GVSports Monthy Magazine

September 2009

BRAD ICIEK CAN HE LEAD GVSU BACK TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

Inside: Volleyball, Women’s Soccer, Cross Country Previews

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE Grand Valley State University earns national recognition for quality and affordability t /BNFE POF PG iAmerica’s Best Colleges�

by U.S. News & World Report three years in a row. t First place, Best Universities - Master’s category, in U.S. News & World Report’s review

PG i6Q BOE $PNJOH 4DIPPMTw JO UIF .JEXFTU t 0OF PG The Princeton Review’s

iBest in the Midwest� 2009. t /BNFE POF PG "NFSJDB T

i100 Best College Buys�

13 years in a row. t 0OMZ .JDIJHBO TDIPPM OBNFE one of the nation’s 25 “cutting-edge� green colleges, Kaplan’s College Guide 2009. t Best NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic program in the country for six years in a row.

People who know education are talking a lot about Grand Valley State University.

Not only are we earning great accolades — our people, programs, and partnerships are making the state a better place. In fact, 98% of our recent graduates are employed or in graduate school, and 88% of those working have careers here in Michigan. Call or visit us online for more information about the inspiring academic excellence at Grand Valley. gvsu.edu 800.748.0246 616.331.2025

IN THIS ISSUE 2 Soccer

GVSU WOMENS SOCCER STARTS 2009 CAMPAIGN Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team looks to continue its success in the 2009 season. The Lakers posted an impressive 22-1-0 final record, which included perfect marks in the regular season ...

3 Cross Country GVSU CROSS COUNTRY AIMS TO TOP SUCCESSFUL 2008 After a runner-up finish and a fifth-place tally at the Division II National Championships in 2008, the GVSU women’s and men’s cross country teams look to repeat last year’s terrific seasons ...

5 Volleyball LAKER VOLLEYBALL LOOKS FOR THIRD STRAIGHT ELITE EIGHT BERTH The Grand Valley State volleyball team has not opened a season at home since 1995, which coincidentally was head coach Deanne Scanlon’s first season at the helm of the Laker program ...

10 Main Event TEAM OF THE DECADE What goes into being named the “Team of the Decade?”

Total wins, conference titles, regional crowns or national championships? Does it take two of the four, three ...

616-895-2400

-

www.48west.com

-

48west@48west.INFO

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 1

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1 EDITOR IN CHIEF Tim Nott MANAGING EDITOR Doug Lipinski EXECUTIVE EDITOR Doug Witte ACQUISITIONS EDITOR Courtney Goldschmeding ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mallory Weber CONTRIBUTORS Kelsey Deacon DJ Foster Andy Fry Sandra Jennings 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

GVSU Women’s Soccer Starts 2009 Campaign Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team looks to continue its success in the 2009 season. The Lakers posted an impressive 221-0 final record, which included perfect marks in the regular season (19-0) and in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play (14-0)in 2008.

The Lakers looks to take their fifth straight GLIAC title and advance in the NCAA tournament in its 2009 campaign.

GVSU will face a significant loss this year with graduated forwards Katy Tafler and Ashley Elsass and goalkeeper Kristina Nasturzio. All three were First Team All-GLIAC and Daktronics AllMidwest Region First Team. Tafler and Elsass combined for 37 goals and 98 points. Nasturzio recorded a team-high 15 shutouts and only allowed five goals during the 2008 season.

The 2009 team will start their season on Aug. 28 in Tampa, Fla. GVSU played Columbus State for the first time in school history. Two days later, Grand Valley State took on NCAA tournament rival Tampa. The Lakers are 2-1 against the Spartans in overall play.

GVSU starts off the month of September in Allendale with two non-conference match-ups.

First the Tritons of Missouri-St. Louis visit the Lakers on Sept. 4. Grand Valley State shut out the

Kelsey Deacon Contributing Writer Tritons, 1-0, with a goal by senior forward Irie Dennis last season.

On Sept. 6, the Lakers take on the Lady Hawks of Quincy in their second non-conference game. GVSU faced the Lady Hawks in the second round of the 2008 NCAA tournament and won 20. Grand Valley State has an impressive 8-0 mark against Quincy.

GVSU opens conference play on Sept. 13 against Ferris State. The Lakers shut out the Bulldogs three times in the 2008 season and are 9-3 alltime against their West Michigan rival. Junior forward Erika Pitroff and midfielder Kristen Eible both had a goal and an assist during the three games.

On Sept. 18, Grand Valley State takes on the Wildcats of Northern Michigan in a home match. In 2008, the Lakers swept the Wildcats, 10 and 2-0, in GLIAC action. Dennis and Pitroff each notched an assist in the two games. The Lakers have dominated Northern Michigan in overall play with an impressive record of 13-1-1.

The Lakers visit Ashland, Ohio on Sept. 20

to take on the Eagles. GVSU dominated Ashland last season with two shutout wins (4-0, 6-0). Dennis added two goals in the 6-0 win over the Eagles.

Next the Lakers travel to Indianapolis in a nonconference match-up on Sept. 23 to take on the Greyhounds. Grand Valley State has a 5-4 overall record against the Great Lakes Valley Conference rival.

Grand Valley State returns home for a conference game against Findlay on Sept 25. The Lakers won both contests, 3-0 and 7-1, in 2008. Dennis notched two goals and two assists, while sophomore midfielder Erin Mruz added a goal and an assist of her own in the two games.

Rounding out the last game in September, the Dragons of Tiffin visit Allendale on the 27th.

During conference play last season the Lakers defeated the Dragons 1-0 as Eible tallied an assist. In the second match Grand Valley State dominated Tiffin 7-0. Eible notched two goals and an assist, while Dennis added a goal and assist of her own in the win. GVSU is undefeated against Tiffin in all-time play with a 4-0 mark.

Listen to Laker Football Across the State

treated buy one beverage get one

HALF OFF

(of equal or lesser value)

4814 Lake Michigan Dr Lake Michigan Dr and 48th (616) 895-2075 for franchise info www www.biggby.com .biggby.com .biggby .com Coupon valid at this location only only.. Not good with any other offer. offer.

No copies of this coupon will be accepted. Of Offer fer expir expires es 5/31/2010.

$1.00 OFF any grande specialty beverage 4814 Lake Michigan Dr Lake Michigan Dr and 48th (616) 895-2075 for franchise info www www.biggby.com .biggby.com .biggby .com Coupon valid at this location only only.. Not good with any other offer offer..

No copies of this coupon will be accepted. Of Offer fer expires expires 5/31/2010.

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 2

Fan Fest Launches on September 9 After the success of Chuck-A-Palooza, which was a celebration of the start of spring practice, Grand Valley State athletics has decided to host Fan Fest to celebrate the start of the football season. Fan Fest, presented by 48 West, is September 9th, 2009 from 7-9 pm in the Laker Turf Building. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Fan Fest is an event that allows Laker fans to meet and greet with the players and coaches while getting pictures and asking them questions. There will be opportunities for autographs and the first 1,000 fans in the door will receive GVSU football jersey t-shirts.

Fan Fest is the kickoff of “The Year of the Fan” which is a celebration of the great tradition that has been built by athletes and fans alike. On the field, the Lakers have won four national championships, 14 conference titles, and have had 47

2009

dents will normally be able to get their tickets the Monday before each home game, but with the holPromotions iday break stretching into Tuesday, Fan Fest will be the best place to get your tickets. “We want to first team all-Americans. celebrate what has been accomplished on the field, In the crowd, the Lakers continue to have but with all this State has been through, we really one of the highest attendance averages in Division wanted to acknowledge the contribution of our II, culminating last season in hosting the largest fans this year,” said Fry. crowd in Lubbers Stadium history of 14,612 on September 20, 2008 against Ferris State University.

The fans continued to show their love for Laker football in the spring with the inaugural Chuck-A-Palooza event. “We had over 1,100 people that attended Chuck-A-Palooza in the spring just to watch a spring practice,” said Andy Fry, Ticket and Fan Development Manager. “We think Fan Fest can be even bigger.”

Fan Fest is loosely based on Chuck-APalooza, which was the first known spring practice kickoff party in the nation, but this time those in attendance will be welcomed down on the field.

There will be football related games and activities that fans can participate in such as a field goal kick and football toss. It will also be the first chance students will have to get their tickets for the footLaker Nation gets loud to make things difficult for the ball home opener vs. Saginaw Valley State. Stu- Hillsdale offense in a game last season.

GVSU Cross Country Aims to Top Successful 2008 Season After a runner-up finish and a fifth-place tally at the Division II National Championships in 2008, the GVSU women’s and men’s cross country teams look to repeat last year’s terrific seasons.

With the young, talented runners returning to both teams, that might very well happen in 2009.

The turnaround from a successful 2008 campaign to repeating the feat in 2009 will be a quick one, as both teams have just a handful of meets before defending their conference and regional championships in late October and early November.

Last year, the women’s cross country team finished second at the national meet, as six GVSU runners placed in the top 30. The Lakers’ top two runners at the National Championships were Megan Maceratini (14th) and Katherine McCarthy (18th), who are both juniors this season. Maceratini, McCarthy, and senior Lynsey Ardingo were all named United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association All-Americans, as Ardingo placed 23rd at the national meet.

The second-place finish tied the best mark in school history for the Lakers. Just a few weeks earlier, GVSU dominated the GLIAC Championship meet with all seven runners placing in the top-10 of the event and three runners finishing in the top five. At the Midwest Regional Championship just weeks later, Grand Valley State had all five runners place in the top-10, as the Lakers

both the GLIAC and Midwest Regional Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s teams in DJ Foster 2008.

Contributing Writer The Lakers have just two meets in Septemcruised to victory. It was the eighth straight season ber, as Grand Valley State is at the Hope Vanderbilt that GVSU won both the GLIAC and Midwest Re- Invitational on Sept. 5 in Holland and at the MSU Spartan Invitational on Sept. 18. gional titles.

On the men’s side, the Lakers placed fifth at the national meet, as four different runners finished in the top-50. Just as the women’s team had two young runners as their top finishers, the men’s team did as well. Freshmen Tyler Emmorey (24th) and Ryan Toth (27th) notched top-30 finishes and both rookies earned USTFCCCA All-America status.

At the GLIAC Championship meet, all seven Lakers recorded top-15 finishes en route to the seventh straight conference title. Senior Chris Hammer won the individual title and was named the GLIAC Runner of the Year. It was the fourth straight year GVSU has earned the individual title at the conference tournament.

The Lakers repeated their success at the Midwest Regional Championship, as Hammer again took home the individual title and was named the Midwest Region Men’s Athlete of the Year. Grand Valley State placed all five runners in the top-15 of the meet and clinched its seventh Freshman Tyler Emmorey returns for his sophomore season after finishing strong in 2008. straight regional title.

GVSU head coach Jerry Baltes was tabbed GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 3

NEWS IN BRIEF

Where Are They Now?

How you remember him: Lucius Hawkins was a defensive back for the Lakers from 2001-04. During his career GVSU played in three national championship games and won two of them (2002-03).

In the 2003 quarterfinal playoff game against rival Saginaw Valley State, Hawkins put pressure on the Cardinals quarterback and recorded four sacks as the defensive pressure stalled SVSU’s offense allowing only three points.

During another defensive struggle, Lucius almost hit for football’s version of the cycle. When he tackled North Dakota’s QB and forced a fumble, he then recov• SEPTEMBER 9th 7-9pm ered the ball and returned it 59 yards to the UND 20 yard Be the first to get your GVSU football line. That play set up the only offensive touchdown of home opener ticket at Fan Fest. Atten- the game and played a key role in the Lakers 2003 chamdees will receive a free football jersey t- pionship victory.

• HISPANIC HERITAGE NIGHT First Annual Hispanic Heritage Night will take place on Friday, September 23rd at 4:00pm during the women’s soccer game. Attendees will be celebrating Hispanic culture through games and activities while the Laker soccer team takes on Findlay at home. Come and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

shirt as well as the opportunity to meet Coach Martin and the 2009 Laker football team. Fan Fest will take place inside the Laker Turf Building. Remember, this will be the first opportunity to get your football tickets for our home opener on September 12th against Saginaw Valley State University!

What he’s doing now: Lucius is still making plays for Grand Valley State, but in a different uniform. Since his graduation he has been putting his criminal justice degree to work at the downtown campus. He now works as a full-time officer for GVSU’s Pew Campus Security office.

The picture on the right shows Hawkins speaking to a second grade class. He has also returned to speak to some of Grand Valley’s • NEW FIELD LEVEL TICKETS student-athletes as he has become a leader Get close to the action during the Laker and mentor off the field for the Lakers.

football season with new Field Level Tickets! Experience the excitement up front with the closest spot in Lubbers Stadium. Field level tickets are standing room only and are now available for purchase for $8. For more information call GVSU Ticket Office at (616) 331-3200.

CHUCK MARTIN WEEKLY RADIO SHOW Every Thursday during football season

6:00 pm on WTKG AM 1230 • SEPTEMBER 10th Noon- 1pm Get a haircut and meet coach Martin at Sport Clips located across from Meijer at 355 Wilson Ave. Arrive early and get a FREE GVSU football t-shirt with your haircut!

hosted live at main street pub

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 4

Laker Volleyball Looks for Third Straight Elite Eight Berth The Grand Valley State volleyball team has not opened a season at home since 1995, which coincidentally was head coach Deanne Scanlon’s first season at the helm of the Laker program. It is no surprise then that GVSU began the 2009 season in Canyon, Tex. at the West Texas A&M Lady Buff Classic.

Grand Valley State continues its early road trips by heading to Florida for four matches on Sept. 5-6. The Lakers will face Nebraska-Omaha and Florida Southern in Lakeland, while finishing up their weekend with matches against East Stroudsburg and Eckerd in St. Petersburg. Entering the season, GVSU has played East Stroudsburg only one other time in school history (winning in 1986) and has never faced Eckerd.

The Lakers return to Allendale and open up conference play with seven matches, including a five-match stretch where GVSU plays every other team in the GLIAC North Division.

To begin the conference season, Grand Valley State opens up at The Fieldhouse Arena with home matches against Northwood and Wayne State on Sept. 11-12. The Lakers swept Northwood in both matches last season and own an all-time record of 40-15 against the Timberwolves. GVSU also defeated Wayne State twice in 2008, including

DJ Foster Contributing Writer a 3-1 victory in the semifinals of the GLIAC Tournament, and leads the all-time series over the Warriors, 42-26.

Grand Valley State will then board the bus and travel to West Michigan rival Ferris State for a battle on Sept. 15, before continuing to the Upper Peninsula for matches against Northern Michigan (Sept. 18) and Michigan Tech (Sept. 19). Both of these schools have given the Lakers problems in the past few seasons. In fact, NMU is the only GLIAC school to own a winning record against Grand Valley State. The Wildcats are 43-41 in the all-time series against GVSU. Last season, in one particularly memorable weekend series, Grand Valley State won a pair of heart-pounding 3-2 matches over Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan. GVSU won the first two sets over Michigan Tech on Friday night before the Huskies rallied to win the next two sets, tying the match at 2-2. The Lakers, however, closed the match with a thrilling 15-9 fifth set victory. Northern Michigan won the opening two sets the next afternoon before Grand Valley State rallied to win

'$( +"$ "

!

)

the final three sets, including a wild 26-24 win in the fourth set. Later in the season, Michigan Tech gave the Lakers their only GLIAC loss of the year, a 3-1 defeat on Nov. 7.

GVSU closes the month of September with a home weekend against Lake Superior State and Saginaw Valley State on Sept. 25-26. The Lakers swept LSSU in both meetings in 2008 and own a 64-15 lead in the series. Grand Valley State and SVSU played four times last year, with the Lakers winning all four contests. The two teams met in both the GLIAC Tournament championship and the Midwest Regional Tournament title match, with GVSU winning both meetings by a 3-1 victory.

Scanlon returns 11 letterwinners and four starters from the 2008 team that went 33-4 for the second straight year and went to the NCAA Final Four. Seniors Whitney Tremain, Meredith Young, Katey Crichton, and junior Rebeccah Rapin form the core of this season’s squad, which features 10 freshmen and sophomores. Also, this is one of the taller GVSU teams in recent memory, as 15 of the 19 Lakers stand 5’10” or taller. The first full month of the season will give Grand Valley State a good test and prepare the Lakers for the final, most important months of the year.

$+ 41#(!2%

41#(!2% 41#(!2% "'!&$+

" '$ $!

$&

"! %

% &" ! *"& " "$

% "'!& $

*# $ &%

$ " %&"! %

0 )

$

!+% )#()'!. 1 3% )3( #/40/. /.,8 /3 3/ "% #/-").%$ 6)3( !.8 /3(%1 #/40/. /1 $)2#/4.3 70)1%2

!

%&"!

%

) $+

!+% )#()'!. 1 4)3% 9 ,,%.$!,% 9 /-% /& ,$ !2()/.%$ 423/-%1 %15)#% 423/-%1 !3)2&!#3)/.

666 3(%#/4.318*%6%,%1 #/- 9 3(%#/4.318*%6%,%1 !33 .%3

%6%,18 ,%!.).' .20%#3)/. "'!&$+

)

$

!+% )#()'!. 1 3% )3( #/40/. /.,8 /3 3/ "% #/-").%$ 6)3( !.8 /3(%1 #/40/. /1 $)2#/4.3 70)1%2

!3#( !33%18 .23!,,%$ !1'% !33%1)%2 "'!&$+

.,8 )

$

)3( !+% )#()'!. 1 3% #/40/. /.,8 /3 3/ "% #/-").%$ 6)3( !.8 /3(%1 #/40/. /1 $)2#/4.3 70)1%2

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 5

THE YEAR OF THE FAN September 9th:

FAN FEST presented by 48 West Apartments 7:00-9:00 pm (Laker Turf Building) • A chance to meet the 2009 Laker football team and coaches • First 1,000 fans will receive GVSU football jersey t-shirt • Autographs, activities and much more

2009

September 12th:

“Community Night” GVSU vs. Saginaw Valley State Presented by Meadows Crossing • Local businesses on site • Pre-game music, activities • Battle of the Valleys 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!

• 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 Fan Experience Giveaway” 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 October 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. A total of 16 fans will travel in the coach.

Fans will go to 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 5pm-6:30pm.

• Fans will be encouraged to pop their trunks and bring treats 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

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 6

GET YOUR EXCLUSIVE

WHITE OUT

GAME DAY TEE

WHITE OUT

JUST $995

ONLY AT

FAMILY DAY GVSU vs. Tiffin October 3 at 7:00 PM

it’s a white out WEAR WHITE TO THE GAME! for tickets call 331-3200

WR Greg Gay (16) and DB Gary Anderson (2) fight for the ball in a drill during one of the first practices of the year.

Photo by Doug Witte

GVSU’s Natalja Stanski (12) and Tampa keeper Kendall Bourdon (1) collide while going for the ball in a 2008 match that Grand Valley won 1-0.

Photo by Doug Witte

TEAM OF THE DECADE What goes into being named the “Team of the Decade”?

Total wins, conference titles, regional crowns or national championships? Does it take two of the four, three of the four or all four to earn the title?

The Grand Valley State football team put a quick end to the debate by notching all four in the mantle, plus a few more.

The numbers that the Lakers have produced since the 2001 season are mind boggling.

Eight straight years of being a preseason No. 1 ranked team in the country, four NCAA DII National Championships, five NCAA DII National Championship game appearances, six NCAA DII Regional titles, six undefeated regular seasons, eight NCAA DII playoff appearances, six Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and an NCAA record 40-game winning streak.

That doesn’t even include the team statistical records or individual plaudits that have been earned.

Grand Valley State is 94-6 in its last 100 games and 109-11 since 2000. The 2009 Laker senior class is 38-2 overall, 31-0 in regular season action and 29-0 in GLIAC action. The last time that GVSU did not start a season as the top ranked team in the country (2001), the Lakers’ current senior class was just beginning their freshman year of high school football. The American Football Coaches Association has released 110 polls since the 2001 season and GVSU has been ranked No. 1 73 times, including an AFCA record 36 straight weeks at No. 1 over three regular seasons. GVSU has been in the top five 94 times and top 10 99 times.

“When you go back and look at the level to which this football program has been playing at in the last nine years it’s almost unbelievable,” said sixth-year head coach Chuck Martin who is 61-5 in five years at the helm with a pair of national championships (2005 and 2006). “It is extremely hard to sustain this level of play from year-to-year, but the workman-like attitude that our players come to practice with every day has allowed us to play at a high level and remain humble,” added Martin.

The Lakers have been able to be dominant on both sides of the ball with a record-setting offense and a stingy defense during the last nine years. The GVSU offense that guided the Lakers

Tim Nott Contributing Writer to title game appearances in 2001 and a National Championship in 2002, was followed by a defense that played a key role in the 2003 National Championship. GVSU averaged 58.4 points in 2001 and 46.7 points in 2002, while the 2003 team held its final three playoff opponents to just three points in each game. Dominant teams have dominant players and since 2001 the Lakers have produced 37 all-americans, five Harlon Hill Finalists as the DII Player of the Year and three Gene Upshaw Award winners as the top interior lineman in DII. Grand Valley once again enters the season as the strong favorite to become champions of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

High expectations in Allendale come with the territory for a now veteran head coach Chuck Martin and his tradition-rich Laker football program. The Lakers again are loaded on offense, led by an experienced and accomplished senior quarterback (Brad Iciek), and steady on defense with a nice blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers hoping to break out this season on a team with high hopes. As usual, the Lakers have recruited well and should reload at some spots impacted by graduation.

Iciek is back again to run the Laker offense. Iciek is getting no shortage of preseason hype and will once again be a strong candidate to contend for the coveted Harlon Hill Trophy. A year ago, Iciek passed for 2,252 yards with 31 touchdowns. With a 23-2 record, as a starter, Iciek is accustomed to playing quarterback for GVSU - with a target on his back. Iciek has weapons in the backfield led by the return of junior James Berezik, who rushed for 1,403 yards with 15 touchdowns.

Other threats for the Laker offense include senior Blake Smolen, a force to be reckoned with as a receiver and as a runner, and fellow senior P.T. Gates, a dangerous player every time he touches the ball. At receiver, Iciek will be targeting guys like Ryan Bass and Mike Koster, both of whom will be back in the lineup. Smolen is a threat in the passing game and Greg Gay could be ready for a breakthrough season. The Lakers have holes to fill on the offensive line, but will bring back experience with the likes of Nick McDonald and Cameron Bradfield.

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 10

Regular Season Winning Percentage (Last Four Years) 1. Grand Valley State 40-0 1.000 2. West Texas A&M 41-3 93.2 3. North Alabama 39-3 92.3 4. Ohio State 43-4 91.5 5. Southern Cal 43-5 89.6 All Divisions Most Wins in the 2000s 1. Mount Union (DIII) 125 2. Grand Valley State (DII) 109 3. Montana (FBS) 105 4. Oklahoma (DI) 102 5. NW Missouri St. (DII) 99 All-Time DII Winning percentage 1. Grand Valley State .723 2. Bentley .715 3. Valdosta State .687 4. West Chester .685 5. Texas A&M Kingsville .680

Grand Valley returns 21 letterwinners and nine starters on defensive this season. Headlining this returning group is preseason All-American candidate junior Danny Richard, who led the Lakers with 17 tackles for loss and finished second on the squad with 60 tackles and eight sacks. Senior Alex Gilde is back off a season during which he was credited with 30 tackles and seven tackles for loss. Pay attention to junior Steve Gawronski, junior Nick Lawrence and sophomore Andre Thomas to be heard from this season. GVSU has all three starting linebackers back and that group includes two All-GLIAC players. Sophomore Brad Howard led GVSU with 77 tackles and junior Justin Victor added 60. Gary Anderson started all 12 games and totaled 51 tackles. Preseason All-American candidate Jacob McGuckin highlights the secondary as he comes off a season during which he totaled 55 tackles and three interceptions.

On special teams, All-GLIAC punter Justin Trumble is back while a true freshman, Ryan

Team of the Decade (continued) Stokes, could open some eyes in the upcoming season as a kicker.

The Lakers are coming off of an 11-1 season that ended in the quarterfinals of the NCAA playoffs after a double overtime loss to eventual champion Minnesota Duluth.

dium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. as Grand Valley State entertains Saginaw Valley State. The Lakers will be looking for their sixth straight win versus the Cardinals and ninth in the last 12 meetings.

Grand Valley State tallied a 36-0 shutout victory a

On The Road Again The Grand Valley State football team will have the slogan of “On The Road Again,” for the opening of the 2009 campaign. GVSU will play four of its first five games on the road, including three road dates during the month of September.

The Lakers will open the season at West Texas A&M on August 29.

Grand Valley State will spend the Saturday of Labor Day weekend in Indianapolis for a 6:00 p.m. date with the Indianapolis Greyhounds. Indianapolis is coming off a 5-6 mark during the 2008 season and should claim a season-opening win versus Kentucky Wesleyan prior to entertaining GVSU. The Lakers are 19-1 all-time against the Greyhounds and are averaging 45.4 points per game in the last nine meetings.

The Lakers will open the home portion of their schedule on Sept. 12 in the Battle of the Valleys game on Community Night in Lubbers Sta-

Senior safety Jake McGuckin will lead the Lakers into a difficult schedule that begins with four of the first five games on the road.

2009 HOME OPENER

vs

Battle of the Valleys GVSU vs. SVSU September 12 at 7:00 pm Tix: (616) 331-3200 GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 11

year ago and could break the single-game attendance record of 14,612.

Grand Valley will head 54 miles up U.S. Highway 131 for a 7:00 p.m. tilt versus West Michigan rival Ferris State on Sept. 19. The Lakers and Bulldogs have always had a spirited rivalry, but GVSU has dominated play in the last decade.

The Lakers have won each of the last nine meetings, holding the Bulldogs to an average of 10.4 points in the last five games. Ferris State’s last win at home versus the Lakers was in 1995 (30-21).

The Lakers will then head to the western side of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for the first-ever night game at Michigan Tech on Sept. 26. GVSU has averaged 42.8 points in the current 15-game winning streak versus the Huskies.

“We like playing on the road in a hostile environment,” said Martin. “Obviously, playing at home in front of our fans, especially our student section, is an experience like no other. However, our players do enjoy going on the road and getting a win on the opponent’s home turf,” added Martin.

Grand Valley State’s last regular season road loss was at Saginaw Valley State in 2004.

Q & A with Athletic Director Tim Selgo Why/When did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate athletics?

While I was an undergraduate and men’s basketball student-athlete at the University of Toledo, I realized I wanted to have a career in college athletics. I was an Education major (Physical Education major and Mathematics minor) and began college with the intent to be a teacher and coach at the high school level. As my collegiate career progressed, I realized more and more that I preferred to be involved in college athletics as a coach or administrator. I had a class my senior year, Administration of Phys. Ed. and Athletic programs. It was during that class I knew I would one day be interested in becoming an athletic administrator. My father was a high school athletic director and I saw that it could be a great way to have an impact on a lot of young people.

My first job out of college was teaching and coaching at Springfield High School right outside of Toledo. I taught Math there for one year and was a Boys’ Varsity Basketball Assistant Coach and Boys’ Tennis Head Coach. After that year, my college coach, Bob Nichols, hired me as an assistant on his staff. I was very fortunate to get into college athletics at the age of 24. I served three years as his assistant, three years as the Women’s Basketball Head Coach, and at age 30, I was very fortunate that UT hired me as an Associate Athletic Director. I served in that capacity for 8 years until I had the good fortune of being hired at Grand Valley as Director of Athletics in March of 1996.

What do you enjoy the most about being the Athletic Director at GVSU? It’s no question that the people of GVSU are what make working here special. We have great people to work with throughout our campus, and for me specifically, we have a terrific staff within Laker Athletics. All of these people are talented, hard working, and most importantly, they care first and foremost about the students. I enjoy A LOT of things about my job, i.e. the competition, the challenges to provide our programs with the facilities and resources to be successful, and being around students all day, but the best part though is that we have great people to work with.

What do you like the most about working at the Division II level?

The best part about being in Division II is that we have a balance between academics and athletics. Our student-athletes are truly students first and obtaining an education is their primary goal.

We also compete at a very high level of college athletics. Balance is so important in everything in life, and we have that balance in NCAA Division II. I’m proud to say that “I Chose DII”!

What has changed about your job over the past 13 years?

The biggest change has occurred due to our success. With almost every GVSU team qualifying for post season competition the last five to six years, we do not get any breaks between the seasons. It is a great problem to have, but it does mean our staff encounters each of the seasons crossing over into one another. That means that with the beginning of the fall sports season the last weekend in August until the last weekend in May. We have teams that are in competition every weekend during that time and there isn’t any break for the staff.

Again, that is what we strive for and what we want, but compared to the mid-1990’s, we have far more contests to administer.

Some other things that have changed are technology, as it has changed everything we do in life. The internet has been great for college athletics as our web site has become our primary media and public relations outlet. It has provided all of us in college athletics to gain more exposure for all of our programs and student-athletes.

And of course, Grand Valley has made the transition from a commuter college to a residential campus during the 13 and a half years I have been here and it has been wonderful to be a part of that!

Our student support at GVSU for our teams is the best in the country in Division II and a big part of that has occurred because we are now a residential campus!

student-athletes accumulated a total of 3,200 community service hours. Service learning is an important part of the mission of GVSU and I am proud of the fact that our athletic programs serve as an extension of the institution’s mission to educate our students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming year?

Every year brings different reasons to be excited. I am anxious to see if we remain hungry this year. We have had great success here for a peWhat are your main responsibilities as Head of riod of time now. Our mantra has been to remain humble and keep working hard and we’ll continue an NCAA committee?

As the Chair of the NCAA DII Manage- to have success. How much success often depends ment Council, I chair the meetings and serve as an on injuries, good breaks, etc. but you increase your ex-officio member for all of the Council’s sub com- chances if you are hungry to reach your full potenmittees. The Management Council is made up of a tial. To compete to the best of your abilities is the rep. from each of the conferences in the country in best measure of success, so I always look forward DII, and we are essentially the governing body of to see if each team can reach its full potential. The NCAA Division II. We report to the President’s full potential is different for every team every year, Council, and work with them to govern intercolle- but our challenge is to help these students become the best students, athletes, and people they can be, giate athletics in our division. and that never gets old!

Describe your favorite memory or proudest moWhat is the best advice anyone has ever given ment from your job?

There are too many to describe. I think the you?

I have received a lot of great advice from a first time we won the President’s Cup (our conference’s all-sports trophy) during my tenure as A.D. lot of people, from my parents to my teachers and at GVSU was a memorable moment. GVSU had coaches to my colleagues and supervisors over the not won it in 20 years, so it was very satisfying to years. I work in a very competitive environment in bring the cup back to Grand Valley. Fortunately, we which success is most often measured in wins and have held on to it for the last 11 years in a row. losses. One of the coaches that I have admired most Winning our first of 6 straight Director’s Cups (the throughout my career as a student-athlete, coach, NCAA DII all-sports trophy) was also thrilling and and administrator is John Wooden, the great former continues to be each year we win it. Besides our basketball coach at UCLA. In my opinion, athletic success, I am also proud of the success our Wooden’s definition of success is the best advice student-athletes have in the classroom. We consis- anyone could receive, “Success is peace of mind tently graduate student-athletes at a higher rate than which is a direct result of the self satisfaction in the student body and during the Winter 2009 se- knowing you did your best to become the best you mester, 59.6% of our student-athletes achieved a are capable of becoming.”

3.0 grade point average or better, our highest ever!

In addition, during the 2008-09 academic year, our GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 12

Recipe of the Month - Oreo Dessert Ingredie nt s: 22 Oreo cookies 3 tablespoons melted butter 8 ounces cream chee se, softened 1/2 cup peanut butte r 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 (16 ounce) carton frozen whipped topp ing 18 chopped mini pean ut butter cups 1 cup milk 1 package instant ch ocolate pudding mix

Directions: Crush 18 cookies; mix with butter; press into bottom of an ungreased 9x9 dish.

Beat cream cheese, peanut butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until creamy.

Stir in half the whipped topping; spread over crust.

Sprinkle with the chopped peanut butter cups.

In second bowl, beat milk, pudding mix and the rest of the powdered sugar on low for 2 minutes.

Fold in remaining whipped topping.

Spread over the peanut butter cups.

Crush the 4 remaining Oreos; sprinkle on top.

Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.

About the Recipe This month’s recipe was provided by former GVSU Assistant Sports Information Director, Adrienne Yoches. Adrienne is married to Matt Yoches, who is a current assistant coach and a former player for the Laker football program. The dessert, which is a favorite in the sports information office, has been unofficially termed “Oreo Deliciousness.”

Submit your own ...

If you would like to have your recipe featured in GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine, please email the ingredients and directions to gvsportsnetwork@gvsu.edu with the subject line, “recipe.”

Laker Crosser

Crossword answers available on page 14

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 13

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

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1

Thursday

Friday

2

3 *FB Radio Show 6 p.m.

Main Street Pub

6 Soccer vs. Quincy 12 p.m.

13

7 Women’s Golf Laker Classic

8

9

Women’s Golf Laker Classic

14

Fan Fest Laker Turf Building 7-9 p.m.

15

20

*FB Radio Show 6 p.m.

Main Street Pub

22

17

23

28

29

11

12 Football vs. SVSU 7p.m.

Volleyball vs.

Wayne State 4 p.m.

18

19

Soccer vs. NMU 4 p.m.

24 *FB Radio Show 6 p.m.

Main Street Pub

27

5

Volleyball vs.

Northwood 7 p.m.

*FB Radio Show 6 p.m.

Main Street Pub

21

4 Soccer vs.

Missouri-St. Louis 5 p.m.

10

16

Soccer vs. Ferris State 12 p.m.

Saturday

25 Volleyball vs. LSSU 7 p.m.

Soccer vs. Findlay 4 p.m.

W. Tennis vs. MTU 3 p.m.

30

26 Volleyball vs. SVSU 4 p.m.

W. Tennis vs. LSSU 10 a.m.

Soccer vs. Tiffin 12 p.m.

7KH /DNHU &URVVHU

*Chuck Martin Weekly Radio Show on WTKG AM 1230

Sa ndra’s Sn ap sh ot

Crossword Puzzle Answers

' ,

6 & $

$ 1 ( 6 /

* 2 * * 1

/ ,

“Waiting�

Sandra’s Snapshot is a photo provided by Sandra Jennings, the administrative assistant for the GVSU Athletic Department. $FURVV

GVSPORTS Monthly

. ,

) ,

, $ 1 1 , / 1 / (

) ( 5 5 , 1 7 ' < $ /

/ ( 6 8 % % ( 5 2 ( 5 & 8 6 6

6WDWH WKDW KRVWV WKH ',, QDWLRQDO FKDPSLRQVKLSV IRU IRRWEDOO *968 KHDG VRFFHU FRDFK Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ 14 2SSRQHQW GXULQJ WKH ODUJHVW DWWHQGHG JDPH DW /XEEHUV 6WDGLXP 1XPEHU RI JDPHV LQ WKH ORQJHVW ZLQQLQJ VWUHDN LQ *968 IRRWEDOO KLVWRU\ DV ZHOO DV ',,

6 6 7 3

5 ) , 2 1 8 * 5

7 0 % $ / $ % $ 0 ) , / / 1 7 ( 6 ( 5 7 6 5 $ 7 ( ( 2 5 7 < 3

8 &

% / $ & 5 5

$

. ( / / <

'RZQ $OO WLPH OHDGLQJ JRDO VFRUHU LQ *968 ZRPHQ V VRFFHU KLVWRU\ 7KH ORFDWLRQ RI WKH &KXFN 0DUWLQ UDGLR FRDFKHV VKRZ *968 KHDG FRDFK ZLWK UHG KDLU 3OD\HU ZLWK WKH PRVW SDVVLQJ \DUGV LQ *968 KLVWRU\ &LW\ ZKLFK *968 PDLQ FDPSXV LV ORFDWHG

Student-Athlete Profiles Blake Smolen Senior Football, WR/RB Grosse Ile, Michigan Special Education 8 Years Old The Goonies Mexican Holy Diver by Dio Puerto Vallarta Florida Gators

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

MOVIE FOOD SONG PLACE TO VISIT SPORTS TEAM

Katey Crichton Senior Volleyball, OH Howell, Michigan Health Professions 10 Years Old Tommy Boy Hotdogs Sandstorm by Darude Grand Haven in the Summer Detroit Tigers

Great Academic Institution and Great WHY DID YOU CHOOSE Had the best winning record, Very successful athAthletics TO BECOME A LAKER letics program, Perfect distance from home, Very nice campus “My grandfather, he has been my own “My dad, because he’s a big athlete, got me into WHO HAS HAD THE personal coach my whole life because of BIGGEST IMPACT ON being active, pushed club and college volleyball, his playing experience in college.” YOUR SPORTS CAREER? he said he didn’t want my gift to go to waste.”

“Teaching special education at an elementary WHERE DO YOU SEE “Living on the Westside of Michigan, being a school in Michigan and hopefully coaching YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS? physicians’ assistant, hopefully married” football at the high school level.”

, Introducing, A New Laker Football Tradition

B r i a n ’s B u t t o n s Wear your button to the Game for a chance to win a prize!

Be one of the first 250 people to go to Brian’s Books before each home game to pick up your limited edition game button

,

Saving you money on new and used textbooks and a whole lot more!

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 15

The Grid

Get to know your GVSPORTS Magazine staff in this month’s edition of The Grid.

Tim Nott

Doug Witte

Mallory Weber

Courtney Goldschmeding

Editor in Cheif

Executive Editor

Advertising Director

Acquisitions Editor

What Superpower would you want to have?

Granting Wishes

Flight

To speed without getting a ticket

Read minds

Life is better at ________

the lake with the family

Trivia night

Beach

Beach

What is your biggest fear?

Being attacked by snakes or spiders

Being on the wrong side of shark week

Being in an elevator and having it fall

Not being able to move

What would you say to Brett Favre?

Have fun and play as long as you can

Good luck this year

Make a decision and stick to it

Retire already

Wipeout is _________

Me attempting to ride a ripstick

Always good for a laugh

A show I could never be on

The funniest show ever

BE FRIENDS WITH LOUIE Search for Louie Laker on Facebook

Follow the Lakers twitter.com/gvsulakers

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.