GVSports Monthly Magazine

February 2010

THE MITCHELL ERA BEGINS Matt Mitchell Becomes the Seventh Head Coach in GVSU Football History

Inside: GVSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball Reports

IN THIS ISSUE W. Basketball - Page 2

LAKER WOMEN LOOK TO DEPTH DOWN THE STRETCH The 2009-10 women’s basketball team is experiencing perhaps a case of deja vu, with this season shaping up very much like the 2008-09 year. For the most part ...

M. Basketball - Page 3

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 5 EDITOR IN CHIEF Tim Nott MANAGING EDITOR Doug Lipinski EXECUTIVE EDITOR Doug Witte ACQUISITIONS EDITOR Courtney Goldschmeding

MEN’S BASKETBALL CARRIED BY TOUGH ONE-TWO PUNCH

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Charlie Read

The saying goes “Offense wins games, defense wins championships.” Grand Valley State head men’s basketball coach Ric Wesley appears to prescribe to this theory, as his Laker team ...

CONTRIBUTORS Kelsey Deacon DJ Foster Janine Freeman Andy Fry Sandra Jennings Alexis Rangel GV Sports Marketing GVSU Sports Information

W. Lacrosse - Page 7

ALICIA GROvESTON BECOMES GvSU’S fIRST-EvER LACROSSE COACH Grand Valley State Director of Athletics, Tim Selgo, announced that Alicia Groveston will be the first-ever head women's lacrosse coach at Grand Valley State. GVSU, which announced ...

Main Event - Page 10

MATT MITCHELL NAMED GvSU HEAD fOOTBALL COACH Tim Selgo, the Director of Athletics at Grand Valley State University, announced that Matt Mitchell has been named the seventh head coach in the tradition-rich history of the GVSU football program ...

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 1

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 in Allendale by the Advance Newspaper.

GV Sports Monthly Magazine GVSU, 192 Fieldhouse Allendale MI 49401

Laker Women Look to Depth to Carry Team Down the Stretch The 2009-10 women’s basketball team is experiencing perhaps a case of deja vu, with this season shaping up very much like the 2008-09 year. For the most part, that would be a very good thing, as last year’s GVSU squad finished 20-10 with a 15-7 record in the GLIAC and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. However, at one point last season, the Lakers were 15-3 and had won 12 straight games, only to alternate wins and losses for much of the rest of the season.

This year’s team was sporting an 11-3 record with an 8-1 conference mark at press time.

Just like last season, the 2009-10 team had put together a lengthy winning streak early in the year, with two of the only blemishes being a pair of back-to-back losses at the end of December. To make sure the two seasons do not mirror each other, Grand Valley State has to avoid the downfall that occurred late last year, as the Lakers approach the tough second half of their schedule.

After starting 15-3 last year, GVSU went 5-7 the rest of the way, with the main reason more than likely being connected to the younger players simply breaking down towards the end of the season. The Lakers look to combat that this year with a second consecutive stellar freshman class that has head coach Janel Burgess utilizing nearly a dozen

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DJ Foster Contributing Writer players in her lineup, without much of a dropoff from the starters to the bench.

The 2009-10 version of Burgess’ squad is extremely talented and deep, as seven different players have led the team in scoring in a game during the first 14 contests. While three players were toting a double-figure average in scoring, Grand Valley State had a whopping 10 players scoring more than four points per game.

Sophomore guards Emma Veach and Jasmine Padin continue to run the show just as they did during their freshman campaigns. Veach, the 2008-09 GLIAC Freshman of the Year, leads the team with 11.6 points per game, while throwing in 5.6 boards, 50 assists, and a 51.6 field goal percentage. The floor general, Padin, was sporting an 11.2 points per game average, to go along with 62 assists and 33 three-pointers, both figures ranking in the top three in the conference.

A group of five freshmen have seen extended minutes, including starting center Alex Stelfox (10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 23 blocks), the Taylor twin sisters, Briauna (7.6 points, 60.9 three-

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point percentage) and Brittany (4.9 points, 48.4 percent shooting), and back-up point guard Lauren Stodola (4.5 points, 25 assists, 52.0 three-point percentage).

GVSU opens and closes February with a set of home games. The Lakers will take on Findlay and Hillsdale on Feb. 4-6 in Fieldhouse Arena, while capping off the regular season with games against Wayne State and Northwood (Feb. 25-27) in the Fieldhouse Arena. In between those home contests is a four-game road trip to the Upper Peninsula against Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech and road games at Lake Superior State and Saginaw Valley State.

Joining Padin, Stelfox, and Veach in the starting lineup are juniors Kara Crawford (6.4 points, 4.7 rebounds) and Elizabeth Van Tiflin (6.0 points, 6.1 rebounds). Veach is the only one who has not started every game of the year, as she was nursing an injury during GVSU’s season opener.

The Lakers appear to be hitting their stride after an early January stretch where they won four games in a row, all by at least 22 points.

As long as the young players can stay healthy and conditioned and the veterans continue to lead and produce, GVSU could tally an even more successful finish than last season.

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Men’s Basketball Carried by Defense and Strong One-Two Punch The saying goes “Offense wins games, defense wins championships.” Grand Valley State head men’s basketball coach Ric Wesley appears to prescribe to this theory, as his Laker team is again one of the top defensive teams in the GLIAC and in the Midwest Region.

As of Jan. 15, GVSU owned an 11-3 overall record with a 7-2 mark in conference play, as the Lakers were winners of seven straight contests.

After a Dec. 12 loss at Findlay, the defending Division II National Champions, Grand Valley State was just 4-3 on the year.

Since that point, the Laker defense started dominating games at a championship-level, helping GVSU rattle off seven wins in a row, including six straight at home in Fieldhouse Arena. For the sixth consecutive season, Grand Valley State’s defense ranks in the top two in the league.

During the Lakers’ seven-game win streak, GVSU held teams to 60 points or less five times and did not allow a team to eclipse the 70-point barrier. In fact, Grand Valley State had yet to give up 80 points in a game all season, as the Lakers ranked second in the GLIAC, allowing just 61.3 points per contest.

It is just one reason the second half of the 2009-10 year looks bright for Grand Valley State.

DJ Foster Contributing Writer In those games in late February and early March, when teams are playing their 30th game of the year and players’ tired legs affect offensive production, defense is the staple that can carry GVSU in the conference and NCAA playoffs.

Although the Laker offense was just ninth in the GLIAC in points per game (65.1) at press time, Wesley’s team featured one of the top individual players in the conference, junior Justin Ringler. The combo guard/forward was putting up averages of 15.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game (third-best in the league) and he had totaled five double-doubles, third most in the GLIAC. In addition to Ringler, his classmate Toreau Brown was scoring 12.2 points per game, while shooting 86.0 percent from the free throw line and 50.4 percent from the field. The one-two punch of Ringler and Brown, when coupled with the stingy GVSU defense, is enough to frighten any team come playoff time.

Before the Lakers can advance to the conference and regional tournaments, GVSU must finish up the regular season. After returning home

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from a four-game road trip in mid-January and closing the month with home games against Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan, Grand Valley State will host Findlay and Hillsdale on Feb. 4-6 in Fieldhouse Arena. While the Oilers lost most of their starting five, they are still in the running for a conference and regional title, and that re-match should be a good one.

GVSU then takes another four-game road trip, this time to the Upper Peninsula, to take on Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech on Feb. 1113. After that trek up north, the Lakers will face Lake Superior State and Saginaw Valley State in road contests on Feb. 18-20. Grand Valley State will then finish up the month with a pair of home games against Wayne State and Northwood to close out the regular season.

The Lakers have positioned themselves to make the postseason again, which would begin in the first week of March, with Grand Valley State could host a first-round GLIAC Tournament game and possibly the GLIAC final four.

If the defense stays strong and GVSU can make some shots and rebound the ball like they’ve been doing (a +5.2 rebounding edge), this Lakers team could be playing deep into the conference and NCAA Tournaments.

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 3

NEWS IN BRIEF

Brian Kelly to Coach at Notre Dame Former GVSU head football coach Brian Kelly has been named head coach to Notre Dame, succeeding Charlie Weis. Kelly led the University of Cincinnati to an undefeated season and a number four ranking in 2009. Kelly has previously experienced success at GVSU and Central Michigan University.

Mitch-a-Palooza On March 20th help welcome new GVSU head football coach Matt “Mitch� Mitchell with Mitcha-Palooza. Be the first to see your 2010 Laker Football team in action as they take the field for a practice and get a chance to win great prizes. For more information contact (616) 331-8630.

SToMp ouT BREAST CANCER Stomp out breast cancer with the Lakers on February 4th during the men’s and women’s basketball games against Findlay. Games tip-off at 6pm and 8pm. Support your Lakers by wearing pink to the game and help raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

Irie Dennis Named Soccer Player of the Year Grand Valley State's Irie Dennis became the first women's soccer player in the program's history to be named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Women's NCAA Division II National Player of the Year. Irie was honored at the annual All-America Luncheon, held in Philadelphia, Pa., on Jan. 16 as part of the 2010 NSCAA Convention.

Dennis helped the Lakers to an undefeated season and their first NCAA National Championship. She recorded two assists in the NCAA semifinal match in the 3-2 overtime win over Saint Rose on Dec. 3, 2009. Dennis finished her senior year with seven goals and eight assists for 22 points, while starting all 26 of GVSU's games, playing a total of 1614 minutes. She recorded eight multi-point games in the 2009 season and played a season-high 97 minutes in the NCAA Regional Finals match against Northern Kentucky on Nov. 20.

"Receiving the National Player of the Year is a great honor for Irie Dennis and certainly is a great cap to an already impressive career. Irie has been a great example of the balance we strive to achieve here at Grand Valley State University," said GVSU head women's soccer coach David DiIanni. "She has a 3.5 grade point average and was instrumental in helping her team win a National Championship. For the university and her soccer family I want to say congratulations on a much deserved award."

This season, Dennis was named to the All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) First Team and was named the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year. She earned Daktronics Division II Midwest Region First Team and Daktronics All-America Honorable Mention honors. The New Albany, Ohio native, was selected to the NSCAA All-America First Team and was nominated as a candidate for the 2009-10 Division II Athlete of the Year representing soccer.

Story written by Kelsey Deacon, gvsulakers.com February 3 - National Signing Day This is the first day you can find out who will be the future of the Laker football program. Check gvsulakers.com to view the press conference live or to find the release of the signing day class. Get the first Do you enjoy glimpse of players who will continue building the spending hours surfing the Laker tradition. web while listening to Marketing

Interaction at its Best

Sometimes it seems like Facebook has changed the way life operand Promotions ates. Some people have music on your ipod and tweeting on your phone? That scenario is probably thousands of friends, while others have only dozens excessive for most but, like me, I’m sure you can re- but, either way, you can connect like never before late to at least one of those items. Let’s face it, we with people around the globe. Some people change are living in a time where people talk how they text their status as quickly as they change their shirts with phrases such as omg (oh my gosh) and lol while others embrace not sharing anything. What(laugh out loud). Technology and new gadgets are ever your Facebook style may be, everyone should everywhere and are here to stay, so why not embrace be a fan of Grand Valley State Lakers. As much as it and see what they can do for you?

Twitter gives you the inside look, Grand Valley State I like to think that I can navigate the world Lakers on Facebook gives you so much more. Beof technology, but in reality I’m happy to be able to coming a fan on Facebook gives you insights into use the internet and my ipod. For all that I lack in Laker Athletics and premium invites to great events skills, I still enjoy being up on the latest sports hap- such as Mitch-a-Palooza. penings. For those of you who are in the same boat I love sports, from watching them to followas me, there’s hope with navigating the transforming ing them, I’m a big fan. You don’t have to be sports world around us with gvsulakers.com. For those of enthusiast though to check out summer camps availyou who steer with ease, then gvsulakers.com is just able for kids of all ages on gvsulakers.com. The ofa bonus. Coming from someone who understands ficial website of the Lakers also offers press tweeting as something a bird does, I celebrate the conference videos, live game trackers and radio ease that gvsulakers.com has to offer. If your knowl- show spots, so fans don’t have to miss one second. edge of Twitter goes beyond mine, then you can folSo whether your tech savvy or a novice such low the Lakers by simply adding gvsulakers to your as myself, you can link up with Grand Valley Athaccount. Twitter allows the fan to be totally up to letics on gvsulakers.com and be a part of all the acdate with news and teams, and what sports fan does- tion. n’t want to feel part of the team?

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AT&T Yellow Pages Calling all Lakers! Watch for your 2010-2011 AT&T Yellow Pages phonebook to see the Laker football team on the cover.

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GLIAC Championships GVSU will be competing at the 2010 GLIAC Swimming & Diving Championships February 1013 at Wayne State University. For complete coverage of the 2010 GLIAC Swimming & Diving Championships stay tuned to gvsulakers.com.

Jeff Quinn Hired at University of Buffalo Jeff Quinn, former assistant coach at GVSU, was named the head coach for the Buffalo Bulls. Quinn followed Brian Kelly to Central Michigan and Cincinnati prior to being hired this winter at Buffalo. Quinn hired Greg Forest, who is also a former assistant from GVSU, as his offensive coordinator.

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 4

GVSU Student-Athletes Look to Make-A-Wish in 2010 Grand Valley’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a group of student-athletes whose mission is, “to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity for all student-athletes, protecting student-athlete welfare, and fostering a positive image.” In the past, SAAC has organized activities such as can and shoe drives to help donate to the homeless, created Thanksgiving baskets for families, made Christmas cards for a nearby retirement home, and handed out halloween candy to a group of visiting children.

Division II student-athletes nationwide raise money each year to donate to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each year the committee thinks of ideas to try to raise as much money as possible for this great cause. SAAC has set a goal for the academic year of raising $10,000 for Make-A-Wish.

This is the average amount it takes to grant one child’s wish through the foundation.

On Saturday, September 12th, 2009 the Grand Valley State track and field and cross country teams had four carwashes at various locations across west Michigan. The teams raised nearly $2,000 towards the goal. "It was great for our cross country team and track and field teams to work together for such a great cause," said Cory Young, assistant track coach. "Our athletes rarely have a chance to work together as a complete team, but the car wash allowed them to provide community service while working side by side with one another. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the teams

to grow as individuals and as a team."

SAAC is also selling GVSU beads to fans at sporting events to support this effort. The proceeds will go towards reaching the goal to be able to provide a child’s wish. They are also planning other events such as a 3 on 3 basketball tournament and fundraisers through local restaurants. SAAC hopes that the GVSU community will continue to support them in reaching their goal to sponsor one wish.

Alicia Adell Assistant Director of Laker Advising washed cars at four locations: Arby's in Standale, McDonald's in Allendale, Walgreen's in Grandville, and Arby's in Hudsonville. "Make-AWish is a great foundation and we are happy that we could contribute and make a difference," Young continued. "It was a chance for our student-athletes

GVSU’s Track and Field team participated in a car wash to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

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2009-10 REMAINING BASKETBALL SCHEDULE Jan. 28

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

Jan. 30 Feb. 4 Feb. 6 Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Feb. 18 Feb. 20

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

Feb. 27 TV

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

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 6

Alicia Groveston Becomes GVSU’s First-Ever Lacrosse Coach Grand Valley State Director of Athletics, Tim Selgo, announced that Alicia Groveston will be the first-ever head women's lacrosse coach at Grand Valley State. GVSU, which announced that it would be adding women's lacrosse as the 20th varsity sport on September 15, will begin play as an independent in the spring of 2012. Groveston, who most recently was the head women's lacrosse coach at Gannon University in Erie, Pa. will begin her duties at Grand Valley State February 1.

"We are excited to have Alicia lead our women's lacrosse program at Grand Valley State," said Selgo. "We had outstanding candidates interested in leading our program and Alicia rose to the top of that group. We were extremely impressed with her knowledge of the game and her enthusiastic approach to recruiting," added Selgo.

Groveston led Gannon to a 12-4 record during the 2009 campaign and a final Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) ranking of No. 8. The Knights finished 5-3 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), but failed to make the PSAC Tournament on a tiebreaker. In addition to an outstanding season on the field, Gannon's 2009 lacrosse team earned the IWLCA Merit Award for having the second-best team GPA (3.34) in NCAA Division II lacrosse.

"I am extremely honored and privileged to

Tim Nott Contributing Writer join Grand Valley State University and lead the women's lacrosse program," said Groveston. "It is an exciting time in women's lacrosse and I am excited to build this program from the ground up and increase the awareness of women's lacrosse in the Midwest," added Groveston.

Prior to her arrival at Gannon, Groveston spent the 2008 season as an assistant for Belmont Abbey. The Crusaders posted a 12-7 record, including a 7-4 conference mark against Conference Carolina opponents. The squad was also nationally-ranked throughout the season in the IWLCA Top 10 poll. Groveston, an Academic AllAmerican at Salisbury, spent three years prior to coaching at Belmont Abbey in private business.

She started her coaching career as an assistant coach at Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, Maryland for two seasons where she coached two All-Americans there and helped guide Stephen Decatur to the regional championship.

The Annapolis, Md., native had a stellar playing career at Hartwick for two seasons, before transferring to Salisbury for her final two years of eligibility. Groveston played field hockey and

SHOP ONLINE ANYTIME GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 7

Alicia Groveston

lacrosse while at Hartwick. At Salisbury, she earned all-conference and regional all-america honors as a senior defender. In the process, she led Salisbury to an NCAA Regional Championship appearance. Groveston also earned Academic AllConference and Academic All-America honors as a senior. She graduated magna cum laude from Salisbury in 2003 with a degree in Communication Arts/Mass Media. Groveston later received her MBA from Salisbury in 2004, graduating cum laude.

Forward Justin Ringler (14) completed this lay-up despite getting fouled. Ringler scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Lakers to a 60-58 comeback win over rival Saginaw Valley State.

Photo by Doug Witte

Grand Haven, Mich. native Emma Veach hits a shot just before the buzzer sounds at the end of the first half in a game vs. Ferris State. The Lakers went on to win 64-41.

Photo by Doug Witte

MATT MITCHELL NAMED GVSU HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Tim Selgo, the Director of Athletics at Tim Nott Grand Valley State University, announced today that Matt Mitchell has been named the seventh Contributing Writer head coach in the tradition-rich history of the GVSU football program. Mitchell replaces Chuck (2nd/4.17) and tackles for loss (6th/9.17). GVSU Martin who left to become the defensive back also ranked 17th in total defense (278.9), tallied coach at the University of Notre Dame. Martin two shutouts and limited seven opponents to 10 guided Grand Valley State to a 74-7 record during points or less.

The 35-year-old Mitchell spent four years his six years at the helm, including two NCAA DII "Recruiting and leadership are key at Wartburg (Iowa) College Football National Champi- points to being the head coach at as an assistant coach, including the final two as the onships (2005-2006), five Grand Valley State and Matt meets defensive coordinator.

Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference those traits in much the same way Wartburg, which compiled (GLIAC) crowns and six that Brian (Kelly) and Chuck (Mar- a record of 21-3 while tin) did during their time as head Mitchell was in charge of playoff appearances. the defense, advanced to “I am pleased to coaches at Grand Valley State." the quarterfinals of the announce today that Matt -Tim Selgo, GVSU Athletic Director NCAA Division III NaMitchell is the seventh head football coach in the proud history of Grand tional Championship each of his last two years.

Valley State football, said Selgo. “We interviewed Wartburg finished third in total defense, second in an outstanding group of candidates for our head rushing defense and eighth in scoring defense in football coaching position and each one of those 2003 under Mitchell's guidance. Mitchell, who is candidates were first class individuals and out- a certified strength and conditioning coach through standing football coaches. Ultimately, we had to the NSCA, was named the Football Quarterly Dimake a decision that was in the best interest of our vision II Strength and Conditioning Coach of the student-athletes at GVSU and there is no doubt in Year in February 2007.

“It is a tremendous honor to be named head my mind that we found that person in Matt football coach at Grand Valley State University,” Mitchell,” added Selgo.

A six-year veteran of the GVSU coaching said Mitchell. “The Grand Valley State football staff, Mitchell most recently concluded his second program has a great tradition of excellence and I year as the defensive coordinator and am excited about the opportunity to lead our stulinebacker/safety coach for the Lakers. Mitchell’s dent-athletes. I am following in the footsteps of 2009 defense finished the regular season ranked some outstanding football coaches and I am lookfirst in the GLIAC in scoring defense (17.7 ppg), ing to continue to build on the tradition already esrushing defense (95.6 ypg), total defense (305.0 tablished,” added Mitchell.

Including his four years at Wartburg and six ypg), turnover margin (+22), QB sacks (48), tackyears at Grand Valley State, Mitchell has been a les for loss (7.1 pg) and interceptions (21). The Laker defense ranked in the top 20 of six NCAA part of an 10-year college football record of 112DII categories and held six opponents to 10 points 13 with eight straight NCAA playoff appearances. or less. His 2008 Laker defense led the GLIAC in In addition, Mitchell was the head football coach six different categories and ranked in the top 10 na- at Regina High School in Iowa City, Iowa where tionally in scoring defense (4th/12.6), QB sacks he compiled a record of 15-5 during the 1998 and GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 10

Coaching Career: 2010 Grand valley State Head Coach 2008-09 Grand valley State Defensive Coordinator 2004-07 Grand valley State Linebackers Coach 2002-03 Wartburg College Defensive Coordinator 2000-01 Wartburg College Assistant Coach 1998-99 Regina High School Head Coach Playing Career: 1994-1997 Cornell College

Matt Mitchell Named GVSU Head Football Coach

Matt Mitchell has directed one of the top defenses for the past two years as the defensive coordinator.

1999 campaigns.

“Matt’s track record in coaching has been successful each step of the way and he was a key piece in our 74-7 record the past six years,” said Selgo. “Recruiting and leadership are key points to being the head coach at Grand Valley State and Matt meets those traits in much of the same way that Brian (Kelly) and Chuck (Martin) did during their time as head coaches at Grand Valley State.”

Mitchell will welcome back the services of 42 lettermen in 2010, including 18 players that have started games for the Lakers. GVSU will have to replace quarterback Brad Iciek, wide receiver Blake Smolen, running backs James Berezik and P.T. Gates and offensive tackle Nick McDonald offesively, while safety Jacob McGuckin and defensive tackle Alex Gilde must be replaced on the defensive side of the ball.

“We will obviously have some holes to fill, but we have a number of players who are ready to step in and make an impact in our football team,” said Mitchell. “We lost one player among our offensive line and tight ends and as a head coach it is comforting to know that you will be strong up front. We will have some big holes to fill among our offensive skill players, but when I look at our roster we have a number of skill players chomping at the bit to show their ability. Defensively, we will

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miss (Jacob) McGuckin and (Alex) Gilde, but I saw a number of playmakers on the defensive side of the ball that either redshirted or played in a backup role,” added Mitchell.

Mitchell earned his B.S.S in Biology and Secondary Education from Cornell (Iowa) College in 1997. Matt was a two-time, First-Team All-Midwest Conference selection as a defensive lineman during his playing career at Cornell (Iowa) College. *****GVSU is 93-7 in its last 100 games with four National Championships (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006). The Lakers are 121-8 in their last 129 games and 94-4 in its last 98 regular season games...Including the last six games of the 2000 season, the Lakers are 65-3 at home, 50-4 in their last 54 road games and 52-5 in all games away from Lubbers Stadium in their last 57...Grand Valley State appeared in six title games since 2001 and is the only team in NCAA DII to appear in the NCAA DII Playoffs each of the last nine years.

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 11

Q & A with Women’s Head Basketball Coach Janel Burgess What is your favorite part of being Head Coach of the GVSU women’s basketball team?

One of the greatest aspects of coaching our Laker Women’s Basketball team is the fact we get to watch our young ladies mature into strong women.

Each lesson we learn on and off the court leads to success after graduation in whatever career opportunities they are given.

fore and now I am trying to motivate and challenge these young ladies to reach their fullest potential, which is what my college coach was able to do as well.

Describe your most memorable experience from your years of working in athletics.

I can honestly say that each year has memories but last year was a great journey in which we reached Tell us a little about what you were involved the NCAA tournament with a very youthful team. with prior to coming to GVSU? To sit in our house and hear our name come up as I have had the opportunity to coach and impact the #8 seed for the NCAA Tournament and hear young women immediately after graduating from our young ladies’ excitement was something I will Iowa State University. I have worked at four other cherish forever. universities prior to my arrival at GVSU and each career move prepared me for this amazing adven- Outside of basketball, what are some of your fature. Working at GVSU is an amazing privilege vorite activities? and I am thankful for all the people who have men- My favorite activity outside of basketball would definitely be hanging out with my wonderful famtored me throughout my career. ily. I am blessed to have a hard working husband Being a collegiate athlete yourself, how has that and two healthy children (Eddie-6; Sydnee-9 helped you in your coaching career? months old). This profession is time consuming Having been a student athlete myself allows me to and each moment I get we try to spend it together, relate to the different challenges and successes our playing Power Rangers, watching Mickey Mouse young ladies experience on a day-to-day basis. Clubhouse, whatever it might be. Those are the Being a student-athlete is a full time commitment greatest moments, being a MOM and WIFE! and it is challenging. I have been in their shoes be-

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 12

We heard you weren’t quite yourself at your last practice before Christmas break, can you tell us about that? (I’m referring to the Grinch costume.)

Each Christmas we have a dinner and gift exchange at our house and my staff always “makes” me dress up. Well this year I turned into the Grinch and truly surprised the team. I had the entire Grinch costume on and stormed up the stairs, taking their gifts and yelling, “I hate Christmas.” Then Coach Wiseman gave me a heart and I turned into a “Happy” Grinch and gave back their presents. I can say the looks on the players’ eyes and Eddie’s eyes was unbelievable. That will be a hard one to top.

Any other interesting stories you would like to share?

Coaching is an amazing profession that has so many rewards. Each year is a different journey and each year you see young ladies grow. Throughout my entire college career I thought I would be an elementary teacher and high school coach. I soon found out that I could teach the game of life to 1822 year olds through collegiate coaching. And I am sure thankful for my career path and the opportunity to mentor young adults.

GVSU Recipe of the Month - Butterscotch Chip Cookie Bars Directions:

Ingredie nt s:

2 ¼ cup flour 1 teaspoon baking so da ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup softened-not m elted-margarine ¾ cup sugar ¾ cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla ex tract 2 large eggs 6 oz. semisweet choc olate chips 6 oz. butterscotch ch ips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, baking soda, salt and set aside.

Blend margarine, sugars until fluffy with a mixer.

Add the vanilla and eggs and beat until smooth.

Add the dry ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold in the chips.

Spread in a greased 9” x 13” pan. Bake until lightly browned 15 to 20 minutes. ENJOY!

About the Recipe This month’s recipe was provided by Sharon Kowalczyk. Sharon is the GVSU Athletic Department Secretary. 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

February Home Events Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

1

Wednesday

Thursday

2

3

*Basketball Radio Show 6 p.m. at Peppino’s Allendale

7

Friday

4

5

Basketball vs. Findlay 6 & 8 p.m.

8

9

10

15

6 & 8 p.m.

12

22

13

Track The GVSU Big Meet 10:50 a.m.

16

17

18

The GVSU Big Meet 9:30 a.m.

19

20

26

27

Track GLIAC Championships 4 p.m.

Basketball vs.

Northwood 6 & 8 p.m.

Track GLIAC Championships 11:30 a.m.

*Basketball Radio Show 6 p.m. at Peppino’s Allendale

21

6 Basketball vs. Hillsdale

11

*Basketball Radio Show 6 p.m. at Peppino’s Allendale

14

Saturday

Track Grand Rapids Championships 4 p.m.

23

24

*Basketball Radio Show 6 p.m. at Peppino’s Allendale

25 Basketball vs.

Wayne State 6 & 8 p.m.

28

*Radio shows are on WTKG AM 1230

Sandra’s Snapshot

For Tickets call (616) 331-3200 Sandra’s Snapshot is a photo provided by Sandra Jennings, the administrative assistant for the GVSU Athletic Department.

Crossword Puzzle Answers

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PLAYER PROFILES Nate Miller Senior Track and Field High Jump Exercise Science Good Will Hunting Cheeseburger and Fries “Born to Run” Bruce Springsteen Las Vegas, Nev. Manchester United Athletics was a main reason I attended Grand Valley. I had also at the time wanted to become a physical therapist and I heard Grand Valley had an excellent program.

Name

Candice Wheat

Year Sport Event Major Favorite ...

Movie Food Song Place to visit Sports Team

Senior Track and Field Sprints/Hurdles Exercise Science Aladdin Spaghetti “First Love” Kirk Franklin Tennessee with my Aunt and Uncle Detroit Pistons I thought it would be a great opportunity to be a student-athlete with more emphasis on being a student.

Why did you choose GVSU?

My father had the biggest impact on my athletic career. Having the support of Who has had the my father and the rest of my family is a major reason for why I am so passion- biggest impact on My coach, Ray Williams, because he has always had faith in me since day 1. ate about the high jump, having them at every meet is fantastic. your sports career?

The plan now is to finish my degree and get a job in cardiac rehabilitation. I What do you hope Hopefully still running track somehow, whether it’s training as an athlete or would love to stay in Michigan so I can be close to my family and friends. to being doing in 5 coaching. years?

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The Grid Best thing to do in the winter is ...

What Olympic event will you be glued to the TV for?

On Valentine’s Day, I’ll be ...

Who will win the Super Bowl?

What was your New Year’s resolution?

Wes Trammell

Jasmine Padin

Mark Nawrocki

Ric Wesley

Basketball Player Jenison, Mich.

Basketball Player Wyoming, Mich.

Athletic Rec. and Facilities Equipment Manager Grand Rapids, Mich.

Head Basketball Coach Hudsonville, Mich.

Talk Notre Dame athletics with Tim Selgo

Go to GVSU Laker basketball games

Play Basketball

Sleep or txt on my phone

100 Meter Dash

Half-pipe (snowboarding) Anything but figure skating

Taking my girl out to a nice dinner

Playing in a basketball game

Making points with the wife (dinner, etc.)

At home with my wife

Dallas Cowboys

New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints

Detroit Lions (in 2015)

Work harder in everything I do

Not to make one

Not to be annoyed with bad drivers

Work out more

treated buy one beverage get one

Ice hockey

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 16

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