GVSports Monthly Magazine

Inside: Cross Country Finishes 2nd and 5th in the Nation December 2009/January 2010

Marching Through the Season Elizabeth Van Tiin Leads a Young Laker Team into the Midseason Stretch

IN THIS ISSUE 2 M. Basketball

DEFENSE WILL BE KEY IN ROUGH MIDSEASON STRETCH In Grand Valley State’s season opener against regional foe Northern Kentucky on Nov. 15 at Fieldhouse Arena, the Lakers defeated the Norse 57-54 in a tough defensive battle...

3 Cross Country CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS FINISH SECOND AND FIFTH IN THE NATION The men’s and women’s cross country teams both competed in the NCAA Division II National Championships on Nov. 21. The men’s team was able to finish fifth in the country, while the women’s team ran into second place...

7 Basketball LAKER BASKETBALL TEAMS SIGN FOUR ON EARLY SIGNING DAY An early look at some of the student-athletes that will be wearing the Laker uniform on the court next season...

10 Main Event PUTTING YOUTH TO THE TEST The 2008-09 Grand Valley State women’s basketball team was quite young and rather inexperienced, as the Lakers started one senior, two sophomores, and a pair of freshman guards...

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 1

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 4 EDITOR IN CHIEF Tim Nott MANAGING EDITOR Doug Lipinski EXECUTIVE EDITOR Doug Witte ACQUISITIONS EDITOR Courtney Goldschmeding ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mallory Weber CONTRIBUTORS Kelsey Deacon DJ Foster Janine Freeman Andy Fry Sandra Jennings Alexis Rangel Charlie Read GV Sports Marketing GVSU Sports Information PRINTER Jenison Printing 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 will also be distributed by the Advance Newspaper.

GV Sports Monthly Magazine GVSU, 192 Fieldhouse Allendale MI 49401

Defense will be Key in Rough Midseason Stretch for Men’s Basketball In Grand Valley State’s season opener against regional foe Northern Kentucky on Nov. 15 at Fieldhouse Arena, the Lakers defeated the Norse 57-54 in a tough defensive battle. It was a grind-it-out type game between two of the top teams in the region and may have been an early foreshadowing of the kind of games the Lakers will play for the rest of the season.

Last season, GVSU had the second-best defense in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), as it allowed just 63.5 points per game. Only Findlay, the 2008-09 Division II National Champions, allowed fewer at 59.8 points per game. It appears that the Lakers will look to continue their recent defensive dominance, rather than attempt to outscore teams.

In 2008-09, Grand Valley State allowed the fewest rebounds per game of any team in the league and held opponents to a ridiculous 39.5 field goal percentage, by far the best figure in the GLIAC. Against Northern Kentucky on opening night, the Lakers forced NKU into 42.0 percent shooting and just 2-of-13 three-point attempts, including 0-of-6 in the second half.

Ask any coach and he/she will tell you that defense is important because even when shots are not falling on offense, a team can al-

Wayne State for the first time this season.

Road victories were tough to come by GVSU last season. In 2008-09, the Lakers were 5-8 on the road, albeit three of those losses were on the home court of the undefeated Oilers from Findlay.

For a team that does not have a senior on its roster, the Lakers will turn to their junior class, led by guard/forward Justin Ringler and forward Toreau Brown. In the season-opening victory over Northern Kentucky, Ringler poured in 24 points and did not turn the ball over in 37 minutes of play. Brown notched 18 points and nine rebounds, while the duo combined to shoot 16-of-17 from the free throw line, including a perfect 6-of-6 in the game’s final 21 seconds to preserve the three-point win.

GVSU will also turn towards a strong sophomore class that features the other three starters (with Ringler and Brown) in guards Wes Trammell and Alvin Storrs and center Nick West.

When junior K’Len Morris returns from an offseason injury, the Lakers will feature athleticism, length, and varying amounts of strength and speed. With the midseason schedule being as stingy and grueling as it is, GV will need as many healthy and productive bodies as it can find.

DJ Foster Contributing Writer ways control how hard they play defensively.

GVSU will take that stingy defense into a tough schedule in the months of December and January. At the beginning of December, the Lakers face GLIAC opponents Tiffin and Ashland in home contests before heading on the road for a pair of games at Findlay and Hillsdale.

Grand Valley State then hosts Olivet in a non-conference game and heads to Lake Erie to start the 2010 calendar year on Jan. 2 before jumping back into the conference season with only league games for the rest of the year.

For most teams in the GLIAC, they will play a small group of home games (three or four) followed by a similar number of road contests.

The Lakers will host Saginaw Valley State, Lake Superior State, and Ferris State in a span of five days from Jan. 7 to 11, which is certainly no easy task to play three important conference matchups in less than 120 hours.

After that homestand, Grand Valley State will board the bus for rematches at Ashland and Tiffin (Jan. 14-16) and then face Northwood and

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 2

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Cross Country Teams Finish Second, Fifth in the Nation The men’s and women’s cross country teams both competed in the NCAA Division II National Championships on Nov. 21. The men’s team was able to finish fifth in the country, while the women’s team ran into second place.

On the women’s side, five Lakers finished in the top-30. GVSU had strong performances from its top three finishers as they took 11th, 12th, and 13th. Katherine McCarthy (Marne, Mich./Kenowa Hills) led the Lakers with a time of 21:18 which was good enough for 11th place. Just behind McCarthy was Eileen Creutz (Saline, Mich.) who took the 12th spot with a time of 21:26, and Lynsey Ardingo (Pinckney, Mich.) followed just one second behind to claim the 13th position.

Amy Kolin (Ypsilanti, Mich.) and Jessie Vickers (Dexter, Mich.) also scored for the Lakers finishing 18th and 27th respectively.

“The women’s team has nothing to hang their head about,” said head coach Jerry Baltes.

“They ran really tough this weekend and I am proud of the season they put together.”

In the men’s race, Tyler Emmorey (Cedar Springs, Mich.) earned all-america honors with his 11th place finish and time of 31:46. Ross Faasse (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Northern) was also named an all-american with his time of 32:11

Prairie) who took 50th, and Paul Zielinski (Columbus, Ind.) ended up 66th.

Doug Witte “The women lost to one team all year by a Contributing Writer mere eight points and the men only had six teams which was good enough for 19th place. The men’s that were better then us throughout the year,” Jerry team was rounded out by a trio from Indiana; An- Baltes commented. “All in all, our student athletes thony Witt (Jasonville, Ind./Shakamak) who fin- competed very well day in and day out all year. I shed 39th, Ryan Toth (North Liberty, Ind./New am very proud of their effort.”

The men’s and women’s cross country teams each finished first in the midwest regional races which allowed them to advance to the national championships.

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 3

NEWS IN BRIEF

Where Are They Now?

WMUS–106.9 and GV Basketball Listen all season long to get play by play action of the men’s basketball games. Kent Fisher and Steve Lloyd-Jones will be broadcasting live at home and on the road.

Sign up for Laker Alerts Looking for updates on all things Laker? Sign up to receive Laker Alerts through your e-mail on www.gvsulakers.com and stay current on How you remember him: upcoming events, ticket information, and Laker Dave Siik was a member of the Grand Valley State Track and Field team from 2000-03. He was a news. two year captain during his junior and senior years. He helped the Lakers claim four GLIAC championships during his time as a middle distance runner.

While at GVSU, his 4x400 relay team set a school record with a time of 3:18.21 that was also an NCAA qualifying time. Siik also earned success in the classroom as he recorded a cumulative GPA of over 3.5 during his college career. His excellence on and off the field led to him being named the first-ever GVSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Men’s Athlete of the Month.

What he’s doing now: Siik now lives in Los Angeles, California and is a model/actor. He has appeared on three covers (Feb. 06, Feb. 07, June 09) for Runner’s World Magazine. He has appeared in a few movies and TV shows AT&T Yellow Pages as an extra and currently holds a role as Fox on the show The Black Dawn. The show has received some Calling all Lakers! Watch for your 2010-2011 acclaim as one of the first programs to allow viewers to engage over multiple platforms (internet, TV, and AT&T Yellow Pages phonebook to see the an eventual feature film).

Laker football team on the cover.

Basketball Game Day Programs Next time you are at a Laker basketball game, make sure to pick up a copy of the game day program. The programs will feature five collectible covers throughout the season. Remember, they are only available at GVSU basketball games, so start now and collect them all.

Fan Appreciation Night It’s the Year of the Fan and to show our appreciation Laker Athletics will be hosting Fan Appreciation Night on January 28th, 2010. It will take place during the men’s and women’s basketball games inside the Fieldhouse Arena.

Cheer on both teams as they take on Michigan Tech and enjoy a Year of the Fan pizza party.

Women tip off at 6pm and men at 8pm. For ticket information contact (616) 331-3200.

Televised Basketball Games Catch men’s and women’s basketball on TV on January 7th as the Lakers take on Saginaw Valley State. Games at 6pm and 8pm. The Lakers will also air on January 28th when they compete against Northern Michigan. Games at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Fans can view the games on Comcast channels 900/901 as well as at gvsulakers.com.

A Fresh Look at Excitement “Fresh Kid of the Game” The college basketCourtney Goldschmeding promotion. Each game ball regular season has Louie picks one lucky kid tipped off and the game is Marketing and Promotions out of the crowd to be the like no other event with team mascots, pep bands, cheerleaders and rabid “Fresh Kid of the Game.” Louie carefully selects fans. Basketball games are more than just hoops, each winner and presents them with a gift card for a they are about entertainment. Fans enjoy game day FREE gallon of Country Dairy milk. So be sure to music, in-game promotions and halftime entertain- bring the whole family out to Laker basketball bement. Grand Valley State basketball games include cause your child could be Louie’s next pick.

As you gear up for the basketball season, be the madness of March and family fun activities.

GVSU basketball hosts many different theme games sure to check out the action at Grand Valley State every season and the 2009-10 line-up might be the University. You never know when you could lasso best yet. The upcoming events include; Allendale a free t-shirt or have your child chosen by Louie as Community Night, Kids Club Day, Golf Day and the “Fresh Kid of the Game.” To be a part of the excitement go to gvsulakers.com or call 331-3200 for Fan Appreciation Night.

The fun runs throughout the game. Grand tickets today.

Valley is taking a new approach to the t-shirt toss.

At Laker basketball games there is a little western two step where you can get in touch with your country side as well as grab a free t-shirt. The action begins with the promotions staff donning cowboy hats and Campus West “Go West” t-shirts to the sound of your favorite country music. The sharp shooting promotions staff pinpoints the loudest and craziest fans in the stands for the flying prizes.

Kids can be a part of the fun all season long and meet GVSU’s mascot, Louie the Laker. GVSU Athletics has teamed up with Country Dairy for the GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 4

Banking on a Strong Partnership What began in the late 90’s as a simple agreement between Lake Michigan Credit Union and Grand Valley State University has developed into a historic partnership. The relationship started with the installation of LMCU’s first ATM on campus, located in the commons area. That one ATM has now grown to 5 ATMs across campus as well as a new full service Allendale branch just west of 48th Street on Lake Michigan Drive.

Lake Michigan Credit Union was one of the first sponsors to sign on in support of GVSU Athletics. Grand Valley Athletic Director Tim Selgo spoke to this when he stated, “When I came to GVSU in 1996 and we began looking for corporate partners, Lake Michigan Credit Union was one of the first to jump on board and support GVSU and Laker Athletics.”

Throughout the years as the community has developed and faced change, the partnership between Lake Michigan Credit Union and Grand Valley State University has also seen change and development. They have created a winning relationship over the years as both have experienced amazing growth in West Michigan. Athletic Director Tim Selgo had the following to say about the growth experienced between LMCU and GVSU, “Over the last thirteen plus years, our relationship has grown and I couldn't begin to express how much we appreciate their support of our programs.

As a loyal LMCU member, it's been fun to watch their growth as well over this time period. It has

Courtney Goldschmeding Marketing and Promotions

opment and Community Involvement tells us that "Being a part of events like Move-In Week, Family Weekend, Kids Club Basketball games, as well as several charitable events, has given us a wonderful presence on campus and allows us to feel that we're truly a part of Laker Nation!"

Lake Michigan Credit Union and Grand Valley State University have enjoyed a solid partnership over the years and look to continue their success in years to come. Selgo summed this anticipation up with the statement, “I hope we remain partners for many more years to come!"

mirrored the growth of Grand Valley and we have had a lot of fun together as two institutions with similar missions and the same values.”

In the beginning, a lone ATM represented the bond between the two parties, but in 2000 LMCU made the decision to increase their commitment to include GVSU Athletics. Substantial impact was felt in response to this decision and has grown each year into a multifaceted program that links LMCU with sports such as football, basketball and track.

LMCU has also stretched their hand of support into a new entity in recent years. This new entity is Laker Nation, which is the official student fan group on campus. These aspects have also opened the door to many other activities on campus.

LMCU has continued to expand their outreach to assist the Housing Department, Student Life, Human Resources, and numerous campus organizations with a variety of sponsorships as well as providing beneficial financial literacy programs on campus for staff and students. Vickie This year, Lake Michigan Credit Union helped GVSU celebrate the one milSmith, Manager of Business Devel- lionth fan to attend a football game.

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 5

2009-10 REMAINING BASKETBALL SCHEDULE Dec. 3

Dec. 8

Tiffin (DH) Presented by Sport Clips Ashland (DH) Presented by AT&T Yellow Pages Lewis (W)

Dec. 12 Dec. 19

at Findlay at Hillsdale

5:30 pm 5:00 pm

Dec. 22

Olivet (M)

7:00 pm

Dec. 30

at Lake Erie

1:00 pm

Jan. 7

Saginaw Valley State (DH) TV Presented by University Bookstore Lake Superior State (DH) Presented by Celebration Cinema Ferris State (DH) Student Org. Night presented by Campus West

Dec. 5

Jan. 9 Jan. 11 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 Jan. 21 Jan. 23

Jan. 28 Jan. 30 Feb. 4 Feb. 6

Michigan Tech (DH) TV Fan Appreciation Night presented by Meadows Crossing Northern Michigan (DH) Kids Club Day presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union Findlay (DH) Stomp Out Breast Cancer presented by 48 West Hillsdale (DH) TV Golf Day presented by National City at Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech at Lake Superior State at Saginaw Valley State

Feb. 25

Wayne State (DH) TV Presented by Max & Erma’s Northwood (DH) Presented by Rivertown Honda

TV Game (Comcast 900/901)

1:00 pm 7:00 pm

6:00 pm 1:00 pm 6:00 pm 5:30 pm 1:00 pm 6:00 pm 1:00 pm

Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Feb. 18 Feb. 20

Feb. 27 TV

at Ashland at Tiffin at Northwood at Wayne State

6:00 pm

6:00 pm 1:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 5:30 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm 5:00 pm

6:00 pm 6:00 pm

(W) Women’s Basketball Game (M) Men’s Basketball Game (DH) Double Header (Men’s and Women’s Game)

For Tickets Call (616) 331-3200 4 TICKETS 4 HOT DOGS 4 SOFT DRINKS

for only $35 GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 6

Laker Basketball Teams Sign Four on Early Signing Day The Laker men’s and women’s basketball teams were both able to sign four student-athletes to join the program for the 2010-11 season after they complete their high school careers.

The men’s basketball team signed Kyle Vinales (Farmington, Mich.). Vinales is a 6’0” combo guard from North Farmington High School who averaged 25.3 points per game as a junior. Entering his senior season, he is already a three year starter for the Raiders. In 2008-09 he was named to the all-state honorable mention team, All-Oakland Activities Association First Team, and was placed on the all-area first team as well.

"Kyle is an outstanding prospect that we are excited about adding to our team. He does a little of everything for his high school team,” said GVSU head coach Ric Wesley. “His ability to score as well as handle the ball will allow him to play either guard position. Kyle has been fortunate to play for a great coach in Tom Negosian which should help ready him for the college game."

The women’s program brought in three new student-athletes to bolster a young team that will be getting stronger every year under the direction of head coach Janel Burgess.

Dani Crandall is a combo guard/forward who has already earned three letters for Eaton Rapids. She has earned First-Team All-Capital

Doug Witte Contributing Writer Area Athletic Conference honors, BCAM All-State Special Mention, and was her team’s most valuable player for the last two seasons. She averaged 14.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game last season leading the Greyhounds to a 15-6 record.

"Dani's ability to hit the three-point shot, attack from anywhere on the court, and post up down low will be something that will serve our program well in the years to come," Burgess noted.

"She is driven to succeed and we look forward to her contributing in a variety of ways on and off the court."

Another important piece being added to the team is Emily England, who will provide a presence in the post. England nearly averaged a double-double at Goodrich High School with a 12 point and nine rebound per game average. She was named to the All-Genesee Area Conference Red First Team after the 2008-09 season and was a BCAM All-State Special Mention as well.

"Emily is a great addition to our post play, as she is a true low-post player with the ability to step out and shoot from the high post as well," said Burgess. "Emily is a true student of the game and

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 7

Men’s Basketball Name

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Kyle Vinales G North Farmington High School Women’s Basketball Name

Pos.

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5’9”

Emily England Goodrich High School

C

6’2”

Tori Klewicki-McNutt G East Lansing High School

5’8”

her basketball IQ is something that will be a great compliment to the Laker program."

Burgess was also able to sign Tori Klewicki-McNutt for next season. Klewicki-McNutt has been a standout player for East Lansing High School and will finish her senior year at DeWitt. She was named all-conference and all-state and was also selected to the Lansing State Journal Dream Team in 2008-09 as a junior.

"Tori has a beautiful shot, as well as the quickness needed to get to the basket," Burgess said. "She is a competitor that is willing to give to her team in any capacity. Tori is going to bring another dimension to our guard play."

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The 2008-09 Grand Valley State women’s basketball team was quite young and rather inexperienced. The Lakers started one senior, two sophomores, and a pair of freshman guards. Somehow, the 2009-10 version of the team is younger than last year’s squad, but GVSU may actually accomplish more than the 20 wins and NCAA Tournament berth than it did last season.

A quick glance at the Lakers’ 2009-10 season opener provides a glimpse into what fans can expect this season from the youthful and talented group. Although Grand Valley State fell in a 92-85 overtime thriller to visiting Drury on Nov. 16, five players scored in double figures and nine of the 11 GVSU players that saw game action were either freshmen or sophomores.

This season’s squad will be led by a pair of juniors in Elizabeth Van Tiflin and Kara Crawford, in addition to the Lakers’ stellar duo of sophomore guards, Jasmine Padin and Emma Veach. However, GVSU head coach Janel Burgess has quite a gifted collection of freshmen that immediately paid dividends in the season’s first two contests.

In the opening loss to Drury, the Lakers pushed the game to overtime even with Veach, the reigning GLIAC Freshman of the Year and team’s leading returning scorer, playing just two minutes due to injury. Padin, who set a career-high with nine assists, found freshman forward Paige Smith under the hoop and Smith connected on a layup to tie the game at 77-77 with four seconds left. Drury outscored GVSU in overtime, 15-8, but the Lakers still did many good things, even in the loss.

Starting freshman center Alex Stelfox scored 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, while adding five rebounds and blocking three shots. Padin led all players with 19 points and totaled four steals to go along with her nine assists. All in all, four starters scored in double figures, as Van Tiflin knocked down four three-pointers and tallied a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Making her first career start in place of Veach was sophomore guard Kelly Kretz, who notched a career-best 15 points and made three triples. In her first collegiate game, Smith supplied 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 29 very productive minutes off the bench.

Just five days later against Kentucky Wesleyan (which the Lakers defeated in a close 57-50 contest last season), the Lakers were firing on all cylinders by shooting 60.3 percent from the field

DJ Foster Contributing Writer and winning a blowout, 81-36. A dozen GVSU players recorded at least 10 minutes of game action and two of the team’s leading scorers were a pair of freshman twin sisters, Brittany and Briauna Taylor. Brittany shot 8-of-10 from the floor, making her first seven shots, and scored a game-high 17 points, to go with seven rebounds and three steals in just 15 minutes. Briauna recorded 12 points, four steals, and three rebounds in 18 minutes. Veach returned to scored 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while Stelfox notched 10 points and again blocked three shots in the win.

To recap, four Grand Valley State freshmen scored in double digits at least once in their first two games and proved they belonged on the court so early in their collegiate career. All six freshmen played in one of the two home games before GVSU went on the road for the first time at Saint Joseph’s (Ind.) on Nov. 24 and at Ferris State on Nov. 30.

The early playing time for the young Lakers will be crucial, as Grand Valley State jumps right into its conference schedule in December and January. GVSU hosts league opponents, Tiffin and Ashland, at the beginning of the month, followed

by a non-conference game with Lewis. After that three-game homestand, the Lakers head on the road for league battles with an improving Findlay team and Hillsdale, the reigning GLIAC Tournament champions. Grand Valley State closes out the month and 2009 calendar year with a road game at Lake Erie on Dec. 30.

Following the holiday celebrations, GVSU hits the ground running quickly with three important league games in just five days. The Lakers will host Saginaw Valley State, Lake Superior State and West Michigan rival Ferris State from Jan. 7 to Jan. 11. Three days later, it will be off to Ohio for Grand Valley State, as it will face Ashland and Tiffin over the weekend to run the grueling total to five conference games in just 10 days.

After traveling to Northwood and Wayne State on the weekend of Jan. 21-23, the Lakers will close out the month with a pair of tough home games against Michigan Tech, the preseason #1 team in the country, and Northern Michigan on Jan. 28-30.

This year, Grand Valley State would like to duplicate one streak it completed last season and prevent another trend. After starting the 2008-09 season with a 3-2 record, the Lakers ran off a string of 12 straight victories, the fifth-longest such streak in program history. Those dozen wins included victories over three consecutive undefeated oppo-

Head coach Janel Burgess leads the Lakers into the middle of the season with high expectations on her young squad.

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 10

Putting Youth to the Test (continued) nents, including knocking off #6 Hillsdale, and GVSU did not lose for almost two months.

Just a week later, however, the Lakers started an unfortunate streak in which they alternated wins and losses in their next 11 games. Ultimately, the season was still a huge success, as Grand Valley State won at least 20 games and advanced to the NCAA Midwest Regional Tournament for the fourth time in five years. The Lakers earned a spot in the GLIAC Final Four and set a few team records, including free throw percentage (.778) and three-pointers made (218).

To achieve that same success this year, GVSU will look to Crawford, Van Tiflin, Padin, and Veach to lead the group of youthful sophomores and freshmen to postseason play. It seems as if that quartet is a good place to start. Crawford started all 30 games last year, averaging 9.3 points and shooting better than 45 percent from the field, while Van Tiflin was named to the All-GLIAC North Division Defensive Team with 48 steals and pulled down a team-high 6.8 rebounds per game.

The team’s starting point guard since day one of last year, Padin broke team records for three-pointers made (73) and attempted (208) in a season, while dishing out 124 assists, which tied for the 10th highest total in a single-season in Laker history. Her sophomore backcourt mate,

Veach was named All-GLIAC North Division Second Team at the end of last season after averaging 13.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Both players were named to the Preseason All-GLIAC North Division Team, meaning two of the five players on that squad play their home games at GVSU Fieldhouse Arena.

Burgess has brought in quite a group of talented players during her time as Laker head coach, as she is in the midst of her third year at Grand Valley State. The 36 wins during her first two seasons are the most victories for a coach in their first two years in program history. Eleven of the 14 players on GVSU’s roster this year are freshmen or sophomores and with just one senior, the future looks awful bright for the Laker program.

While Grand Valley State will play another demanding season of the 22-game GLIAC schedule, the Lakers know what to expect and hopefully have learned how to handle the difficult year ahead, which includes quite a tough stretch of 15 games in December and January. Burgess and her team of 14 players look prepared, focused, and ready to face the 2009-10 season and make it another record-breaking year.

Emma Veach (Grand Haven, Mich.) was the second leading scorer for the Lakers during her freshman year.

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 11

Q & A with GVSU Professor James Padilla What is your current job title at GVSU? Describe what that involves.

• While most people have a media-driven gram, but increase positive exposure to the program. In addition, no program can survive without perspective of Donald Fehr (ex-Executive Director producing quality graduates. Therefore, quality ed- of the MLB Player’s Asscoaition), I admire him the I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of ucation will always be at the forefront. most of any key figure in the professional sports Movement Science teaching Sports Management world and would recommend everyone try to hear courses such as Current Topics in Sports Manage- Long term, I would like our program to be the state him speak. ment (PED 356) and Special Topics: Facility & leader at a minimum and be recognized regionally.

• I have met Jerry Reinsdorf (Chicago Event Management (PED 380-04) this semester. The ultimate determinant being our quality, well- White Sox/Bulls owner) and George Steinbrenner Next semester we will add Special Topics: Sports prepared graduates.

(New York Yankees owner). Mr. Steinbrenner defLaw (PED 380-05). Considering that Sports Maninitely fits his media description. agement is a new concentration under the Sports Do you find professional or collegiate level ath• One of my past bosses is in federal prison.

Leadership Emphasis, I am also creating new letics to be more rewarding?

• As an intern in an athlete agent’s office, I course offerings as the program continues to dehad to do the “grunt” work which included getting velop and grow.

Money does different things to different people – lunch, coffee and buying a professional basketball with that being said, I prefer collegiate level ath- player his favorite brand and color of jock straps.

Prior to coming to GVSU where were you em- letics and the purity of amateurism. ployed?

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Directly prior to GVSU, I was an Assistant Professor at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. I have That’s easy – the interaction with the students. I been a full-time professor since 2005. Prior to be- pursued this career because of an inner desire and coming a professor, I was an executive in the sports passion to help better prepare students in the Sports and entertainment insurance industry working for Management field and there is nothing more satisvarious organizations in Indiana and Illinois. fying in my opinion.

You are considered an expert on athlete disabil- Describe your most memorable experience from ity insurance. What exactly does that mean? your years of working in athletics.

Since 1995, I have helped professional and collegiate athletes place disability insurance policies on themselves primarily protecting themselves against career-ending injuries. The monetary benefit amount (coverage amount) is paid directly to the player in the event they suffer an injury or illness which prevents them from continuing or pursuing their career.

Have you worked with any well-known athletes from the collegiate and professional levels?

I have worked with numerous NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, LPGA, NHL and MLS players as well as some teams.

How is the Sports Leadership program at GVSU developing?

In my opinion, the excitement is building. Between the Sports Management and Coaching concentrations, more and more students are approaching us about the programs and discussing future career opportunities. We are also on the cusp of helping some of our students create a student organization, the GV Sports Leadership Club.

While meeting all of the various individuals I have over the years makes for great stories, the most memorable experience I have is from one of my past NFL clients who suffered an injury during preseason training camp and it was actually highlighted during a segment of HBO’s Hard Knocks.

The injury was actually the third to his same knee over a two year period and the show highlighted how this player was beloved by his team including the team owner despite not being a so-called superstar. I knew from the outset this would be a difficult insurance claim to process due to a number of issues. I could not have been happier helping him collect the amount of money he did to help him support his family and future endeavors outside of football. He was as nice of a person as anyone could have ever met and deserved every bit of help I could provide him.

What advice can you offer to others looking to pursue a career in Sports Leadership?

What are your short and long term goals for the Sports Management program here at GVSU?

• If you are really dedicated to doing what it takes to have a career in sports, stay focused and remain dedicated.

• Obtain as much experience as you possibly can, whether it be at the youth, high school, college or pro level.

• Do what you love.

Short term is simply to continue to generate interest both on and off campus with the goal to not only increase enrollment in the Sports Management Pro-

Any other interesting story you would like to share?

Interesting tidbits: GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 12

GVSU Recipe of the Month - Laker Mint Chocolate Pie Directions: 1 1/3 cups (8-0z pkg)

Ingredie nt s:

YORK mini pepperm int patties, divided 5 tablespoons milk, divided 1 packaged chocolat e crumb crust (6 oz) 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows (white 1 tub (8 oz) frozen no ) n-dairy whipped topp ing, thawed & divide Additional sweetene d d whipped cream or whipped topping (opt Blue food coloring (fo ional) r whipped topping)

1. Place 1/3 cup peppermint patties & 1 tablespoon milk in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds on high. If necessary, microwave additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until patties are melted & mixture is smooth when stirred. Spread on bottom of crust. Refrigerate while preparing next step.

2. Place marshmallows, 2/3 cup peppermint patties & remaining 4 tablespoons milk in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until marshmallows are melted & mixture is well blended. Transfer to separate large bowl, cool completely.

3. Mix blue food coloring with whipped topping. Stir 2 cups whipped topping into cooled chocolate mixture; spread over chocolate in crust. Set aside about 2 tablespoons peppermint patties; coarsely chop the remaining patties. Stir chopped pieces into remaining blue whipped topping. Spread over surface of pie.

4. Cover; freeze several hours or until firm. Garnish with remaining peppermint patties & additional blue whipped topping. Cover; freeze until ready to serve...

About the Recipe This month’s recipe was provided by Sarah Read. Sarah is married to Charlie Read who currently works in the marketing department for GVSU Athletics. If you would like to submit your own recipe, please email gvsportsnetwork@gvsu.edu.

Laker Crosser

Crossword answers available on page 14

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 13

S a n dra’s S n a p sh o t

National City Bank President Sean Welch presides over the coin toss at the beginning of the regular season finale versus Wayne State on 11/07/09.

Did You Know? • Laker quarterback Brad Iciek became just the second player in NCAA Division II history to be named a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award three times. The Harlon Hill is the Division II version of the Heisman Trophy. • GVSU Student-Athletes took part in over 3,200 hours of voluntary community service in the 2008-09 academic year. This year, entering December, the Lakers have accumulated around 1,000 hours. • Grand Valley has been ranked the top “Up and Comingâ€? institution in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. The designation is for those who are “worth watching because they are making promising and innovative changes.â€?

Crossword Puzzle Answers

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PLAYER PROFILES Jacob McGuckin Senior Football Allen Park, Michigan Finance/Business Economics 8 Years Old

NAME YEAR SPORT HOMETOWN MAJOR AGE BEGAN SPORT FAVORITE......

MOVIE FOOD SONG PLACE TO VISIT SPORTS TEAM

Taken Crab Legs Till I Collapse by Eminem Higgins Lake Detroit Lions I chose to become a Laker because of the winning tradition, the location, and the academics.

Chelsea Johnson Junior Tennis Novi, Michigan Marketing and Management 13 Years Old Italian Job Pasta “Slide” Goo Goo Dolls Anywhere Warm Detroit Red Wings

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A LAKER

I love the campus and the girls on the team are great!

My parents have had the biggest impact on my sports career WHO HAS HAD THE BIGGEST My parents because they’ve always supported me both emobecause they've supported me through everything I've done. IMPACT ON YOUR SPORTS tionally and financially.

CAREER?

In five years I see myself married, traveling a lot, and making WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR- Hopefully happy ☺ SELF IN 5 YEARS? the most out of the opportunities that are presented to me

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Doug Lipinski

Rebeccah Rapin

P.T. Gates

Lisa Sweany

Associate A.D. Allendale, Mich.

Volleyball Player Saginaw, Mich.

Football Player San Diego, Calif.

Sr. Associate A.D. Grand Rapids, Mich.

Best Christmas present ever?

Jamie Morris #23 Michigan jersey

Cell phone

Diamond BMX bike

A car

Favorite holiday food?

Deviled eggs or Kielbasa

Cheesy potatoes

Greens

Homemade pecan pie

A good time!

For kissing

Kissing

An odd holiday tradition

If I could be anywhere on New Years Eve, I would be ...

With my family

Chicago with my friends

Another country

On a tropical beach

One word for your feelings on snow

Stop

Unpredictable

“Cali”

Nuisance

Mistletoe is ...

2141 Port Sheldon Street, P.O. Box 9 • Jenison, MI • 616.669.2700

BECOME A FAN facebook.com/gvsulakers Follow the Lakers twitter.com/gvsulakers

Your community news source for over 40 years For all your printing needs...

6670 Marcan • Jenison, MI • 616.669.5210

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 16

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• Our Max Checking account pays 4% APY* with FREE ATMs. • GVSU students and faculty receive 10% off purchases at The Perk. the Perk® Hours Monday - Thursday: 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Branch Hours Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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