basketball team knocked off the third-ranked University of Findlay, 84-66 on Saturday before a crowd of 1,138 in Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs, with the victory, clinched the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division championship and had a chance to cut down the nets off the east basket of Wink as part of the celebration.

It was a well-deserved celebration for the Bulldogs as Justin Keenan led the way with 19 points and nine rebounds in the contest. His performance was tremendous as he worked so hard in the paint to get his points and rebounds. But, Ferris had a balanced effort as Darien Gay finished with 16 points, Lou Williams and Daniel Sutherlin totaled 12 points apiece and Dontae Molden added 11 points.

"It feels great," Keenan said. "This has been a culmination of four years and this year we controlled our own destiny and we made it happen. I'm so proud of my teammates. Everybody on this team steps up on different nights and I can't be more proud of them."

Molden was superb running the Bulldog offense as he totaled eight assists with no turnovers. Gay had five assists with just one turnover.

The Bulldogs trailed by as many as 14 points in the second half, but rallied to tie the score at 34-34 at the end of the first half.

Ferris shot 66.7 percent in the second half and built its lead as large as 18 points as it grabbed the 84-66 victory.

The Bulldogs outscored the Oilers 50-32 in the second half to earn the win.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Findlay 82, Ferris 67

Ferris State University's Tiara Adams goes to the basket for two points during the Bulldogs' home game against the University of Findlay on Saturday in Jim Wink Arena in Big Rapids.

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University, playing shorthanded (Andrea Clancy is still out and Sarah DeShone is still out), battled hard, but dropped an 82-67 decision to the University of Findlay on Saturday afternoon in Big Rapids at Jim Wink Arena before a crowd of 312.

Ferris was led by Tiara Adams, who turned in a strong performance with 17 points and five rebounds. Kelsey DeNoyelles added 15 points in the loss. Becci Houdek finished with nine points and Nikki Arner added eight points for Ferris.

The Oilers were led by Clare Aubry, who scored a game-high 25 points. Kayla Brown added 19 points, Laura Bardall finished with 18 points and Kaitlyn Nelson totaled 15 in the victory.

The Bulldogs led 34-30 at halftime, but were outscored 52-33 in the second half.

For the game, Findlay enjoyed a huge edge at the free throw line as the visiting Oilers were 21-of-25 at the stripe while Ferris was just 8-of-10. That was a point the Bulldog coaching staff, on several occasions made to the officials (even though their pleas fell mostly on deaf ears).

Still, credit goes to Findlay for playing very well and making a number of big shots. The Oilers played well and did what was necessary to come away with the win.

HOCKEY: Ferris State University-University Of Notre Dame Highlights

Here are highlights from the Ferris State University game against the University of Notre Dame in Big Rapids on Friday night (Feb. 19) in Ewigleben Ice Arena.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Clinches Share Of GLIAC North Division Title

Ferris State University's Kenny Brown splits a pair of Wayne State defenders in traffic as he goes in for a layup during Thursday evening men's basketball Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action in Wink Arena. (Photo by Ben Amato)

Ferris State University earned a much-needed win over Wayne State University on Thursday evening in Jim Wink Arena, 78-66 to clinch a share of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division championship.

The Bulldogs really needed the win as Grand Valley State University pulled off a Thursday night upset of Findlay to hang close to Ferris. But, with the win, the Bulldogs maintain a two-game lead over the Lakers as Ferris and Grand Valley head into today's competition. GVSU hosts Wayne while the Bulldogs now host the Oilers.

The share of the divisional title is the first for the Bulldogs since securing back-to-back North Division crowns during the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons.

"It feels good, but we've got another big game on Saturday and we don't want to share the championship with anybody," said Ferris senior center Justin Keenan, who finished with 22 points.

It was Ferris' 11th win in a row and keeps the Bulldogs unbeaten in Jim Wink Arena this season at 11-0.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Bulldogs Suffer Tough Loss To Wayne

Ferris State University Tiara Adams (44) goes after a loose ball on the floor during the Thursday night game against Wayne State University. (Photo by Ben Amato)

The combination of a hot shooting night for Wayne State University, a tough shooting night for Ferris State University and players out due to injury and illness made life tough on the Bulldogs.

The Warriors left Big Rapids with an 83-74 win over the Bulldogs, who were playing without senior center Andrea Clancy, who entered the season as the most experienced returning post player, and freshman guard Sarah DeShone, who had emerged as a dependable young guard for the Bulldogs in her first season.

Becci Houdek led the Bulldogs with 15 points as her solid all-around performance was one of the efforts that attempted to help keep Ferris in the contest.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris State Press Conference Vs. Wayne State

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Highlight Tape Of Ferris Recruit Dietrich Lever

Here is a recruiting highlight tape of incoming Ferris State University guard Dietrich Lever of Canton High School in the Detroit area.

HOCKEY: Ferris To Recognize Its Senior Class This Weekend

Justin Menke, Mike Fillinger, Mike Embach, Zach Redmond, Pat Nagle, Scott Wietecha, Todd Pococke, and Nate Hennig. (Photo by Ed Hyde/FSU Photographic Services)

BIG RAPIDS - It's a bittersweet time of the year as Ferris State University's ice hockey program plans to honor its seniors on Saturday (Feb. 19) during a special ceremony in the team's regular-season home finale against nationally-ranked University of Notre Dame in Big Rapids.

The Bulldogs and Fighting Irish will battle it out Saturday evening at 7:05 p.m. in a Central Collegiate Hockey Association weekend home finale in Ewigleben Ice Arena.

The eight senior student-athletes to be acknowledged in the annual pre-game ceremony are left wing Mike Embach, Orland Park, Ill.; left wing Mike Fillinger, Grand Ledge; center Nate Hennig, Macomb; center Justin Menke, Shamrock, Saskatchewan; goaltender Pat Nagle Bloomfield; right wing Todd Pococke, Saginaw; defenseman Zach Redmond, Traverse City; and defenseman Scott Wietecha, Wolverine Lake.

Ferris is 16-12-4 overall and in fifth place in the CCHA at 11-10-3-2.

BASKETBALL: Huge Weekend Of Basketball For Bulldogs

This is a big weekend of basketball for the Ferris State University basketball teams, but especially for the men's squad.

The Bulldog men are set to face two of the top teams in the region and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in Wayne State University, on Thursday, and the University of Findlay, on Saturday, on the hardwood.

Ferris takes on Wayne at 6 p.m. before the women host the Warriors at 8 p.m. while the Bulldog men host the Oilers at 1 p.m. prior to the women's game between Findlay and Ferris at 3 p.m. in Wink Arena.

On the men's side, the Bulldogs are 14-2 in conference play while Wayne is 12-3 and Findlay is 14-1. Ferris has a two-game lead in the North Division over 12-4 Grand Valley State. The Lakers play the same two opponents this weekend.

That makes this weekend hugely important as four of the five conference heavyweights will battle it out.

On the women's side, Ferris is 7-9 in league play and can make up some ground with a strong weekend that would include wins over Wayne (6-9) and Findlay (10-5).

The Bulldogs split a pair of games on their road trip to Ohio.

BASKETBALL: Don't Forget Thursday Is 'Pink Wave Night' In Wink

Ferris State University is hosting its "Pink Wave Night" in Jim Wink Arena as part of the men's and women's basketball doubleheader against Wayne State University on Thursday, Feb. 17.

The effort is part of a nationwide initiative sponsored by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Additionally, the GLIAC has been at the forefront with its commitment in the fight against breast cancer. It has encouraged support for the "Pink Wave" campaign with its member institutions.

For more information, read the full press release here: http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/mbkb/2010-11/releases/201102146ckb29

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Adds To Recruiting Class With Addition Of Olivia Walker

Olivia Walker, of Indiana, is the latest member of the 2011-12 Ferris State University women's basketball recruiting class.

Ferris State University has added to its women's basketball recruiting class with the announced signing of sharpshooting forward Olivia Walker of Lafayette, Ind. and Central Catholic High School.

The 5-foot-10 Walker will come to Ferris with a winning pedigree to complement that nice shooting touch. The combination of those two factors - and others - made her a recruit that was too attractive for FSU head coach Tracey Dorow to pass up.

"Olivia is a winner and a dead-eye shooter from the arc who has a really quick, high release that is nearly impossible to block," Dorow said. "A coach's kid, she understands the importance of teamwork and is a true competitor.

"We expect her to vie for playing time from the start of her career. She was a perfect match with our players - a BULLDOG from the minute she met our team," the Ferris head coach added.

Walker is the latest member of a strong Ferris recruiting class that already includes Christina Branch (Grand Rapids/West Michigan Lutheran), Morgan Miller (Brownsburg, Ind.), Katie Mavis (St. Joseph) and Hannah Hoffman (Okemos).

For more on Walker's signing, visit here.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Keenan Now 41 Away From Becoming GLIAC's Career Scoring King

Ferris State University senior big man Justin Keenan now needs just 41 points to become the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's all-time career scoring leader (a mark that is based on conference games only).

The 6-foot-7 Keenan scored nine points and pulled down 14 rebounds as the Bulldogs earned their 10th straight win with an 83-67 triumph over Ashland University on the road in Ohio Saturday afternoon.

The win helps the Bulldogs hang onto first place in the GLIAC North Division standings by two games over second-place Grand Valley State. But the schedule is only going to get tougher for the Bulldogs as some very strong opponents remain for Ferris as it works to realize its dream of winning the GLIAC North Division regular-season title and to remain in the hunt for an NCAA Division II Tournament bid.

WOMEN'S SOCCER: Ferris Announces Recruiting Class For 2011

Head coach Matt Kellogg (pictured) has worked to put together a solid recruiting class to strengthen the Ferris State University women's soccer program.

The Bulldogs announced their class that Kellogg feels is build on solid all-around student-athletes who he anticipates will excel both on the field and in the classroom in the years to come. Last year, under Kellogg, Ferris finished 7-9-3 overall and 7-6-2 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings. The Bulldogs would love to build off of that record and hope this class can be a part of that effort.

The recruiting class consists of forward Jenna Ruimveld, of Vicksburg; defender-forward Fendi Foster, of Sterling Heights; midfielder Taylor Dicicco, of Washington Township; forward-midfielder Samantha Kay, of Portage; goalkeeper Jessica Wineke, of Rochester Hills; forward Sara Sikorski, of Rochester Hills; midfielder-forward Stephanie Garland, of Macomb; and midfielder Leanne Boehm, of Macomb.

"This recruiting class is a great group of players on and off the field," said Kellogg, who will enter his second season as head coach of the Bulldogs in the fall. "I have had an opportunity to know these eight student-athletes well through the recruiting process and know they're not only great players, but great people as well.

"This class will definitely help us to build on the successes the program had this past fall and keep us moving forward. I expect a lot out of this group right from the start and to help push our veterans to a new levels of play," he added.

The Bulldogs had a tough end to the 2010 season, but are hopeful for better things in 2011.

HOCKEY: Ferris Earns Important Non-League Sweep Of Alabama-Huntsville

Ferris State University earns a nice sweep of the University of Alabama-Huntsville over the weekend to improve to 16-12-4 overall on the season.

The sweep was very significant to extend the Bulldogs' winning streak to five games, to keep momentum alive heading into this weekend's Central Collegiate Hockey Association series with the University of Notre Dame (Feb. 18, 19) and to strengthen the team's overall record.

It was great to see the Bulldogs take care of business over the weekend and follow up the Alaska sweep with two more victories (even though it was a non-conference set).

Now Ferris is back in the CCHA and this is an important series for both the Bulldogs and the Fighting Irish.

The Bulldogs are fifth in the CCHA standings and this weekend is an important one as seeding figures to be impacted significantly.

2010-2011 CCHA CONFERENCE STANDINGS
		CONFERENCE									OVERALL
		GP	W	L	T	SW	Pts.	GF	GA		W	L	T	GF	GA
1	Notre Dame	24	15	6	3	2	50	84	61		18	9	5	117	87
2	Michigan	24	16	7	1	0	49	73	48		19	9	4	103	74
	Miami	26	14	7	5	2	49	91	56		17	9	6	114	74
4	Western Michigan	24	9	6	9	5	41	66	57		15	7	10	87	72
5	Ferris State	24	11	10	3	2	38	50	51		16	12	4	77	66
6	Lake Superior	24	8	9	7	4	35	54	60		10	12	8	73	85
	Northern Michigan	24	11	11	2	0	35	54	75		13	15	4	77	98
	Alaska	26	9	12	5	3	35	58	59		12	13	5	68	66
9	Ohio State	24	9	13	2	2	31	57	64		14	15	2	84	77
10	Michigan State	24	8	14	2	0	26	54	68		12	16	4	82	93
11	Bowling Green	24	3	18	3	1	13	36	78		8	21	3	60	98
Teams are awarded three points for each win in regulation or overtime, and one point for an overtime tie. Conference games tied after 65 minutes advance to a three-player shootout with the winning team receiving an extra point in the standings (denoted in the SW column).

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Appears In Regional Rankings, But Lots Of Work Still To Be Done

Ferris State University men's basketball head coach Bill Sall's squad is in the regional rankings, at ninth, but still has some work to do with tough competition ahead. (Photo/Ben Amato)

Ferris State University's men's basketball team is playing much better basketball in the second half of the season and that is beginning to be reflected in the regional rankings.

The Bulldogs now are ranked ninth in the NCAA Division II Midwest Region rankings. Their status could be helped if they hold on for a victory today against Ashland University to follow up a win over Lake Erie College on Thursday.

The rankings below are indicative of a tough Midwest Region that has Bellarmine University on top right now with an undefeated record at the time of this poll.

Grand Valley is not listed in these rankings, but is a threat to climb back in as the Lakers, like Ferris, will have some opportunities coming up against teams ranked high in the region (University of Findlay and Wayne State University).

Midwest Region
1.	Bellarmine (19-0)
2.	Southern Indiana (15-2)
3.	Findlay (16-1)
4.	Northern Kentucky (15-4)
5.	Wayne State, Mich. (15-4)
6.	Drury (14-5)
7.	Kentucky Wesleyan (12-6)
8.	Hillsdale (15-3)
9.	Ferris State (15-4)
10.	Indianapolis (13-5)

HOCKEY: Ferris State-Alabama-Huntsville Preview

Dan Kowalski and Dominic Hennig preview Ferris State University's non-conference hockey series coming up in Big Rapids against the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

HOCKEY: Ferris Sweep Of Alaska Leaves Team Feeling Good

Ferris State University's hockey team has not had a whole lot of success in hockey in Alaska, but that changed over the weekend as the Bulldogs headed WAY out west.

The Bulldogs earned a sweep of the University of Alaska Nanooks over the weekend to reignite a lot of optimism in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association race.

“It feels really good for us to do it here,” Ferris State head coach Bob Daniels said in a story written by writer Danny Martin in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. “We’ve lost a lot of heartbreakers (to Alaska). So it feels really good on a night that I thought the better team was UAF. Sometimes it’s just your turn to win.”

For the full story, read here: http://newsminer.com/bookmark/11297420-Ferris-State-Bulldogs-sweep-Alaska-Nanooks-at-Carlson-Center

BASKETBALL: Ferris Basketball Teams Aim To Keep Winning Ways Alive In Ohio

BIG RAPIDS - Here is media coverage of this weekend's action for the Ferris State University men's and women's basketball teams playing on the road in Ohio against Lake Erie College and Ashland University.

Both squads are looking to keep momentum alive and build off of positive outings on Saturday (wins over Saginaw Valley State University).

There will be no shortage of ways to follow the action as the women's team of head coach Tracey Dorow and the men's team of head coach Bill Sall aim to return to Big Rapids with victories.

The men's team is in first place in the GLIAC North Division standings with five regular-season games left on the schedule. Sall's squad is 16-5 overall and 12-2 in the GLIAC. The Bulldogs need to continue to win to hang onto first place in the North Division with Grand Valley State University still chasing close behind.

The women's team is 10-10 overall and 6-8 in conference action. The Bulldogs are still battling to even their record on the conference side of the ledger.

Thursday, Feb. 10
Men's Basketball at Lake Erie, 6 p.m.
Live Bulldog Sports Network Audio Broadcast
Live Internet Statistics
Live Facebook Scoring Updates
Live Twitter Scoring Updates

Thursday, Feb. 10
Women's Basketball at Lake Erie, 8 p.m.
Live Bulldog Sports Network Audio Broadcast
Live Internet Statistics
Live Facebook Scoring Updates
Live Twitter Scoring Updates

Saturday, Feb. 12
Men's Basketball at Ashland, 1 p.m.
Live Bulldog Sports Network Audio Broadcast
Live Internet Statistics
Live Facebook Scoring Updates
Live Twitter Scoring Updates

Saturday, Feb. 12
Women's Basketball at Ashland, 3 p.m.
Live Bulldog Sports Network Audio Broadcast
Live Internet Statistics
Live Facebook Scoring Updates
Live Twitter Scoring Updates

FOOTBALL: Offensive Coordinator Chris Boden Talks About Ferris' Recruits

Ferris State University offensive coordinator Chris Boden talks about the Bulldogs' 2011 recruiting class and the emphasis the coaching staff made during the process.

FOOTBALL: Coach Pierce Comments On Recruits

Check out this video of Ferris State University football head coach Jeff Pierce commenting on his recruiting class.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Program Celebrates Its 1,000th Win

A historic achievement occurred on the basketball hardwood for Ferris State University as the men's squad earned the 1,000th win in program history with a 70-68 triumph over Saginaw Valley State University on Saturday in Jim Wink Arena.

Ferris is planning to celebrate the program's 1,000 wins in a special celebration held in conjunction with the regular-season finale versus GVSU on Feb. 26 at Wink Arena.

"There's not many schools that have as proud of a tradition as Ferris State and it's a culmination of the great players and coaches who have been here in the past," Ferris head coach Bill Sall said after his team reached the mark against the Cardinals. "It's a proud tradition and we certainly are very humbled to be the team that got the 1,000th win."

This is an amazing achievement just for me to think about when I think of the great players I've seen during the 17 or so years I've been watching Ferris basketball. I've had an opportunity to watch some of the great ones like Dannie Hayes, Ty Miller, Rafael Peterson, Zarie Phillips, Day Day Smith, Adam Anderson, Justin Keenan, Dennis Springs, Carlton Epps and so many others.

Those names are just from the era I experienced. Imagine all of the great names that came before that distinguished group.

Ferris has a rich and storied tradition of men's college basketball. Lets hope as many people as possible will return to campus to join in the celebration of the tradition they helped create.

Here is a story published by Ferris Athletics Communications: http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/mbkb/2010-11/releases/20110205nlkt31

HOCKEY: Ferris Earns Victory Over Alaska; Game Reported In Alaska Newspaper

Check out this game story from the Ferris State University-University of Alaska contest from Saturday evening in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The story is written by Danny Martin, who does an outstanding job covering the Nanooks.

FAIRBANKS—The Alaska Nanooks had been a thorn in Pat Nagle’s side throughout his career as a Ferris State University goaltender.

The Bulldogs senior pulled the thorn out Saturday night in the Carlson Center while helping his teammates pull out a 2-1 victory over the Nanooks in the opener of a Central Collegiate Hockey Association series.

Nagle was 1-4-0 in his previous six appearances against the Nanooks. He came into Saturday with the sixth-best goals-against average in NCAA Division I (1.96), but he also was coming into an arena tough on the Bulldogs. Ferris State hadn’t won in the Carlson Center since a 5-1 decision on Nov. 2, 2002.

“We obviously wanted to find a way to win. It’s been way too long up there; this team has had our number for the past years,” Nagle said following a 31-save performance.

For the full version of the story, visit here: http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/11291047/article-Alaska-loses-2-1-to-Bulldogs?instance=home_sports_bullets

FOOTBALL: Rico Cole Highlight Tape

Here are some YouTube highlights of Rico Cole, a running back from Westland John Glenn High School in the Detroit area.

He was signed by the Bulldogs this week.

FOOTBALL: Deak, A Running Back From DeWitt, Has A Highlight Tape Out

Here is a YouTube highlight video tape of Ferris State University football recruit Nathaniel Deak, who is from DeWitt High School.

Deak is a talented running back with a lot of potential.

Check out the video.

FOOTBALL: Video Highlights Of A.J. McEwen From East Grand Rapids

Here is a video highlight package of A.J. McEwen, an incoming recruiting for Ferris State University from YouTube.

He is coming in as a transfer from Grand Rapids Community College. Check out more information by visiting here.

Check it out.

FOOTBALL: Darrian Bell Highlight Tape

Here is a highlight tape of Darrian Bell, a running back from Rochester Adams High School in the Detroit area.

FOOTBALL: Havens Appears To Be A Solid Signee For Bulldogs Out Of Morley Stanwood

Ferris State University's football program, traditionally, has taken an interest in recruiting some local talent from time to time.

The Bulldogs appear to have gotten a good one in the form of Tyler Havens, a 6-1, 260-pound defensive tackle from Stanwood, who prepped at Morley Stanwood High School in Mecosta County - also the home of Ferris State University. Havens has grown up playing in the shadow of Ferris and playing games at Top Taggart Field during his high school career as an opponent of Big Rapids High School (which plays its home games on the field of the Bulldogs.

Havens, like most players coming from the smaller programs, played on offense and defense as he also was a running back. Defensively, he accounted for 59 tackles and a pair of sacks and was named an Associated Press Division 5-6 All-State selection. He was a two-time all-state choice.

It's always nice to have a little hometown flavor on the team, but it's even better when it's a legitimate player who can help the program. Tyler Havens appears to be that kind of a player for Ferris.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Recruits A Large Class For 2011

Ferris State University announced its 2011 recruiting class Thursday afternoon that is comprised of a total of 28 student-athletes as announced by head coach Jeff Pierce.

"As a class, we're extremely excited with the group that has joined our program," Pierce said of a class that includes 21 in-state prep recruits signed by the Bulldog coaching staff for the upcoming campaign. "It is a combination of excellent skill players on both sides of the ball along with some young men who have the ability to develop and help us along the line of scrimmage."

The Bulldogs also added a pair of transfers as part of this recruiting class, one of the largest attracted by Pierce, as well.

Twenty-two of the recruits are from Michigan, five are from Illinois and one is from California.

In breaking down this recruiting class, Ferris has added 16 on offense, 11 on defense and one kicker. Five of the offensive players are linemen. The Bulldogs also focused on receivers and running backs with this class.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs worked to bolster its backfield with five recruits, the line with four and its linebacker group with two.

Pierce also saluted the academic skill of this recruiting class. This group of incoming prep student-athletes have an overall cumulative grade point average over 3.1 as a group.

"Over 50 percent of the incoming freshmen also received some form of academic scholarship aid as well," he said. "Their performances in the classroom should help with the stability of the class and we're hopeful a high percentage of these guys will be around when they are seniors."

Here is a special note at receiver from the official press release:

The list of receivers also includes two transfers who joined the program and enrolled at FSU over the semester break in A.J. McEwen (Grand Rapids/East Grand Rapids) and William Frazier (Redwood City, Calif./Palo Alto). Frazier appeared in 12 games for NCAA Division I New Mexico State during the 2010 season and will have one year of eligibility remaining. Meanwhile, McEwen is the son of former Bulldog quarterback Sparky McEwen, who formerly served as the head coach of the Arena Football League's Grand Rapids Rampage and has been active as a coach on both the prep and professional indoor levels. He did not play last fall while attending Grand Rapids Community College and will have four years of eligibility left.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Avoids Letdown Against Lake Superior

SAULT STE. MARIE - Ferris State University was locked in a tough battle on Thursday evening in the eastern Upper Peninsula against Lake Superior State University.

The Bulldogs defeated the Lakers 62-59 to hang onto a share of first place in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division.

But, what is perhaps most impressive about the victory is that the Bulldogs avoided any sign of a letdown after the hype of the 131 Showdown and the teams big win over archrival Grand Valley State last Saturday in Grand Rapids.

Matt DeHart and Justin Keenan led the Bulldogs with 14 points apiece while Kenny Brown added 13 in the victorious effort. Darien Gay added 11 points and Lou Williams chipped in six.

DeHart hit a huge triple with 50 seconds to go that put the Bulldogs in the lead for good Thursday night.

With the win, Ferris improves to 15-5 overall and 11-2 in the GLIAC.

FOOTBALL: Announcement Of Ferris Football Recruiting Class Delayed Due To Winter Storm

BIG RAPIDS - Due to the weather, Ferris State University has delayed the announcement of its 2011 recruiting class until Thursday (Feb. 3) afternoon.

An official release along with biographical information on FSU's incoming recruiting class will be available on Thursday in a formal announcement at www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com.

Additionally, the football signing day press conference previously scheduled for Wednesday has been rescheduled for this Friday (Feb. 4) afternoon at 2 p.m. (ET) on the third floor of the Wheeler Pavilion located at FSU's Top Taggart Field.

The changes were necessary due to the closing of both the FSU campus and many of the schools around the state.

Head coach Jeff Pierce (pictured) will be available on Friday to provide comments about this year's signees as well as take questions from media members in attendance. Local, regional and statewide media are welcome and encouraged to attend the event.

For the complete press release:
http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/fball/2010-11/releases/201102028idqjl