December/January
IN THIS ISSUE 5
6
MEN’S TRACK & FIELD Transfer Daniel Vanek to Showcase His Talents
STUDENT-ATHLETES Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
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BASKETBALL Ringler and Van Tiflin on the Court Lauren Stodola sophomore guard
2 FEATURED PHOTO THE SPOTLIGHT 4 IN Andy Boyce Coaching Insight
131 SHOWDOWN
6 NEWS IN BRIEF 10 The Green Zone &A 11 Q With Brandon Carr
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Lakers and Bulldogs ta k e B a s k e t b a l l R i va l ry D o w n t o w n
13 PLAYER PROFILES
On January 29, 2011, the two West Michigan schools will face each other in a primetime doubleheader at Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids ... by DJ Foster staff writer
Chelsea Johnston & James Thomas
14 CALENDAR Featured events for Winter 2011 James Thomas junior guard
FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE
Volume 2 Number 6
EDITOR IN CHIEF Tim Nott
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Doug Witte
MANAGING EDITOR Doug Lipinski
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Charlie Read
PRINTER Jenison Printing STAFF WRITERS DJ Foster Kelsey Deacon
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14 LAKER WORD SEARCH 15 16 SANDRA’S SNAPSHOT CONTRIBUTORS Janine Freeman Andy Fry Adam Ingraham Sandra Jennings Sharon Kowalczyk Kyle Schwerin GV Sports Marketing GVSU Sports Information
GV Sports Monthly Magazine is a magazine that focuses on athletics at Grand Valley State University. Copies of the magazine are free to the community and located on news stands in the greater Grand Rapids area. Copies of the magazine are also distributed in Allendale by the Advance Newspaper.
GV Sports Monthly Magazine GVSU, 192 Fieldhouse
Alvin Storrs’ dunk in the second half put the exclamation point on the Lakers 109-55 home opening win over Marygrove. Photo by Doug Witte
Last year’s GLIAC Freshman of the Year, Alex Stelfox, has led to the Lakers to a strong start in 2010-11. Photo by Doug Witte
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
5
things to know about coaching a college swimming and diving team with GVSU Swimming and Diving Head Coach
Andy Boyce
• Recruiting: We are always looking for the top swimmers and divers from our area, across the country, and throughout the world. The recruiting process is a year round process. We are always looking towards the future and trying to make Grand Valley Swimming and Diving the best that it can be. • Dealing with college kids: We strive to challenge our swimmers and divers in the pool on a daily basis. We have a very motivated group of athletes . • Difficulty in teaching various swim strokes: Each day we split into stroke specific groups and work on the training of the stroke as well as the technique. There are several underwater video sessions each season to help the swimmers improve on their technique. • Goals each season: There are team goals and individual goals. The team sets the team goals but the coaching staff pushes our team
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members each day to make sure that they are doing the appropriate things in practice to reach their own goals.
• Practice: We offer three afternoon practices for our team members to choose from so that they can receive more personalized attention and it also makes it easier for them to schedule their classes. We believe in high intensity practices with lots of racing.
by Kelsey Deacon staff writer
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he Grand Valley State men’s track team added a talented and experience student-athlete for the 2010-11 season. Daniel Vanek, a junior who spent a year at Georgia and was a 2006 National Champion in the shot put and discus at Central Arizona College, will showcase his talents at Grand Valley State this year. Vanek, a native from Dolna Spreda, Slovakis, is one of the topthrowers in Slovakia and has a personal best of 19.75-meters in the shot put and a personal best of 61.59-meters in the discus. Both of these marks are more than two meters further than GVSU school records that were set last season. The junior has also collected numerous International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) honors. In 2009, he finished 17th in the shot put at the European Athletics Indoor Championships. In the discus throw, Vanek finished second at the 2006 European Cup (57.55-meters) and claimed a fifth place finish at the 2002 IAAF World Junior
Transfer Daniel Vanek To Showcase His Talents Championships with a toss of 60.86-meters. Vanek’s experience with competing in different competitions all over the world will bring an unique quality to this year’s track and field team. “Daniel brings great leadership to the team and with this experience he has done a tremendous job of metering some of the younger student-athletes,� said throws coach Cory Young.
“My main goal is to compete at the national stage and help GVSU win a
N AT I O N A L
CHAMPIONSHIP.� Vanek also gives credit to the Grand Valley State track and field team
for treating him like family, which has created a team atmosphere. “It is hard to be this far away from friends and family, but I have made this decision to do what I love and to finish up school. I did not know what to expect at Grand Valley, but I am enjoying my time here. The track and field team has treated me like one of their own,� Vanek comments. “If it wasn’t for my teammates and coaches I probably would not be having this much fun and training this hard.� Vanek also wants to drive his teammates and himself to the highest stage in order to help the track and field program to reach their goal of winning a national championship. “I hope training with my teammates to the highest level will get us to the highest level,� Vanek stated. “My main goal is to compete at the national stage and help Grand Valley State win a national championship.� The Laker throwers, which in the past four years have collected 22 AllAmerican honors and have broken 15 school records, will have a great oppor-
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tunity to reach that goal in the 2010-11 season. With Vanek’s valuable experience and talent, Grand Valley State can only anticipate good things to come. “Our team has had a very good start so far this year and we will be expecting some great things from our team and Daniel,� comment Young. “Daniel’s training has been progressing very well and he will be competing at a high level right away. It will be a great year to come out and watch the men’s shot put compete.� The Grand Valley State track and field teams will showcase its talents when they open up the 2010-11 indoor campaign on Dec. 17. The Lakers will host the GVSU Holiday Open at the Laker Turf Building beginning at 4:00 p.m.
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WEST MICHIGAN CHEVY DEALERS •5
NEWS IN BRIEF 131 Showdown The Men’s and Women’s Laker Basketball Teams will go head to head with the Ferris State Bulldogs at Van Andel Arena on January 29, 2011. The women’s game is at 6 pm and the men’s game is at 8 pm. Visit www.131showdown.com for more information or “like” 131 Showdown on Facebook. Mason announced as PA for 131 Showdown Grand Valley State Athletics has announced that John Mason, the Detroit Pistons' public address announcer, will work the mic for the 131 Showdown between Grand Valley State and Ferris State. Commonly known as Mason, he has worked as the public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons for the past 10 years. Mason has helped shape the Palace of Auburn Hills into one of the toughest places for opposing teams to play in. His signature call "Deeetroit Basket-ball" has helped make him a celebrity to Piston fans. Mason also works as a radio morning show host for 107.5 WGPR in Detroit, Michigan. Family Sports Pass Is your family spending a fortune to attend Grand Valley athletic events? Get your Family Sports Pass today! Four passes per game to over 60 regular season home games during the 2010-11 season for just $99! *Does not include Football. Call (616)3313200 for more information. NFL Pro Bowl Do you want to see former Grand Valley athletes Dan Skuta and Brandon Carr in the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl? You can vote for them by going to www.nfl.com/probowl/ballot . Carr can be found under Defense – Cornerbacks, and Skuta can be found under Special Teams – Special teamers. There is no limit on the number of times you can vote.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee by Kim Baughman S.A.A.C. Communications Rep.
B
etween a full course load, twenty hours of practice per week, traveling for competition, and improving the community, it is safe to say that members of Grand Valley’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) have their priorities straight. The group is comprised of about 45 athletes from each varsity sport that focus on discussing concerns of the athletic department, giving back to the community, and raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In an effort to make a difference, SAAC has already voted on several changes to be made for Division II schools that will affect college campuses throughout the country. They have also planned several community outreach programs, such as food and coat drives, reading to inner-city children, and putting together holiday food baskets. The Haunt put on last month was an effort to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Our goal this year is to raise $10,000 for the foundation,” SAAC president, Rebeccah Rapin, says. “To date, we have already raised over $1,800.” SAAC has set a goal for each team that is dependent on how many members are on that team. It is the responsibility of each SAAC “Team Captain” to ensure that each team meets their fundraising goals.
Kids’ Club Kids’ Club day is January 8th, 2011. The event will take place from 11 am – 1 pm, and kids get in free to the Basketball games that are at 1 pm and 3 pm. There will be tons of kid’s activities, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and more! Bring all the kids you know for a fun filled day!
Rapin Selected as Daktronics Midwest Region Player of the Year Grand Valley State senior middle blocker Rebeccah Rapin was honored on November 24th as the 2010 Daktronics Midwest Region Player of the Year, as voted on by the region's sports information directors. It is the third straight season Rapin has been an All-Midwest Region selection, as she was joined on the All-Region team by freshman Stacey Catalano, who was a Second Team selection. Rapin is GVSU's all-time leader in total blocks and block assists, while ranking in the career top-10 in three other categories.
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The members of SAAC, along with their teammates, are undoubtedly busy nearing the end of the semester. In addition to studying for finals, some athletes are finishing their seasons, while others are just beginning. To help SAAC raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, cash or checks made out to GVSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee can be taken by Damon Arnold in the Fieldhouse. Be sure to come support your Lakers as they continue to uphold and improve GVSU’s outstanding reputation and fundamental traditions.
Members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee help during a haunted trail event they organized in October.
JUSTIN RINGLER
by DJ Foster Staff Writer
Ringler is GVSU’s Jack of All Trades
It’s hard to tell when a player is described as “not always exceptional in any one area, but just a good all-around player” if the comment is meant as a compliment or a putdown. But upon hearing what GVSU head coach Ric Wesley said of senior standout Justin Ringler, the 6’4” combo guard/forward had no problem with Wesley’s description. “I guess it’d be better to do everything really great,” Ringler said, with a laugh. But I’ll take that compliment from Coach Wesley. I don’t really feel that there’s one thing I’m leaps and bounds better at than other players. Some guys are unbelievable shooters, some people are really quick. I’ve been able to kind of melt them all together
and do them all at least good enough to excel in them, at least at a certain level.” Entering his senior season, Ringler stood 28th all-time in Laker history in scoring and with a repeat of last season’s performance (a team-high 13.4 ppg.), he could easily enter the Laker top-10 in career points. Also a tremendous rebounder, Ringler could very well become one of just seven players at GVSU to ever grab 800 career boards. “Justin is just a super competitive player; I think that’s his biggest strength on the court,” Wesley explained. “He’s a jack of all trades and gets stats in almost every category. He’s a good scorer with over 1,000 points, he led us in rebounds (6.9 rpg.) and assists (87) last year. He probably led us in steals too - or close to it.” Ringler’s 42 steals were good enough for second-best on the team, but if the Lakers’ Superman has a kryptonite, it would be his three-point shooting. He’ll even say so himself. “I feel a lot more confident driving the ball than shooting it,” Ringler admitted. “I’ve always felt that I could rebound fairly well and I try to play at a high level of competitiveness. That definitely helps out a lot.” Wesley and Ringler shared a mutual belief about his competitiveness being his biggest strength, but Wesley took it a step further in his praise of Ringler.
“He can impact the game in so many ways and his competitiveness and toughness are a constant,” said Wesley. “His personality and nature since he’s been here have certainly set the standard and been a big part of who we are. You don’t get many guys that are like Justin anymore.” After his successful 2009-10 season, Ringler was named to the All-GLIAC North Division First Team and was an NABC All-Midwest Region First Team selection. While he may end up as one of the top scorers in program history, Ringler has been tabbed as a GLIAC North Division All-Defensive Team member the past two years. Ringler’s plan to keep earning those awards and accolades? Keep doing what he’s doing. “Personally, I’d like to just stay consistent throughout the whole season with no unbelievable highs or lows,” Ringler pointed out. “I feel like if the team does well, the personal awards come along with that. The individual awards usually go to players on the teams that do well.” Wesley has mentioned before that Ringler is somewhat overlooked despite a terrific first three seasons. That complaint is entirely correct as Ringler might not even be the best ‘Justin’ in the GLIAC. Ferris State’s senior center Justin Keenan was voted the Division II Preseason Player of the Year. “As far as statwise, you can’t really
compete with him [Keenan],” said Ringler. “But the one thing I feel real confident about is we’ve made the NCAA Tournament every year I’ve been here. Keenan is a great player and all those awards are well-deserved. I don’t feel like the lesser of the two; I’ll take team awards over personal ones any day.” Having been to the Elite Eight twice and the NCAA Regional Semifinals last season, Ringler knows what winning is all about and he thinks this Grand Valley State team can be as good as it wants to be. “Every team wants to win the national championship,” Ringler explained. “But first we’d like to win the GLIAC, make the NCAA Tournament and then get back to the Elite Eight in Springfield. You get out there and anything can happen. If we make it that far, we’d have the opportunity to be the best team out there.” If the Lakers do make it back to the national tournament, they’ll turn to the guy who has no problem admitting his flaws. That, in itself, is just another one of Ringler’s many strengths.
E L I Z A B E T H VA N T I F L I N Intangibles Make Van Tiflin Strong Team Captain Grand Valley State senior guard Elizabeth Van Tiflin may not be the Lakers’ top player according to the stat sheet at the end of games, but the best way to measure her success and importance to GVSU is in the unmeasurable category: the intangibles. “Biz is never the leader in the glitz and glamour stats,” explains fourth-year head coach Janel Burgess. “But from a coaches’ perspective, she’s a leader in so many aspects by the intangibles she provides. You can’t measure what she brings to the court.” The glitz and glamour stats that Burgess mentioned include career totals for Van Tiflin of 413 rebounds, 386 points, 94 steals, 76 three-pointers, and 51 assists. Those intangibles that she brings to the floor are evident in other statistical categories, however. Van Tiflin has played in 87 games in her three-plus years at GVSU, starting in 63 of those games and totaling 56 wins. Another key to Van Tiflin’s success is how well she has responded to being the unsung hero. “Part of my development as a player over the years is being comfortable and confident in that role,” Van Tiflin said. “If I can keep doing what the coaches and my teammates expect of me, then I’ll be happy.” What Van Tiflin has been doing
over her time at Grand Valley State has kept more than her coaches and teammates happy. In 2008-09 when the Lakers made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, Van Tiflin ranked fifth in the GLIAC in offensive rebounds, 10th in total rebounds, 11th in steals, and 13th in defensive rebounds. For her efforts that season, Van Tiflin was named to the GLIAC North Division All-Defensive Team. When asked about what she does well on the court, Van Tiflin - to no surprise - pointed out things that cannot be covered in the stats. “I think that I’m pretty vocal and I try to be a leader by example,” she pointed out. “I try to lead my teammates with how hard I work and how I don’t settle for just being average. Our team plays with so much energy and I try and keep my energy level up so my teammates see that and feed off of it.” Her teammates have definitely taken notice of Van Tiflin’s energy and effort, as she was named as a team captain for the second season in a row. “I think it’s an honor because our captains our voted on by the team; our coaches don’t pick the captains,” noted Van Tiflin. “My teammates have the confidence in me to be a leader and lead them - that gives me even more confidence in myself.” Van Tiflin gained even more con-
fidence in herself in an odd way during the preseason. Teammate, fellow senior, and four-year roommate Kara Crawford suffered a season-ending injury during an early scrimmage, forcing Van Tiflin to take the court as the team’s only senior. “I was taken aback at first because Kara’s never been hurt before. We had made it to our senior year together and then when she went down, it was like ‘Oh my gosh, its only me now’,” Van Tiflin said. “I don’t think added pressure came from that, but it was a great opportunity for me to step up and be more confident in my role and in my voice. Being the only senior, my leadership is what our team needs with us being so young.” Arguably the team’s most fit player, Van Tiflin keeps her energy levels up on the court by what she does off of it. The senior is a running fanatic, having completed several 10K and 15K races and even partaking in the 25K (15.5 miles) Riverbank Run. “Running is an outlet for me. Some people just have that thing they do and running is my thing,” she described. “Running gives me peace and it’s a good way to think. It’s a good form of expression for me.” Although Van Tiflin says she won’t run another 25K but other shorter races, Burgess points to the type of person
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that Van Tiflin is as to why she can succeed on the basketball court and in the running world. “She has the strongest character you could ever imagine. Biz relies strongly on her faith and her upbringing,” commented Burgess. “She understands that there is more to life than playing basketball whether it’s academics, family, social life. Biz is great in the classroom, volunteers all over the place, and will be a great teacher in the near future.” When talking about goals for the season, Van Tiflin naturally doesn’t get too carried away with team expectations. “Our goals are to win the GLIAC and finish in the top-eight of our region so we can go to the NCAA Tournament,” Van Tiflin described. “But we won’t obtain those goals if we don’t come to practice each day with the mindset of getting better every time we step on the floor.” Spoken like a true captain.
Lakers and Bulldogs Take
Basketball Rivalry Downtown by DJ Foster staff writer
T
he intense rivalry between the Grand Valley State and Ferris State men’s and women’s basketball teams has been taken to a whole new level with the recently created 131 Showdown presented by Amway. On January 29, 2011, the
and coaches are excited about playing in a venue like Van Andel Arena and playing its rival on such a big stage only adds to the charm and prestige of the event. Being the first year of the 131 Showdown in what hopefully becomes an annual meeting, there is
The Lakers played Michigan State in Van Andel Arena in 2006.
two West Michigan schools will face each other in a primetime doubleheader at Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids. GVSU and Ferris State’s women will tip off at 6:00 p.m., with the men’s game starting at 8:00 p.m. Grand Valley State’s players
definitely some excitement surrounding the doubleheader, even if there is uncertainity with it being so new. “We’ll have to see how it all works out, but it’s certainly a good idea,” said seventh-year head men’s coach Ric Wesley. “It’s always good to do things that put our program and
team in front of new people.” GVSU women’s head coach Janel Burgess, in her fourth year at the Laker helm, is also thrilled to be taking Grand Valley State basketball to Van Andel Arena. “The 131 Showdown is a great opportunity to go downtown, play at Van Andel Arena in a large environment in front of a lot of fans,” Burgess said. “It’ll be fun to draw a unique crew of people and fans from Grand Rapids to come out and watch us and it’s fun to put our product on the court downtown.” Wesley feels the location of the doubleheader makes it even more of an attraction to basketball fans. “By taking the game downtown, hopefully it will attract some attention we might not normally attract and get some people to come to our games that normally don’t get to come see us play,” Wesley pointed out. “In downtown Grand Rapids, we’re fortunate to have probably the best city in Michigan. With Van Andel Arena, a lot of nice restaurants and places to hang out, there’s a good excuse to go downtown and get some new people following us. It definitely makes it a special thing.” What makes the doubleheader even more intriguing is how good the quality of basketball should be. Both the Grand Valley State men’s and women’s teams were chosen by the league’s head coaches to finish first •8
Grand Valley State vs. Ferris State
Van Andel Arena January 29, 2011 For tickets call 1-800-745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com in the GLIAC North Division, while Ferris State’s men are picked as the North Division runner-up. The Laker and Bulldog men know each other extremely well, having met on the court 25 times since 2000 and seven times in just the last three seasons. Since 2006, the rivals have played each other three times in the GLIAC Tournament (with Grand Valley State winning all three games) and for the tournament championship in 2006. The Lakers bounced Ferris State by an 80-58 score for the
GLIAC Tournament title that year. What has made this match-up so good in the past are the players on the court and this year is no different. While the entire event is being billed as the 131 Showdown, the men’s contest could be sub-titled as “The Battle of the Justin’s”, as both teams’ best player is named Justin. For Grand Valley State, senior forward Justin Ringler is coming off a tremendous junior year in which he lead the Lakers in scoring (13.4 ppg.), rebounding (6.9 rpg.), and assists (87). For his efforts, Ringler was named to the AllGLIAC North Division First Team and was an NABC First Team AllMidwest Region selection. Ferris State boasts a strong Justin of its own in senior center Justin Keenan. Last season, Keenan averaged a league-best 20.1 points per game for the Bulldogs on his way to earning the GLIAC Player of the Year award. To begin this season, Keenan was not only named the GLIAC Preseason Player of the Year, but the Division II Preseason Player of the Year by the DII Bulletin.
Both men’s teams also have a player on the Preseason All-GLIAC North Division Second Team, in addition to Ringler and Keenan being First Team selections. GVSU junior guard Alvin Storrs joins Ringler on the Preseason All-GLIAC Team, while Ferris State’s senior guard Darien Gay pairs with Keenan for FSU’s strong 1-2 punch. Ringler, who became a 1,000point scorer last year and could enter the Laker all-time top-10 scoring list by the end of this season, is looking
Justin Ringler
forward to the 131 Showdown. “I think it’s really cool. We played Michigan State at Van Andel a couple years ago and it’s a cool event and a great place to play,” said Ringler. “Especially playing Ferris this year; they should be pretty good. Anytime you play them and you build it up with a bigger showcase, it makes it that much more fun. I hope it turns out well; I’m excited about it.” On the women’s side, although Grand Valley State is at or near the top of the GLIAC with the preseason prediction by league coaches to win the North Division, Ferris State is slotted to finish sixth in the division. However, that means very little to Burgess. “When you think of Grand Valley and Ferris, it’s going to be a bloodbath,” she explained. “You erase all records, you erase anything that has happened in the past. It’ll be a tough battle no matter what.” The Lakers will face FSU with the reigning GLIAC Freshman of the Year in center Alex Stelfox, who was named to the Preseason All-
GVSU Campus ATM Locations: Drive-up Kiosk @42nd/Pierce Commons (lower level) Kleiner Commons Kirkhof Center Rec Center 5023 Lake Michigan Drive, just west of 48th St. (800 or 616) 242-9790 www.LMCU.org •9
GLIAC North Division First Team this year. Junior point guard Jasmine Padin was a Preseason Second Team selection, while Ferris State’s senior forward Tiara Adams joined Padin as a Second Team choice.
“When you think of G r a n d Va l l e y a n d Ferris ... it’ll be a TOUGH BATTLE no matter what.” -Janel Burgess
Grand Valley State has won 10 of the last 13 meetings with the Bulldogs and Burgess is 4-2 against FSU in her career. The overall series lead is clearly in GVSU’s favor, as the Lakers own a 56-24 edge all-time. “Both teams will be extremely excited and hyped up for this game,” Burgess noted. “Bringing the event to Van Andel will give it a little more hype, but hopefully we can all keep ourselves under control, focus on our game plans, and be able to be successful.”
Q & A with B ra n do ran d o n C a rr
Q: Thinking back to your high school career, what made you want to come play for the Lakers? A: The atmosphere at Grand Valley was different from the other schools I visited. I was blown away by the campus, academic programs, and of course the winning tradition of the football team. I could sense the confidence the players and coaches possessed. The expectation level at Grand Valley was 10 times higher than the other schools I visited. I came from nothing but winning teams and programs, I wanted to continue to win so GV was definitely at the top of my list.
Q: Describe one of your favorite memories or highlights from your GVSU football career? A: The 2006 National Championshiop is a memory that I will always remember and cherish. It was a hard fought battle against a very good NWMSU football team. We beat them the previous year and the pressure was on us to defend our title. I remember intercepting a pass in the endzone to end their chance at scoring before the half. That game was a dog fight and I was so relieved when the clock expired and we repeated as national champions. Q: After being drafted in 2008, you went on to start all 16 games in both the 2008 and 2009 seasons, and all of the 2010 season so far. What are a few things you attribute your early success to? A: I'm truly blessed. Not many rookies can come into the NFL and start right away. I was fortunate enough to be placed in a situation and on a team where I had an opportunity to play early and often. I had been preparing for an opportunity to play in the NFL since high school. There were countless nights where I would lace up the cleats and do some sort of workout opposed to going out partying. I am a big believer that hard work and dedication will pay off. It may not be instantly but somewhere down the road it will come into play. I took the same attitude and work ethic to GV. I kept my focus and faith. I was not
worried about not being scouted because I was at a Division II school. I always told myself, "If you're good enough, they will find you." Q: What's one of the biggest differences between college football here at Grand Valley and professional football with the Chiefs? A: The speed of the game is one of the things I had to adjust to. Everything happens fast and if you are not ready you will miss the opportunity to make a play. The quarterbacks are bigger, have stronger arms than QBs I faced in college. They were not just throwing the ball just to be throwing it. They know how to place the ball away from the defender. I felt like i adjusted to the speed of the WRs pretty good. I had confidence in my speed and felt like I could run with anyone. The running backs were another thing I had to get used to. They were much quicker, bigger, and stronger than most of the RBs I faced at GV. Q: What is one way that playing football here at Grand Valley prepared you for the NFL? A: We competed every day at GV and that is something that definitely helped me out when I entered the NFL. You are constantly evaluated in the NFL, every practice, every play. I compete and hustle from the time the ball is snapped until the whistle blows.
Q: Outside of playing football, what are some of your favorite activities? A: I enjoy spending time with family (daughter and girlfriend). I am still learning new things about Kansas City, so I try to do something different around the city every now and then. I'm constantly checking on GV and seeing how their season is going. I like to visit schools both locally and back at home in Flint, Michigan so I can talk to kids and give them some encouragement. In the offseason I travel to a few different cities a year. I went to Honolulu, Hawaii this past offseason. Q: You wore #24 at GV, why/how did you pick #39 for the Chiefs? A: I didn't have a say so in what number I wore here. To be honest, back then I was more concerned about making the team than what number I had. After starting all 16 games my rookie year the number just stuck with me. I debated changing it a few times but I like how unique the #39 looks on a corner. Q: If you had to pick, what is one of your favorite parts about playing in the NFL? A: I just loving playing at the highest level there is to play. Everyone is watching you on Sunday and it's time to go out there and put on a show. I'm a competitor and every Sunday is a challenge that I gladly accept. I love playing for the Chiefs and also representing my family and the school that I came from.
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by Doug Witte executive editor
G
rand Valley State has encouraged its fans to create homefield advantage in the past few years. In 2010, the soccer team took that mantra to heart and defended their home turf to perfection. Not only did the Lakers finish undefeated and untied in Allendale at the GVSU Soccer Field, but they also turned away every shot attempt. In a total of 15 home games, five of which were in the postseason, the stingy Laker defense did not allow a single goal. Throughout the regular season at home, GVSU recorded 175 shots on goal, while the opponents only mustered 50 total shots, with just 32 being on goal. Since the Lakers earned a No. 1 seed in both the GLIAC Tournament and the NCAA playoffs, the road to the final four in Louisville, Kentucky. ran through the GVSU
Laker Soccer Completes Perfect Home Schedule Soccer Field. As it turned out, that GLIAC Second Team. It’s well known that a soccer road was an uphill climb for visiting teams throughout the postseason. In game isn’t won by just three or four five playoff games (GLIAC and players on the field. “Our back line NCAA Tournament) the Lakers out- stepped up every time we’ve needed shot their opponents 105-33 in the them to,” said head coach Dave Difriendly confines of GVSU’s home Ianni. “Our midfielders have also helped to clean things up as well and field. In a sport where it can be dif- they really played great defense as a ficult to quantify how good In a total of 15 home games, five defensive players are playing, of which were in the postseason, the results speak for themthe stingy Laker defense did not selves ... 15 games at home, allow a single goal. 15 shutout victories. Those results are the reason why Jenna whole.” Even when the offense was Wenglinski was named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year and fortunate enough to break through earned First Team All-Region honors and take a shot on goal, sophomore from Daktronics. Taylor Ward started goalkeeper Chelsea Parise was up to 15 games in the backfield for the the challenge and turned away every Lakers and was named the GLIAC shot on goal. Freshman of the Year, while defendAs far as homefield advaners Kayla Klosterman and Megan tage goes, the Laker soccer team Brown were named to the All- found a way to perfect it in 2010.
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Shots 405
SHOT CHART GVSU VS OPP AT HOME in 2010 includes postseason
On Goal 204 Opponents Shots 88 On Goal 46
PLAYER PROFILES I loved the campus and the Why did you choose To win a National girls on the team. to become a Laker? Championship! Nikolas Lidstrom Favorite athlete to Michael Vick Detroit Red Wings watch in another sport? Philadelphia Eagles Being with family
CHELSEA
JOHNSTON year
SENIOR
American Girl Doll
hometown
NOVI, MI sport
WOMEN’S TENNIS
What was your favorite toy as a child?
A Basketball
Who should play you Will Smith Jennifer Love Hewitt in a movie about your life?
FAVORITE...
major
MARKETING & MANAGEMENT
What is your favorite Being with family and thing about the loved ones Christmas season?
Taco Bell Head Over Heels Slide by Goo Goo Dolls
Red Wings Blue Desperate Housewives
Fast Food Movie Song Sports Team Color TV Show
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JAMES
THOMAS year
JUNIOR major
Burger King Takers
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Death Before Dishonor by Young Jeezy
hometown
L.A. Lakers Blue Sports Center
sport
GRAND RAPIDS, MI MEN’S BASKETBALL
CALENDAR DEC. 17
JAN. 6
JAN. 22
GvSU HOLiDAy OPEN The Laker track & field team open their 2010 indoor season at home with the GVSU Holiday Open starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Laker Turf Building.
BASKETBALL vs. SvSU MBB at 6:00 p.m. WBB at 8:00 p.m. GVSU Fieldhouse Arena
BASKETBALL vs. MTU MBB at 1:00 p.m. WBB at 3:00 p.m. GVSU Fieldhouse Arena
DEC. 30-31
JAN. 8
JAN. 29
Composite Home Schedule
MEN’S BASKETBALL TO PLAy TOURNAMENT iN PHOENiX The men’s basketball team will travel to Phoenix, Ariz. to play New Mexico Highlands on Dec. 30 at 5:00 p.m. followed by Southwestern College on Dec. 31 at 3:00 p.m.
SWiMMiNG & DiviNG The swim team will host Wayne State at 1:00 p.m. at the Fieldhouse Pool.
JAN. 14
Date
BOB EUBANKS OPEN Track & Field at 4:00 p.m. Laker Turf Building
THE 131 SHOWDOWN PRESENTED By AMWAy The men’s and women’s basketball teams will face conference rival Ferris State at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. This is a Community for a Cure Event. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Van Andel Research Institute. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting ticketmaster.com.
Sport/Opponent
Time
Dec. 2
MBB vs. Ohio Dominican
6 pm
Dec. 2
WBB vs. Ohio Dominican 8 pm
Dec. 4
MBB vs. Tiffin
1 pm
Dec. 4
WBB vs. Tiffin
3 pm
Dec. 6
MBB vs. Olivet
7 pm
Dec. 16 TF-GVSU Holiday Open
6 pm
Dec. 16 TF-GVSU Holiday Open
4 pm
Jan. 6
MBB vs. Saginaw Valley
6 pm
Jan. 6
WBB vs. Saginaw Valley
8 pm
Jan. 6
TF-Laker Early Bird
6 pm
Jan. 7
TF-Laker Early Bird
4 pm
Jan. 8
MBB vs. Lake Superior
1 pm
Jan. 8
WBB vs. Lake Superior
3 pm
Jan. 8
SD vs. Wayne State
1 pm
Jan. 12
MBB vs. Northwood
6 pm
Jan. 12
WBB vs. Northwood
8 pm
Jan. 14
TF-Bob Eubanks Open
4 pm
Jan. 20
MBB vs. Northern Mich.
6 pm
Jan. 20
WBB vs. Northern Mich.
8 pm
Jan. 21
SD vs. Hope College
5 pm
Jan. 21
TF-Mike Links Open
4 pm
Jan. 22
MBB vs. Michigan Tech
1 pm
Jan. 22
WBB vs. Michigan Tech
3 pm
Jan. 22
SD vs. Indianapolis
1 pm
Jan. 26
WBB vs. Urbana
7 pm
MBB - Men’s Basketball WBB - Women’s Basketball SD - Men’s/Women’s Swimming & Diving TF - Track & Field For tickets call 616-331-3200
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Best Grand Valley Moment? What’s on your wish list for the Holidays?
Walter Moore
Jill VanderEnde
Keith Roberts
Mike Przydzial
Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance Grand Rapids, Mich.
Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Grand Rapids, Mich.
Assistant Track & Field Coach Bellefontaine, Ohio
Men’s Basketball Player West Bloomfield, Mich.
The 1st football National Championship in 2002
Yet to come... I’ve only been here 2 months, so
World Peace
Joy & Peace of the chance to go home course...and a flat screen and spend time with my TV for my office, please family
being hired to GVSU’s staff!
A new turbo man doll (reference to Jingle All the Way) Dinner and gift exchange at my Aunt’s house on FOOD...Family dinner Christmas Eve Motivate teammates to continue ultimately win a national working out championship
Favorite family tradition?
Exchanging gifts on Christmas morning and reading the original Christmas story from the Bible
Singing “We Three Kings” with my brother and sister; it’s an inside joke
New Year’s Resolution?
Getting more involved in the community; volunteering/service
NO FAST FOOD!
Favorite Holiday Movie or Song?
Christmas Carol
Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase & Jingle Bell Rock
Christmas Vacation
What one word describes GVSU sports?
HUMBLE
TRADITION
Tradition
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Beating MSU in double OT in 2007
Elf Dynasty
SANDRA’S SNAPSHOT
Word Search Answers /DNHU :RUG 6HDUFK
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Sandra Jennings is an Administrative Assistant in the athletic department. Governor Granholm ordered flags at half staff on November 17, 2010 in honor of Army Private Shane M. Reifert, Cottrellville, MI. Remember our fallen this holiday season.
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Randy Randy Katerberg Katerberg W. 32-A 44th Street S. W. Grandville
616-667-9250
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Ask about our auto insurance insurance discount for Ask Alumni Association Association members! GVSU Alumni • 16
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