GVSports Monthly Magazine

October 2009

A FRESH LOOK Women’s Soccer Climbs in the National Rankings

Inside: Hall of Fame Inductees • Women’s Golf • Volleyball • Football

in tHiS iSSUE 2 W. Golf

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WomEnS Golf lookS to JUmp from SEcond to firSt The women’s golf team exceeded some expectations last season with a strong national finish. After the highest national finish in school history last season, the team is still motivated to reach for more ...

3 Athletics

LAKER ATHLETICS

The GVSU athletic department will induct six new members into the athletic hall of fame this year. This class will expand the hall of fame to 102 members ...

2009 atHlEtic Hall of famE indUctEES

5 Volleyball lakEr VollEyball makES Good USE of HomE coUrt adVantaGE Coming off of one of the longest home win streaks in school history, the 2009 Lakers look to create some new records of their own in the fieldhouse arena ...

10 Main Event tHE lakEr SoccEr tEam lookS to continUE itS WinninG tradition The women’s soccer team is still climbing up the national rankings despite losing some highly decorated players from last season. This team might have the right mix of experience and youth to make a deep playoff push ...

13 Football Early SEaSon road GamES HElp tHE lakErS prEparE for kEy octobEr tiltS Grand Valley’s football team has faced a tough early season schedule with four of the first five games being on the road. Now, they look to win on their home field and finish October strong ...

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manaGinG Editor Doug Lipinski EXEcUtiVE Editor Doug Witte

VALLEY STATE GRAND

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Editor in cHiEf Tim Nott

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 1

acQUiSitionS Editor Courtney Goldschmeding adVErtiSinG dirEctor Mallory Weber contribUtorS Kelsey Deacon DJ Foster Andy Fry Sandra Jennings Alexis Rangel Charlie Read GVSU Athletic Department GV Sports Marketing 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.

GV Sports Monthly Magazine GVSU, 192 Fieldhouse Allendale MI 49401

on tHE coVEr Women’s soccer players: Ashley Botts (4), Erin Hilbert (17), Alyssa Mira (16), Kayla Addison (9)

Women’s Golf Looks to Jump From Second to First In sports, when a team goes through a tough year, the bright side is usually that things can only get better the next season. For the Grand Valley State women’s golf team, there is literally only one place they can go in 2009: from second to first.

At the NCAA Championships in Findlay, Ohio last May, GVSU finished as the Division II runner-up, its highest finish in program history.

The Lakers return four of their top five golfers from last year’s second-place squad, keeping expectations just as high, if not higher, for another strong showing at nationals.

“After finishing second last year, the team wants to get back in that situation again more than ever,” said second-year head coach Rebecca Mailloux. “They came out of nationals hungrier than they went in. Their success has given them the confidence and belief that they can beat anyone in Division II.” GVSU began the new school year with an 11-stroke victory on Sept. 5 at the Ferris State Bulldog Invitational, posting four of the top nine individual scores in its first tournament since the Division II National Championships.

Sophomore Sarah Hoffman (second), junior Allie Tyler (third), and seniors Caitlin Bennett (tied, fourth) and Ashley Smith (ninth) helped GVSU put together quite an opening performance

DJ Foster Contributing Writer to the 2009 season. Not only did the Lakers have the best team score after two days, but they also totaled the two lowest rounds, opening with a 301 and finishing off the tournament with a convincing 296 to cruise to the team title.

Just a few days later, GVSU won its own tournament, the Laker Fall Classic at The Meadows, by outdistancing the competition by a dozen strokes. Grand Valley State posted consecutive rounds of 306 and 308 for a 614 (+38) and were led by Tyler’s 146 (+2), earning her tournament medalist status by a whopping six strokes.

Grand Valley State placed four golfers in the top-10. Smith tied for third, Hoffman placed in a tie for sixth, and Bennett’s score was good for a ninth-place tie. Freshman Ashley Beard also cracked the top-25, as she tied for 24th place.

“My returners have proven themselves over and over again and really feed off of each other,” Mailloux explained. “They are a tight group and that helps when it comes to playing for the team instead of yourself, which can easily happen in college golf. They have done a great job so far of helping the three freshmen along and showing

them the ropes.”

The Lakers made quite a name for themselves at the Cardinal Classic on Sept. 19-20. In a 16-team tournament filled with a dozen Division I programs, GVSU placed third - just one stroke behind the host school, Ball State, another Division I institution. Tyler finished in second place at -2 and was one of just two players to score under par.

Overall, the Lakers were just eight strokes out of first place, behind Eastern Michigan, as three different GVSU golfers finished in the top-25.

“I think the expectations that other people have of us is a good thing for the girls,” Mailloux described. “They work well under pressure and when people have certain expectations of them. I don’t think the expectations of others matter to them as much as their own expectations of themselves and their teammates.”

The Lakers compete just once in October.

Grand Valley State will head to Fairlawn, Ohio on Oct. 5-6 for the Zippy Invitational.

“It is definitely a goal of ours to win the National Championship, as well as the GLIAC and East Regionals again,” said Mailloux. “However, we also realize that we need to see it as a process all year long and let winning the National Championship be our motivation, but not our sole purpose.”

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 2

2009 GVSU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees The 2009 Hall of Fame class will be inducted at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Kirkhof Center and then honored during halftime of the Grand Valley State-Findlay Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 17. Reservations for the 2009 Hall of Fame dinner can be made by calling (616) 331-8800.

This year’s class will join the 96 members previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. The first GVSU Athletics Hall of Fame class was inducted in 1986. Plaques honoring all inductees are on display at the Grand Valley State Fieldhouse arena.

“We are inducting another outstanding class into our Hall of Fame,” said GVSU athletics director Tim Selgo. “These six individuals were outstanding representatives of Grand Valley State.”

Emily Edlund Softball Emily Edlund turned in a stellar career for the Lakers on the softball diamond. Edlund finished her career with an 87-24 career record in the circle and was a member of a Laker squad that turned in a four-year mark of 189-55-1. Edlund led GVSU to two NCAA Tournament appearances (1999 and 2000) and a combined 106-20-1 mark her final two seasons. Emily tallied a career earned run average of 1.78 in 714.2 innings pitched and 130 appearances. She tallied 437 strikeouts, 24 shutouts and 78 complete games during her career. Edlund tallied a 22-8 mark her freshman season, followed by a 17-7 record as a sophomore. Emily notched a 242 record as a junior with 114 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.78, while her senior season consisted of a 247 record with 145 strikeouts and a 1.15 ERA. Edlund finished her career as the all-time leader in career wins (87), a total that currently ranks second in Laker annals. She ranks second in innings pitched, third in shutouts and fourth in complete games and strikeouts.

John Flynn Basketball John Flynn was a four-year standout for the Lakers on the hardwood and finished his career as the alltime leading scorer in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1,531) and Grand Valley State (2,220). In addition, Flynn still ranks first in Laker basketball annals in career free throws made (501), second in field goals made (786) and scoring average (19.6). Flynn was the GLIAC Freshman of the Year in 1999, followed by three straight years of being named First-Team All-GLIAC. John was a three-time First-Team Daktronics, Inc. All-Great Lakes Region honoree. Flynn averaged 22.8 points as a sophomore, followed by a junior year in which he averaged 18.1 points per game and led GVSU to the GLIAC Tournament Championship and a berth in the NCAA DII Tournament. Flynn, who played in 113 career games, closed his career by averaging 24.0 points during his senior campaign.

Tim Nott Contributing Writer

Miller guided Grand Valley State to three GLIAC titles, three NCAA DII Great Lakes Regional crowns, three Elite Eight appearances and two NCAA DII Final Four trips during her four-year career. The Lakers were a combined 119-19 during her time in Allendale, including an incredible 65-8 GLIAC mark. Carly was a four-time member of the All-GLIAC First Team, a three-time all-region honoree and the 2001 GLIAC Player of the Year.

Miller was an AVCA First Team All-American in 2001 and 2002.

Julie Upmeyer Swimming Julie Upmeyer concluded her swimming career as the top distance freestyler in Laker annals. Upmeyer was an 11-time all-american for Grand Valley State and finished her career as the school record-holder in the 200, 500, 1000 and 1650meter freestyle. She continues to hold the freshman and varsity record in the 1650 freestyle (17:32.92), while still ranking in the top three all-time in the 200, 500 and 1000 free. Julie captured 10 GLIAC individual championships during her career and was named the GLIAC Women’s Swimmer of the Brian Kelly was awarded Big East Coach of the Year honYear for the 2000 and 2001 campaigns. Upmeyer ors in 2008 after leading the Bearcats to their first BCS bowl game. was a four-time College Swimming Coaches Association of America Academic All-American and Brian Kelly a three-time academic All-GLIAC honoree. Julie Coaching Former Grand Valley State head football coach was 2002 Grand Valley State Scholar Athlete of the Brian Kelly spent 13 years as the leader of the Lak- Year and was nominated for the NCAA Woman of ers on the gridiron. Kelly led GVSU to a 118-35-2 the Year award. overall mark, including a 103-22-2 Great Lakes InScott VanDyken tercollegiate Athletic Conference record. Brian Baseball guided the Lakers to five GLIAC titles and six NCAA DII playoff appearances. GVSU won eight Scott VanDyken was a two-sport performer for the or more games 10 times during his 13-year career. Lakers, spending time on the Laker football squad Kelly tutored 60 All-Americans during his 13 years as a quarterback before injuries forced him into at the helm, including a single-season record 11 baseball on a fulltime basis. VanDyken was a fourAll-Americans during the 2002 season. Brian led year starter on the diamond for the Lakers, recordGVSU to the NCAA DII National Championship ing a 17-8 record in 170.2 innings pitched. game in 2001, followed by back-to-back DII Na- VanDyken’s 17 wins ranks as the fifth-best career tional Championships in 2002 and 2003. Kelly was total, while his 146 strikeouts rank seventh in named the GLIAC Coach of the Year once during Laker annals. VanDyken averaged 7.7 strikeouts his time with the Lakers and the American Football per nine innings for his career and tallied a career Coaches Association DII National Coach of the earned run average of 3.60. VanDyken’s name will Year twice (2002-03). Kelly turned GVSU into an always be etched in the history of Laker baseball offensive machine as his 2001 squad averaged 58.4 as he tossed Grand Valley State’s first-ever no-hitter on May 18, 1978. He recorded 12 strikeouts and points and 600.8 yards per game. threw 100 pitches, 72 of which were strikes in the 11-0 victory over Anderson University.

Carly Miller VanDyken’s 17 wins during his career came in an Volleyball Carly Miller is one of the most decorated players era in which the Laker baseball team played just in the history of the Laker volleyball program. 30 games per year, compared to the 56-game Miller finished her career as the all-time leader in schedule that GVSU currently plays. Scott was 6career kills (2,154) and attacks (4,955), while hold- 2 with 47 strikeouts in 48.0 innings pitched as a ing onto the second (4.92), third (4.67) and fourth- freshman. He was 4-1 during his junior year and 4best (4.45) single-season kills per game average. 2 as a senior with 49 strikeouts in 48.2 innings Miller also notched a career attack percentage of pitched. .331 to go along with her 639 digs and 227 blocks.

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 3

NEWS IN BRIEF

Where Are They Now?

Breast Cancer Awareness Game Join the GVSU women’s volleyball team in the fight against breast cancer during their match against Ashland. Wear pink to the game to show your support. The match is on October 9 at 7:00pm in the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. For more information call the GVSU ticket office at (616) 331-3200.

Big East Coach of the Year Former GVSU football coach Brian Kelly was named the Big East Coach of the Year at the University of Cincinnati for the second year in a row. This year will also mark Kelly’s induction into the GVSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Men’s Basketball to Face MSU Grand Valley men’s basketball has signed Michigan State University as an opponent on November 9. The exhibition game will be held at MSU. The last time GVSU and MSU faced off was in 2007 when the Lakers won in overtime.

Visit www.gvsulakers.com to find out more information.

50th Anniversary Alumni Relations is getting ready for GVSU’s 50th Anniversary next year. To get in on the action visit their website at www.gvsu.edu/homecoming.

How you remember him: Matt Thornton pitched for Grand Valley State’s baseball team from 1996-98. Thornton became the firstever, first round selection when he was picked in the 1998 Major League Baseball draft. He was the 22nd pick overall by the Seattle Mariners.

What he’s doing now: The 6’6” lefty is still pitching in the major leagues for the Chicago White Sox. Thornton currently sees most of his time in the 8th inning as the set-up reliever. So far in the 2009 season, he completed 67 innings of work in 65 games with a 2.69 ERA and one save.

The southpaw has worked his way into the pitching ranks and has become one of the most consistent relievers for the ballclub. © Ron Vesely/Chicago White Sox

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 4

Laker Volleyball Makes Good Use of Home Court Advantage Home sweet home. Since Oct. 19, 2006, that was the mantra for the Grand Valley State volleyball team. From that date until Sept. 12, 2009, the Lakers rolled off 37 consecutive home victories at GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. The last home loss for Grand Valley State was Oct. 7, 2006 against nationally-ranked Hillsdale.

Success on their home court is nothing new for the Lakers. Entering the 2009 season, Grand Valley State had posted a tremendous home record of 131-12 during the decade. A winning percentage of .916 was punctuated by four unbeaten seasons, including a 20-0 mark in 2002, when GVSU advanced to the NCAA Final Four.

The recent streak is a new program record and outlasted the 30-match home win streak that was set during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. When Wayne State topped Grand Valley State in midSeptember on the Lakers’ home court, it put a halt to the 12th longest home win streak in NCAA Division II history.

GVSU’s home dominance had only been seen one other time in the history of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). From Sept. 5, 1992 to Sept. 13, 1996, Northern Michigan won 66 straight contests during their supreme reign over the rest of the league.

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DJ Foster Contributing Writer NMU’s stretch of victories is tied for the secondlongest streak in Division II history with NebraskaKearney, which won the same number of consecutive matches from Nov. 8, 2002 to Dec. 3, 2005. Ironically enough, Grand Valley State put an end to Nebraska-Kearney’s streak, defeating the Lopers in the Division II National Championship match en route to the program’s first-ever national title.

How the Lakers arrived at their 37-match streak is an interesting study, considering there were several close calls that GVSU survived. On Oct. 2, 2007 against GLIAC rival, Ferris State, the Lakers had to win the final three sets after trailing 2-0 for a thrilling five-set victory. In the regional championship match on Nov. 17 of that season, Lewis opened up a 2-0 lead on Grand Valley State before the Lakers rebounded to win the final three sets and advance to the NCAA Elite Eight for the sixth time in school history. Last season on Sept.

20, Northern Michigan stole the opening two sets before GVSU scrambled back to keep the streak intact with a 3-2 win.

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Of course, all 37 wins weren’t as difficult as the ones just mentioned. 22 times in the nearly three-year period, Grand Valley State won by 3-0 scores. That included 10 sweeps in 2007, a feat made more impressive when it is known that the Lakers played just 16 home matches that year.

GVSU also won 10 four-set matches and only five times were forced to play a pivotal fifth set.

Grand Valley State was also 22-0 at home against GLIAC opponents, with Ferris State, Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan, Northwood, and Saginaw Valley State all feeling defeat four times apiece, including a number of victories coming in postseason play. During the streak, the Lakers defeated teams from all over the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

GVSU looks to start a new home win streak and the Lakers will have three chances to do so in October. On Oct. 9-10, Grand Valley State will square off at Fieldhouse Arena with Ashland and Tiffin. However, the marquee meeting is on Friday, Oct. 23 when Ferris State comes to town for a 7:00 p.m. contest. It is being promoted as the “Pack the Fieldhouse” match and all Laker fans are encouraged to support GVSU against its West Michigan rival.

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 5

tHE yEar of tHE fan October 3rd:

“Family Day” GVSU vs. Tiffin Presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union • First 1,000 fans will receive a #13 jersey sack pack courtesy of LMCU • GVSU will honor the one millionth fan to GVSU football • “WHITE OUT” GVSU will wear special white jerseys and pants, so wear white to the game!

• First 1,000 GVSU students will receive bam bam sticks courtesy of the National Guard • The actual game worn jerseys will be available for purchase at the University Bookstore October 17th:

“Homecoming” GVSU vs. Findlay Presented by Huntington Bank •First 1,000 fans will receive bam bam sticks courtesy of Huntington Bank October 24th:

“Ultimate Road Trip” presented by Compass Coach The experience will be a road trip in an executive Compass Coach to watch GVSU take on the Ashland Eagles in Ohio on Oct. 24th. (Ashland and GVSU are two of the top teams in the GLIAC and Ashland will open a new stadium this season).

Winners will be able to take a friend with them. The travel, ticket and food will be provided. Visit gvsulakers.com to enter.

October 31st:

“Trunk or Treat” GVSU vs. Northern Michigan Presented by University Bookstore • Largest outdoor Halloween party in West Michigan • Kids will be able to trick or treat in the tailgate lots from 4 pm-6:30 pm • 1,000 GV hats courtsey of Campus West Apartments November 7th:

“Kids Club Day” GVSU vs. Wayne State Presented by National City • Kids under 12 are FREE • Little Lakers have a chance to play games, decorate cookies, and get their face painted before the game • Local area public safety departments will display their vehicles for the kids to explore • Louie the Laker will be there along with other area mascots

UltimatE road trip The 2009-10 season is the Year of the Fan! To continue to show appreciation to the greatest fans in the world, GVSU athletics wants to give you the Ultimate Road Trip.

The Ultimate Road Trip presented by Compass Coach is an all expenses paid road trip on Executive Coach to watch the Lakers take on Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. The game is Saturday, October 24 at 1:00 PM with the bus leaving at 6:00 AM. The travel, tickets, and food will all be provided to the fans that win. Winners will be able to bring a friend with them on the trip.

In order to win the Ultimate Road Trip, simply write a short email message to gvsportsnetwork@gvsu.edu explaining why you are the greatest Laker fan and why you deserve to go.

For more information on the Ultimate Road Trip call (616) 331-8630.

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 6

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2008 Miss Volleyball, Olivia Kohler, dives and keeps the ball alive in the Lakers home opener against Northwood on Sept. 11.

GVSU won the match in four sets.

Photo by Doug Witte

WR Israel Woolfork leaps above three SVSU defenders in an attempt to block a punt.

Photo by Doug Witte

Reload: The Laker Soccer Team Looks to Continue its Winning Tradition The Laker soccer team entered the 2009 season with some huge questions that were going to be answered once they took the field. Head coach Dave DiIanni knew he had his work cut out for him on the recruiting trail this offseason.

GVSU lost two of the most prolific offensive players in the program’s history when the 2008 season ended. Katy Tafler and Ashley Elsass both graduated after taking the program to new heights during their four-year careers. Tafler and Elsass combined for 150 goals and 74 assists during their time at Grand Valley State.

As if it weren’t enough to lose two great offensive players in one year, all-american keeper Kristina Nasturzio also moved on after a stellar four-year career. In 2008, she set a school record with 15 shutouts in a season, placing her fourth in Division II history.

In four years, the 2008 graduating class helped the program gain tradition by playing in the national championship game, being ranked No.1 in the country, and winning four straight Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) titles.

The last four seasons brought a new first for the women’s soccer team. For the first time in four years the Lakers had to move on without their established stars. As the season approaches its midway point, the questions are slowly changing.

While it was once, “Who will replace Tafler?”, it has now become, “How good can this team be?”

To help answer those questions DiIanni has looked to his freshman class, bringing in seven fresh faces that were recruited by top schools like Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Oakland (Mich.). Despite being heavily recruited by the mid-majors, they decided to continue the winning tradition by choosing Grand Valley State.

For the loss of their top scorer Tafler the Lakers may have found a replacement. Freshman forward Kayla Addison from Southfield, Mich. has elite speed and the potential to do big things during her four-year career. Addison has the ability to hold the ball under pressure and surprise defenders with her strong leg. Her great frame gives her the opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net.

Another freshman forward GVSU is looking to for big minutes is Alyssa Mira. The 5-6 forward from Livonia, Mich., is a versatile player that can make plays down the stretch. She has the ability to break away from defenders, making opportunities for herself and her teammates. Mira scored two

Kelsey Deacon Contributing Writer goals in the Lakers’ first win and will continue to make plays in the 2009 season. DiIanni has stated he has high expectations for Mira and is excited to see her develop in a Laker uniform.

In the midfield position, freshman Ashley Botts adds a burst of energy to the offense. Botts, a native of Beloit, Wis., had an instant impact scoring Grand Valley State’s first goal of the 2009 season.

Her intense play off the bench gives the Lakers a spark and a competitive edge at the center position.

Fellow freshman Erin Hilbert from Ada, Mich., will also add depth to the midfield. Hilbert adds a physical presence on the field, which was lost with graduated midfielder Meghan Robinson. Hilbert is a very talented player that has the ability to find teammates down field.

Entering the month of October, Addision, Mira, Botts and Hilbert are currently the top four on the

team in goals scored.

DiIanni is very pleased with the freshman class and believes they are a great fit for the program.

“Our freshman class brings a very competitive attitude that is very unusual to see for student athletes to have their first year in college. They also love the game of soccer and that helps with their development and growth as soccer players as they move on through the years facing adverse and successful situations,” the head coach commented.

Grand Valley State can be successful in 2009 with the help from the freshman class, however, DiIanni mentioned that he believes the scoring needs to come from a variety of players on the squad.

“We will be successful this year if everyone buys into being responsible for their role on the team and supporting one another through the successful and challenging times,” he replied. “The freshman class is part of this process. I believe that we will have to get some scoring from different members of that class as well.”

Senior forward Irie Dennis looks to elude a University of Missouri-St. Louis defender in the first half of a game earlier this season. The Lakers won the game 8-2.

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 10

The Laker Soccer Team Looks to Continue its Winning Tradition (continued) The incoming freshmen may be giving a huge contribution to the squad, but the team isn’t the fourth ranked team in the nation because of the freshman class. Grand Valley State has an impressive upperclass and DiIanni gives credit to the captains on the team.

“We are blessed to have great leadership on this year’s team. Our tri-captains Natalja Stanski, Kristen Eible and Irie Dennis have created an environment where it is okay to be competitive in practice, it is okay to challenge one another to competitive greatness and that we are all in this together, no matter what you are. It is our hope that the environment we have created as a program will forge a bond that can withstand the adverse conditions we will face this year,” he stated. “Our freshman are facing so many different situations for the first time and so it is important that we help them through this process.”

That leadership can be credited to forward Irie Dennis. The 5-5 senior from Columbus, Ohio, brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the team, which will help the Lakers deep into their schedule and especially during tournament time.

Besides being a leader on and off of the field, Dennis uses her lighting bolt speed to blow past defenses where she has the ability to shake up defenders by placing the ball in the back of the net.

With the addition of the freshman class and the returning of knowledgeable players doesn’t mean it is going to be a walk in the park for the 2009 squad. There are going to be a lot of challenges the freshmen haven’t faced and obstacles they haven’t climbed. With the help of the experienced veterans, the Lakers could be quite successful in 2009. DiIanni thinks the team needs to stay on humble ground and be injury free.

“For us to continue to be successful we need to stay humble, work hard, and commit the energy needed all year long,” he replied. “I also think that if we can stay healthy then this could be the deepest team I have ever had at GVSU and that will only continue to create a very competitive atmosphere in practice that should spill over into games.”

The 2008 Lakers may have had talented players who carried the team throughout the year, but the 2009 Lakers have reloaded and look to create a team chemistry that is unbreakable. With the addition of a skilled freshman class, added with the leadership and experience of the upper class, the 2009 squad looks to continue the winning tradition.

The future looks bright for the Grand Valley State soccer program.

Other returning players that give experience to the squad are midfielders Erin Mruz and Kristen Eible. Both have the talent to control the midfield and the pace of the game. They dictate where the ball goes setting their teammates up for shots within the rhythm of the offense. Mruz leads the team in assists and looks to record more with the Lakers’ high powered offense.

On the defensive side, GVSU returns tall defenders Jenna Wenglinski and Natalja Stanski.

Both use their size and footwork to cover a lot of ground in the backfield. They have the skills to redirect offenses making them feel uncomfortable and forcing them out of rhythm. Wenglinski and Stanski, along with the tough backline, want to continue the Laker tradition of shutting out opponents by extending last year’s record of 19 shutouts in a season.

At the goalkeeper position, the Lakers are seeing a new face in front of the net with redshirt freshman Chelsea Parise. A native of Warren, Mich., she was given the opportunity to train with Nasturzio last year and has shown great potential through the first half of the season. Parise is an outspoken keeper who loves the challenges that the position provides. She brings energy and intensity to the squad and won her teammates’ trust in being the new last line of defense.

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as quickly. Now I keep the physical aspect to moves I know how to execute well and safely.

Cheering is all about corresponding to the needs of form stunts, and yell. You really do not see that the moment; I take note of what the team and happen in every day life, so people tend to be glued crowd need and modify the cheer accordingly. to me until they get comfortable enough to know Every once in a while, I still get excited enough to that I am trying to get the crowd to cheer on our cause me to invent a whole new show on the spot. athletic teams to victory.

What has been your most memorable experiDo people recognize you outside of athletic ence? events as being the man behind Psycho Fan? I have been blessed to experience countless moSurprisingly, for the first few years I was able to ments of greatness at home and at Massachusetts, blend into the crowd as just a college student. Now Minnesota, and Ohio. There is a reason this school I get recognized more often. Last year, I showed has won six straight Director's Cups. I thrive off up to more events as Psycho Fan; that helped to in- high stakes and being outnumbered by enthusiastic crease my exposure. Most of the time the people fans rooting for the other team; thousands of fans, that recognize me quietly ask their friends, “Is that and I have to be louder than them all. That's when who I think it is? Is that really him?!” I just smile Psycho Fan really starts to have fun. My seat was and nod my head and continue on my way. Some- in the Michigan State section. Psycho Fan versus times people will stop and tell me they appreciate the Izzone, ah, memories. 11/3/2007 GVSU 85 the service I provide and ask me a few questions MSU 82, what a night to be alive! about life as Psycho Fan. I always love the chance to meet new people.

When is Psycho Fan’s next appearance?

Currently, Psycho Fan can be seen at home volleyDo you practice your cheers and dances or are ball matches, most home football games, and some they all impromptu? soccer games. In the winter, I am at home basketAll of it was impromptu the first few years or so. I ball games. I am always trying to expand my reach. was still a young kid, inexperienced in the ways of I occasionally can be found at pep rallies and the being a super fan. I could take a few bumps and likes. Wherever there is a Laker team fighting for bruises and recover easily. Now, I do not recover a Grand Valley victory, I may be there.

Q & A with Psycho Fan

Where did the idea of Psycho Fan originate?

I had always been an enthusiastic supporter of athletics, but I had never had an identity to go with my developing skills as a super fan. I was given a jersey and wig at the Senior Assembly from one of my graduating friends at the end of my freshman year in high school. Psycho Fan was the name on the back of the jersey. I had always wanted to use my enormous amount of energy to do some good in this world, so I figured this was as good a chance as any to make a difference.

What was the initial reaction to Psycho Fan? Oh well the students loved it... at least once they understood what I was doing! It took a few games before the crowd realized I was a sensible person that just wanted to help them get excited for the game. Many people tried to understand why someone would volunteer to get out in front of a crowd in the first place, let alone proceed to air guitar, per-

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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 12

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Early Season Road Games Help the Lakers Prepare for Key October Tilts No. 1 ranked Grand Valley State opened the 2009 schedule with four of its first five games on the road. The Lakers traveled to West Texas for the season-opener and closed the month of September with a trip to the west side of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Lakers were able to experience the geography and culture of West Texas, where the land is so flat you can watch your dog run away for three days. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where Michigan Tech is located, offered beautiful landscape where trees and fresh water lakes are in abundance. Grand Valley State came away with a 5-0 mark through the first five weeks to set up a key five-game stretch in October.

The Lakers’ lone home game in September versus Saginaw Valley State resulted in a GVSU and GLIAC single-game attendance record (16,467). Grand Valley State’s convincing 38-7 victory over the #16 Cardinals established that the Lakers’ would once again be in the GLIAC title hunt.

“We obviously like playing in the friendly confines of Lubbers Stadium, “ said head coach Chuck Martin. “We get such great support from our fans and we get such great crowds that our players really enjoy playing in front of a packed Lubbers Stadium,” added Martin.

ing month of the season and set up what could be Tim Nott a great stretch of football,” said Martin.

Grand Valley State has enjoyed incredible Contributing Writer success while playing in front of its home fans. The The Lakers will get plenty of opportunities Lakers are 166-40-1 at home (.804), including a to play in front of the home crowd in October, with 59-3 mark since 2000. home games set for Oct. 3 (Tiffin/Family Day), Oct. 17 (Findlay/Homecoming) and Oct. 31 (Northern Michigan/Trunk or Treat).

The game with Tiffin will have historic significance as the one-millionth fan will enter Lubbers Stadium. The lucky fan will be honored with a gift package from Louie The Laker and Athletic Director Tim Selgo.

After a road trip to Hillsdale on Oct. 10, the Lakers will host Findlay in the annual Homecoming/Hall of Fame Day contest. Former Laker football head coach Brian Kelly will be among the six 2009 inductees.

The Lakers will then travel to Ashland for what could be the GLIAC Championship game.

Ashland dropped its opening game of the season at Bloomsburg, but the Eagles have rebounded and are on a collision course with the Lakers.

GVSU will host Northern Michigan on LB Justin Victor has played a key role for a stout defense Halloween night to close the month of October.

“We did what we needed to do in the open- so far this season.

Laker Crosser

Crossword answers available on page 14

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 13

October Home Events For Tickets call 616-331-3200 Sunday

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Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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Soccer vs. Ashland 12 p.m.

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17 Football vs. Findlay 7 p.m. * Homecoming

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Soccer vs. Northwood 4 p.m.

Volleyball vs. Ferris State 7 p.m.

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Crossword Puzzle Answers

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GVSPORTS Monthly

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PLAYER PROFILES Tyler Emmorey Sophmore Cross Country Cedar Springs, Michigan Special Education 16 Years Old Fight Club Mongolian BBQ “Future Freaks Me Out” by Motion City Soundtrack California Detroit Tigers To compete and WIN. To become the best athlete/runner I could and win a national championship.

namE yEar Sport, poSition HomEtoWn maJor aGE bEGan Sport faVoritE...,,, moViE food SonG placE to ViSit SportS tEam

Amber Joy Bloem Senior Soccer, Outside Back Grandville, Michigan Advertisng/P.R. 6 Years Old Tin Cup Dad’s Dutch Soup “Alabama” by Cross Canadian Ragweed Disney World Atlanta Braves I chose to become a Laker because the soccer program had such a great

WHy did yoU cHooSE to bE, tradition of excellence, a fun and talented group of girls, and a fantastic coaching staff. I feel very blessed to be part of something like this. I accomE a lakEr tually started as a walk on when I transferred, and am very grateful the coaches gave me the opportunity to become a part of the team.

Steve Banagis, middle school PE teacher and track coach. Gave me the inspiration to do well and the desire to win and be the best I could.

Also, Ted Sabinas, High School XC and Track coach, who trained me to become a good runner and compete at a high level and also to be a good person.

Hopefully graduate school somewhere

WHo HaS Had tHE biGGESt impact on yoUr SportS carEEr,

WHErE do yoU SEE yoUr, SElf in 5 yEarS,

My parents without a doubt have had the biggest impact on my sports career. When I was little they let me experiment with any sport I wanted, gymnastics, bowling, swimming, you name it, I probably tried it! They are the ones who drove me to practice after practice. When I became serious about soccer they encouraged me and supported me.

They gave up a lot of weekends to watch soccer and they still rarely miss a game. Knowing I have that kind of support behind me has really kept me going and pushing hard over the years.

Well....hopefully doing something with Public Relations in the sports world! I would love to be working for a minor league organization or a sports agency. My teammates always give me a hard time and say I’ll be married with two kids in 5 years, but doubtful that will happen that fast!

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 15

The Grid If you were the Lions head coach ...

One word for Kanye West’s actions at the VMAs Scariest movie you have seen?

Who should be an American Idol judge?

What was your best halloween costume?

Matt Yoches

Irie Dennis

Damon Arnold

Ashley Bronkema

Assistant Football Coach

Women’s Soccer Player

Director of Laker Advising

GV Fan and Graduate

I would enjoy it while it lasts

I’d find another job

I would only draft GVSU players

I’d let Jason Hanson start at QB

Who?

Disrespectful

Rude

Unacceptable

Blair Witch Project

Vacancy

Nightmare on Elm St.

The Butterfly Effect

Dwight Schrute

Paris Hilton

Sandra Jennings

Donald Trump

Homie the Clown

Bubble bath

Dracula

Homemade Scarecrow

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 16

FOLLOW THE LAKERS THROUGHOUT THE 2009 SEASON ON THE OFFICIAL SITE OF LAKER ATHLETICS. FIND STATS, ROSTERS, GAME RECAPS, AND MORE. WATCH LIVE GAMES, EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS, AND PRESS CONFERENCES IN THE MEDIA CENTER.