GVSports Monthly Magazine

2011-12 WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW EDITION

November 2011

INSIDE

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEWS READY DEFEND NATIONAL TITLE

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CONTENTS

Volume 3, Issue 5

November Issue

9

5

Track & Field

The men’s team will look to extend it’s conference winning streak indoors.

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13

Player Profiles

15

The Grid

16

Sandra’s Snapshot

GV Sports Monthly Magazine GVSU, Fieldhouse

work out

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The Green Zone

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.

by Katy Grzyb

energize

10

Tim Nott Doug Lipinski Doug Witte Courtney Zudweg DJ Foster Amanda Murphy Kyle Schwerin PRINTER Jenison Printing CONTRIBUTORS Jessica Beswick Janine Freeman Katy Grzyb Sandra Jennings Sharon Kowalczyk GVSU Sports Information

Men’s Preview by Kyle Schwerin | Women’s Preview by Katy Grzyb

some points @ the multi-sports court!

News in Brief 5 Things To Know ...

EDITOR IN CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR ADVERTISING DIRECTOR STAFF WRITERS

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

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6 6

Volume 3, Issue 5

GVSU Basketball Season Previews

The women prepare to defend their first national championship.

Q&A

score

some points @ the multi-sports court!

GVSports Monthly Magazine • 1

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3

QUESTION & ANSWER

JaMIe ScHLAGEL

assistant athletic Director for Game and event operations

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a Midwest girl, born and raised in the small town of North Branch, Minnesota. Yes, I do have a Minnesota accent that gets pointed out to me quite often, but I enjoy it. Being from Minnesota, I attempt to take advantage of the different seasons by spending as much time outside as I can; golfing, snowboarding, spending time on the lakes, etc. I grew up in the world of athletics where I had many family members who worked as coaches and/or administrators. Being a part of this made me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in intercollegiate athletics. When I finished my collegiate athletic career, I knew I wanted to stay involved but wasn’t sure in what capacity.

Being a part of game and event management allowed me to enjoy many different sports and give back at the same time.

Tell us about your background and what brought you to Grand Valley?

I was a three sport athlete in high school and decided to attend St. Cloud State University after graduation. While at St. Cloud State, I received my Recreation and Sports Management degree and played volleyball for four years. Following my career at St. Cloud State University, I pursued my master’s degree in Sports Management at Minnesota State University. While at Minnesota State, I worked in the Athletics Department as the Event Management Graduate Assistant.

I am responsible for overseeing the preparation and implementation of all home intercollegiate athletic events. I work closely with many different departments on campus in order to provide the best possible experience for our fans, officials, coaches, and student-athletes when they are attending or participating in an athletic event, here at Grand Valley.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Athletics has been such a huge part of my life, that I love coming to work every day and enjoying what I do. I also enjoy being able to see the student-athletes grow academically, athletically, and personally.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

It is an exciting time at Grand Valley with the new additions to campus. With new additions come new technology and being able to keep up with the technology trends becomes interesting at times. I do however, enjoy learning about the new trends that are out there.

What have been some of the highlights during your time at GVSU? One of my favorite highlights/memories of Grand Valley was the semifinal football game that GV hosted against Carson Newman in 2009. There is nothing like trying to prep a facility when there is

In the fall of 2009, I worked as a volunteer for Game and Event Operations at Grand Valley State University, where I learned what it takes to be successful at the Division II level. In January of 2010, I was hired at Upper Iowa University as the Assistant to the Athletics Director and oversaw all game and event operations. I was at UIU for a year and a half before returning to Grand Valley as the Asst. AD for Game and Event Operations. I am glad to be back and be a part of the great tradition that Grand Valley has established.

As the Assistant Athletic Director for Game and Event Operations, what are your main responsibilities?

As the Asst. AD for Game and Event Operations, GVSports Monthly Magazine • 3

three feet of snow on the ground. I remember digging pieces of scaffolding out from under the snow, shoveling a little square patch for the Game Ops students in attempt to put up scaffolding for ESPN’s broadcast. The best part is that GV won and advanced to the National Championship game that year. That is an experience I will never forget.

On a typical football game day, what can you be found doing?

There is a lot of activity that goes on during a typical football game day. I am here bright and early, making sure that everything is set up and ready to go for the game. In the morning you will find me at Lubbers Stadium testing the video board, scoreboard, PA system and music. The afternoon is filled with parking and hosting of the visiting team. Once the game starts, I enjoy the game from the sideline and take care of anything else that comes up. As the game ends, I make sure the visiting team gets back to their locker room and then oversee the teardown of the facility.

Do you have any funny stories of your time here at Grand Valley?

I had an encounter with a 60 gallon propane tank and a space heater that started on fire…that is all I am going to say. Don’t worry, no one got hurt.

INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

INDOOR TRACK & FIELD TEAMS READY TO DEFEND GLIAC TITLE STREAK By: Katy Grzyb - contributor

The 2010-11 Laker indoor track and field teams saw great success and in the new year the men and women will look to continue and build on that success.

Last year the women’s team earned their first NCAA Division II National Championship in indoor competition with three individual National Champions. The men finished 20th in their national competition appearance. February 24-25. The NCAA Championships will be the Head Coach Jerry Baltes is excited to start the year say- final stop of the indoor season for the Lakers in ing, “We are looking forward to the upcoming indoor Mankato, Minnesota on March 9-10. season. Last year we had some exceptional results and Women are excited to get going again. We have a great group The Women’s Indoor Track and Field team won of returners back to try and build on the success of the its first NCAA Division II National Title in the 2010-11 2011 season. In addition we are confident that we have season and they are hoping to continue that success this some great newcomers that can help us throughout the year. The team went into the competition ranked #1 last year as well.” Baltes was named the U.S. Track & Field year and won three individual National Titles as well. and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) The 2011-12 team will be led by senNational Women’s Head Coach of iors Monica Kinney and Lauren Buthe Year last season after guiding the The men’s team has won 10 resh who combined to win the three women’s team to their first national out of the last 11 GLIAC individual titles. Kinney finished title as a program. In addition to the Indoor Titles, while the first in the mile and 5000-meter run national success, the Lakers have while Buresh led the pack in the shot women have gone a also been able to show some impresput. Another senior looking to conperfect 11 for 11 sive conference dominance. The tribute points to the team this year is since 2000. men’s team has won 10 out of the Rebecca Winchester who placed last 11 GLIAC Indoor Titles, while sixth in the mile race at the National the women have gone a perfect 11 for 11 since 2000.

Championships. Chanelle Caldwell is yet another senThe Lakers will open their 2011-12 schedule ior who will be leading the team in the new year. Last hosting the GVSU Laker Early Bird on December 2 at year Caldwell earned All-America status as she crossed 3 pm in the Kelly Family Sports Center. On December the finish line second in the 800-meter run. A final sen16 the squad will host the GVSU Holiday Open in the ior leader this year will be Jocelyn Kuksa who was the Kelly Center at 3 pm. Following the Christmas holiday top Laker in the pole-vault competition last year as she the team will compete in the GVSU Bob Eubanks Open placed third at the national Championships and is exon January 13-14. On January 20 the Lakers host their pected to be near the top of the competition once again. final event before taking the road when they compete in The Lakers will also look to junior Sam Lockhart to perthe Mike Lints Open at the Kelly Center. On the road form well after a second place finish in the shot-put just for the first time during the year, Grand Valley will behind teammate Buresh at the National Championships travel to Bloomington, Indiana to contend in the Indiana last season. Finally, Kristen Hixson finished fourth in University Relays January 27-28. On February 3 the the pole-vault at the National Championships and as a Lakers travel to Saginaw Valley State for their only sophomore this year is looking to improve on that mark.

GLIAC matchup of the indoor season. Grand Valley The Laker women also won their 12th consecwill return home on February 10-11 to host the GVSU utive GLIAC Indoor Title last season. They set a Big Meet. The Lakers remain home on February 17 for GLIAC Indoor meet record for points scored with 238 the GVSU Tune-Up. Grand Valley then travels to Find- points Coach Jerry Baltes was named GLIAC Coach of lay, Ohio to compete in the GLIAC Championships on

GVSports Monthly Magazine • 5

the Year and Kristen Hixson was awarded Freshman Field Athlete of the Year. Hixson finished second in the pole-vault at the GLIAC meet Lauren Buresh claimed the top spot in the shot put to earn the GLIAC Title. All these top-finishers from last season as well as some new faces will lead the Lakers to continued success in the 2011-12 season.

Men The Men’s Indoor Track and Field team finished 20th at the 2011 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships. The team accumulated 14 points in the competition all coming from the shot-put event. Another senior who is expected to contribute again this year is Matt Armstrong who finished third in the shot-put at the National Championship meet in 2011.

Tyler Emmorey is another Laker expected to add points for the team this year. The senior finished 11th in the 5,000-meter run as a junior at last year’s national meet.

GVSU will be looking to add points in the distance events this year.

The Laker men finished first at the GLIAC Indoor Track & Field Championships for the second consecutive year in 2011 with a total of 170.5 points. Coach Jerry Baltes was named GLIAC Coach of the Year and Josh Moskalweski was named GLIAC Freshman Track Athlete of the Year. Moskalewski claimed the GLIAC title in the 3,000-meter run with a time of 8:30.99, which set a Ryder Arena record. Daniel Vanek finished first in the shot-put event to claim the GLIAC title with a school record toss of 60’6.5”. Tyler Emmorey notched a second place finish in the mile run while then sophomore Eric Phillips placed second in the 800-meter run.

Top athletes from last year along with help from some new guys will look to improve upon the results of last year and achieve even greater success in 2011-12.

NEWS IN BRIEF Interviewing the coaches is fun…

Postseason Coverage Follow all the GVSU teams in the post season at gvsulakers.com. Live game stats, video and news stories will give you all the latest information on your favorite Laker teams as they participate in post season action.

The three head coaches I’ve spent the most time interviewing are Matt Mitchell (football), Deanne Scanlon (volleyball), and Dave DiIanni (soccer). All three have been great to work with, are extremely professional, and share good information with both the viewers and myself. I feel like I have built a good connection with them and I think that comes out during the interviews. It’s a lot of fun to be able to work with them and see what they have to say about their team and players.

Laker Swimming and Diving Action The GVSU women’s swimming and diving team will be competing in one of their three home matches on November 12th versus Northern Michigan at 1 pm. Come out to the Laker pool to see them in action.

Basketball Games Webcast Online You can catch every men’s and women’s home basketball game online. Games will be webcast on gvsulakers.com in the Media Center. You can watch each game, complete with the playby-play call from the radio broadcast.

Louie’s Locker Room Gear up for winter with Louie’s Locker Room!

Sweatshirts, jackets, beanies, all at Louie’s Locker Room.

…but preparation is the key.

5

T HINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT being on camera WITH DJ FOSTER

Holiday Clear Out Sale Shop online at LouiesLockerRoom.com or check out game day locations at GVSU Athletic events. Stay tuned to LouiesLockerRoom.com for more information on our Holiday Clear Out Sale.

GVSU Basketball Tickets Fans can now avoid lines on basketball game days by purchasing their tickets online at www.gvsutickets.com. Purchasing online will allow you to take advantage of new digital technology with print at home tickets and mobile phone tickets. Don’t wait in line on game day, buy online!

GVSULakers.com Auction If you’re looking for some hard to find GVSU memorabilia, check out the gvsulakers.com auction. You can bid on and purchase game worn jerseys, sideline passes, helmets, bobbleheads, and more.

Wondering where you can watch the videos?

On video, it may look like I have all my questions and information memorized, but I certainly don’t just ad-lib when the camera starts rolling. Working in the sports information department, I’m at a lot of our sporting events and if I’m not physically there, I make sure to keep an eye on what our teams are doing. So when the time comes to talk to any of the coaches, I know not only what has been going on, but what the upcoming schedule looks like. The other big thing is having my talking points and questions written down – just in case I freeze and forget what I was going to say.

Remember that it’s all about the players and coaches.

I’m just the moderator for the shows and interviews we tape and put online. My responsibility is to get the coaches and players to open up to the viewers and be informative by asking them good, open-ended questions. I know that people aren’t watching the videos to see me – they want to see what Coach Mitchell has to say about the football team or get Coach DiIanni’s thoughts about the last soccer game. I’m just there to ask the questions and keep the whole thing moving along.

I’ve had some practice in the past, but I’ve also had to shake off some rust.

When I was in college (at Ashland from 2001-05), I was a radio/television major and spent many hours working live sporting events and producing shows in our television studio. The best part about working in a studio is having a teleprompter tell you exactly what you need to say and when you need to say it. Since beginning my new responsibilities a few months ago, I’ve had to dust off my old skills and remember how to speak correctly with a microphone in my hands. It’s been a fun and interesting experience so far, but I know I still have room for improvement.

Being on the sidelines was something I never got to do – until now.

Maybe the only thing that I was never able to do during my college broadcasting career was sideline reporting and I was recently given on m the d fin n that opportunity at our GVSU football games. I’m a huge sports You ca dia Me the in fan, so I’ve seen and heard it done a million times, but I never reom s.c gvsulaker alized how tough it is until I actually got down there. You’re movCenter. ing around the sidelines, trying to see over and around these huge football players, and find some valuable information about a play Inside you’ll find highlights, or an injury or something interesting to share with the radio listenlive game video, interviews, ers. And when you do get on air, you have to deliver that informa. re mo d an s ce ren nfe tion quickly and accurately – and try to not screw up by thinking press co about the fact that you’re live on the radio.

GVSports Monthly Magazine • 6

MEN’S BASKETBALL

YOUNG Men’s basketball team ready to take the court with something to prove By: Kyle Schwerin - staff writer

The 2011-2012 Grand Valley State men’s basketball team is missing some familiar faces from prior years, but the new names are ready to contribute right away and that’s just what head coach Ric Wesley will need as he heads into his eighth season at the helm of the Lakers.

Gone is Justin Ringler, First-Team All-GLIAC member and one of the best allaround players in GVSU history, as he graduated with the distinction of being the only player in school history to record 1,400 points, 700 rebounds and 300 assists.

With a few unexpected departures from last year’s team, the Lakers are returning only four letterwinners, including Second-Team All-GLIAC selection James Thomas, whose deep range and scoring ability made him one of the more exciting players to watch in 2010-11. The senior averaged 11.1 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game while hitting 53 three-pointers to lead the team. It wasn’t just the quantity of threeballs he was hitting, but his efficiency as well, making them at a 42.1-percent clip.

The only other starter returning for the Lakers is junior point guard Breland Hogan, who averaged 7.4 points per game

and was second on the team with 63 assists.

His 35 steals is the most among all returners and his 23.7 minutes played per game is second among returners.

Senior Nick Waddell took time this off-season to improve his conditioning and will be looking to handle a bigger workload this year as he picks up minutes from last season’s departed starter at the center position. Waddell missed eight games last season due to injury but still managed to lead the team in field goal percentage, hitting 58.5percent of his shots on the year. He averaged 7.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game and was also one of the Lakers’ top contributors at the free throw line, proving that big men can indeed hit from the charity stripe. He was third on the team in free throw percentage, hitting 81.8-percent of his attempts.

Breland Hogan will be expected to be a defensive leader on the floor for the Lakers.

Junior Tony Peters, a starter in 2009-2010 and a major bench player last season, returns after averaging 6.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. He shot 80-percent from the free-throw line, among the best on the team, and averaged 16 minutes per game.

Senior forward/center Mike Przydzial also returns to give the Lakers a formidable post duo with Waddell. After receiving a medical redshirt last season, Przydzial is healthy and ready to contribute for the Lakers. In 2009-2010, Przydzial started at center for GVSU, averaging 5.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while hitting a team-leading 58.4-percent of his shots from the field and swatting 20 shots.

Sophomores Dan Newell and Rob Woodson also come back to the court after taking last season off and receiving redshirts.

Newell played in seven games in 2009-2010 while Woodson saw time in 10 games and pulled down five rebounds.

GVSU will be looking to get some immediate help from their newcomers, including two junior transfer players who have joined the Lakers. Tyrone Lee, a junior forward from Oakland Community College, and Josh Anderson, a junior guard/forward from John A. Logan Community College, will be at the forefront of the new faces that will be seen on the court.

Lee averaged 17 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 2009-10 at Oakland C.C., en route to leading his team to a 22-10 overall record. In 2008-09, Lee was named to the league’s all-freshman team after averaging 12.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists while leading the team to a 26-6 record.

Anderson, son of former NBA player Nick Anderson, averaged 10.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 86-percent from the free throw line in 30 games. He helped his team to a 20-10 record and a Great Rivers Athletic Conference championship.

The remaining spots on the team will be filled with true freshmen, including 6’8” Ben Lanning from Grandville. Lanning averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds a game as a senior and was a McDonald’s All-American nominee. Ryan Sabin, another local product from Byron Center, averaged 16.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game as a senior while being named All-Area South. As a junior, he averaged 19 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game en route to being named all-conference and to the Bankhoops All-State team.

Another big man added to the roster this season is 6’7” Darius Norman from Kalamazoo Central High School. Norman helped the Big Reds to back-to-back MHSAA Class A State Championships and one runner-up finish. He averaged 9.2 points per game and grabbed 74 boards as a senior, earning all-conference accolades and was se-

GVSports Monthly Magazine • 8

lected to play in the Michigan Under Armour All-Star game.

Isaac Hernandez from Zeeland West averaged 13.7 points per game as a senior while being named all-conference, all-region and team MVP. Steven Juengel from Midland Bullock Creek tallied 18.5 points per game and 9.0 rebounds as a senior, earning TVC First-Team honors and first-team allarea plaudits.

The Lakers will kickoff the 20112012 season on November 6th when they head to Ames, Iowa to take on Iowa State in an exhibition contest. November 16th marks the season and home-opener for GVSU as they host Michigan-Dearborn at 7 p.m. in the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. After home games against Bellarmine (Nov. 19), the defending national champions, and Marygrove (Nov. 26) on Thanksgiving weekend, the Lakers get into GLIAC play as they open up on the road at Ohio Dominican (Dec. 1).

After a three-game GLIAC roadtrip, GVSU will return home to take on Rochester (Dec. 10) in a non-conference contest and then face Northern Michigan (Dec. 18) and Michigan Tech (Dec. 19) on consecutive days.

GVSU will travel to Erie, Pa. over the holidays to participate in the Gannon

The Lakers return four players from last season’s team, including Second Team All-GLIAC selection James Thomas.

Porecco Cup. The Lakers will face Seton Hill (Dec. 29) on one side of the bracket while Gannon and Malone will face off on the other. The winners of those two games will face each other on Dec. 30 for the Porecco Cup while the losers will play a consolation game that day.

GVSU gets back into GLIAC play on Jan. 5 when it heads to take on Saginaw Valley State and then travel to Sault Ste. Marie to take on Lake Superior State (Jan. 7).

Two home games against Northwood (Jan. 11) and Hillsdale (Jan. 14) await the Lakers before a season-high four-game roadtrip starts. The Lakers will head to the upper peninsula to take on Northern Michigan (Jan. 19) and Michigan Tech (Jan. 21) and follow that up a week later with a big match-up against Ferris State (Jan. 28) in Big Rapids.

The last non-conference game for GVSU will take place Jan. 31 at Cedarville in Ohio.

The Lakers finish the season with five of their last seven games at home, including the final game of the season against Ferris State in Allendale.

Women’s Basketball Looks to Veteran Leadership as the Season Begins

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

By: Katy Gryzb - contributor

The Grand Valley State women’s basketball team will be a veteran group in 2011-12. The squad will include 13 returning players and the seven highest scorers from 2010-11. The team opened practice on October 15 and head coach Janel Burgess is ready to get the year going. “We are extremely thrilled to get our season kicked off for 2011-12. Our young ladies have worked extremely hard in the preseason to build team chemistry and get in top conditioning shape.”

The Lakers will travel to Michigan State on November 6 to face the Spartans in an exhibition matchup. The Division I Spartans will be a good challenge for the Lakers to prepare them for the season to come. Grand Valley will open up regular season play on November 13 when it faces St. Joseph’s College in Indiana. The home opener for the Lakers will be on November 22 as they host Aquinas at 7 pm in the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. The team will then go back on the road to battle Wisconsin-Parkside on November 26. In the Lakers last game before opening GLIAC play, Grand Valley will return home to face Urbana at 6 pm. December will see the Lakers entrenched in GLIAC play as they look to play their way to the top of the league once again. The team will travel to Florida for two games over the Christmas holiday before returning to GLIAC action in January and February. The Lakers hope to be a part of the GLIAC tournament as it happens February 29 through March 4, 2012.

played in all 28 games last year and started 25. The 52 guard averaged 8.9 points per game and led the team in assists with 137 and steals with 64 last season.

The junior class on this year’s squad features three returning starters as well as two prominent bench players. Alex Stelfox, Briauna Taylor, and Lauren Stodola all started every game last season. Stelfox, the 2009-10 GLIAC Freshman of the year, averaged 27.6 minutes, 14.8 points, and 5.4 rebounds per game.

The 6-2 center led the team with 40 blocks last year.

Briauna Taylor led the team in both points and rebounds last year averaging 14.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. The 5-9 guard/forward also finished first on the team making 72 of 96 free throws last season. Stodola led the team in minutes played with 900 minutes on the court averaging 32.1 minutes per game. The 5-9 guard finished second in assists with 72 and ranked fifth on the team in points per game averaging 6.2 in 2010-11 Brittany Taylor was a prominent feature off the Laker bench last year as she played in all 28 games and started three. A 5-9 guard/forward, Brittany finished 2010-11. fourth on the team with 7.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.

The sophomore class also contributed to the Lakers winning season last year. Guards Dani Crandall and Tori Klewicki-McNutt led the way for last year’s freshman class playing in 22 and 28 games respectively. Crandall averaged 5.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while Klewicki-McNutt averaged Briauna Taylor (pictured) and Alex Stelfox were named 4.4 points per game and added 17 assists last season.

State Farm Honorable Mention All-Americans in 2011-12 Also looking to add to their playing time this year are after their sophomore campaigns.

Breanna Kellogg and Lindsay McCarty. Kellie Watson, a 6-2 forward and Notre Dame transfer, hopes to see her first action at Grand Valley this year.

The 2011-12 freshman class has three members including Meryl Cripe, Emily England, Daina With 13 returners on this year’s squad the Lak- Grazulis. Cripe is a 5-6 guard from Elmhurst, Illinois. ers will look to improve on their 20-8 overall record Emily England was redshirted by the team last year and 13-6 conference record last season. Coach and is a 6-2 center from Metamore, Michigan. Finally, Burgess knows the importance of veteran leadership.

Grazulis is a 6-3 center from Marquette, Michigan.

“I have been excited to see our The Lakers won 20 games veterans step up and lead for the fifth time in the last seven throughout the preseason, they “We know that it is important years with their 20-8 record in have lead by example as well as 2010-11. They advanced to play vocally. We know that it is im- to grow each and every day. I in the GLIAC tournament where portant to grow each and every am eager to see where our they lost in the first round to day. I am eager to see where our Northwood. Grand Valley also veterans can lead this team made it into the NCAA Midwest veterans can lead this team throughout the season.” throughout the season.” Regional tournament where they The 2011-12 Laker team fell in the first round to Drury.

-Janel Burgess will feature four returning For the 2011-12 season the team starters from 2010-11 as well a hopes to take their success and starter from the 2009-10 season. make it even better by improving The team will be led by two seniors this season, Kara their records and going deeper into tournament play.

Crawford and Jasmine Padin. Crawford is a returning With 13 returning team members the squad is exstarter from the 09-10 season who sat out last season pected to be near the top of the league once again. due to an injury. She played in all 28 games and started 27 during her junior year. The 5-11 forward averaged 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Padin

GVSports Monthly Magazine • 9

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GVSports Monthly Magazine • 10

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©2011 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC 10x7 University Banking 0511-02

James

Thomas year

Senior

PLAYER PROFILES Best chance to win a National Championship.

My family.

Brittany

Taylor

Why did you choose to become I fell in love with a Laker? the campus.

year

Who has had the biggest impact My Parents. on your sports career?

JUNIOR

major

Physical Education hometown

Grand Rapids, MI sport

Basketball

Since I was 7 years old.

How long have you been playing For as long as I your sport? can remember.

Working with the What has been your most mem- Making it to the kids during summer orable moment so far at GVSU? Sweet 16 in softball. basketball camps.

If you could play another sport at None, I’m happy Football GVSU, what would it be? with two.

major

Pre-Nursing Psychology

Playing profes- What are you planning on doing Working in a in 5 years? sional basketball hospital as a RN. overseas.

WIll there be an NBA season I hope so, but I Hopefully. this year? seriously doubt it.

hometown

Livonia, MI Basketball/ SoftbalL

FAVORITES Grandma’s cooking

Food:

Sushi

Anatomy and Physiology

Class:

Cadaver Lab

Yo Gotti

Musical Artist:

I like everything!

Miami Heat

Sports Team:

The Lions

“Best in the Midwest.”

– The Princeton Review

AT THE TOP OF OUR CLASS. Grand Valley State University is leading the way with innovative and professionally relevant academic programs, real-world research and internship opportunities, and outstanding campus facilities.

Plus, our students benefit from personalized instruction made possible by small class sizes and dedicated professors who love to teach. It’s all part of our liberal education foundation that provides a great return on investment for our students and makes Grand Valley a top choice in the Midwest and beyond. gvsu.edu/GRAND | (800) 748-0246

GVSports Monthly Magazine • 13

sport

EXCITEMENT THIS BASKETBALL SEASON Home Opener Hoop-La

Student Appreciation Night

Faith and Family Night

Alumni Day All GVSU Alumni receive 50% off admission (up to 4 tickets)

Team Night $1.00 tickets for basketball teams (must be reserved as a team)

Kids Free Day Kids 12 and under get in free with the purchase of an adult ticket

Camper Reunion Night All 2011 basketball summer campers get in free to the game

Laker Blue Night First 500 GVSU Students get a free blue t-shirt from GVSU On-Campus Housing

jimmy john’s, you stole my heart, now you and i will never part! stephanie b. - omaha, ne

12719 RILEY ST. 616.796.0006

4814 LAKE MICHIGAN DR. 616.892.2000

AMERICA’S FAVorite sandwich delivery guys!™ GVSports Monthly Magazine • 14

THE GRID er b m e ov

Whitney Marsh

Alicia Adell

Jade Hull

Raphael Santos

Ath. Rec. and Facilities Byron Center, Mich.

Laker Academics Detroit, Mich.

Track and Field Grandville, Mich.

Men’s Swimming Sao Paulo, Brazil

Greatest moment of your Laker career?

Traveling with the Women’s Tennis Team to the National Tournament in Orlando, Florida last year.

Watching student athletes defy all the stereotypes and succeed academically.

Helping make GVSU athletic history by winning back to back Indoor and Outdoor championships for Track and Field.

In my sophomore year I placed top 8 in all my individual events.

Best Thanksgiving tradition?

Eating tons of food and watching the Lions with my family.

I just love that I get to spend a whole day with my extended family and eat great food.

Sitting around the table before the meal and telling what we are thankful for.

Even though I was not used to celebrating

First thing I would buy if I won the lotto...

I would pay off the house that my mother owns.

I would go on vacation and take all my friends.

A dream vacation to Greece, Australia, and Hawaii.

Another trip to Spain.

The last book I read?

The Precious Present by Spencer Johnson

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett.

The Help. It’s an awesome book!

A novel called Aura

Warm beach.

Definitely a warm beach!

Warm beach for sure, love the relaxation in the sun.

I was born in Brazil so I think that got my blood used to the warm weather. I dislike the cold.

N

Better vacation: warm beach or snowy mountains?

GVSports Monthly Magazine • 15

Thanksgiving until I came to the United States, I love to spend this joyful week with the Beebe family.

SANDRA’S SNAPSHOT

“Moment of Silence 9-11-11”

Sandra Jennings is an Administrative Assistant in the athletic department.

This photo was taken at her home.

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Payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums. Advertised rate available on 60 month home equity loans. Balloon loans may be available for longer terms. Rate without payments automatically deducted will be 3.49%/3.82% APR (60 monthly payments of $363.76).

GVSports Monthly Magazine • 16

Head to Head GVSU LB Brad Howard (20) tackles Ferris State QB Tom Schneider during GVSU’s 5710 victory over its West Michigan rival on Oct. 22, 2011.

Photo courtesy Doug Witte