September - 2010
GVSU WOMEN’S SOCCER
ApproAching A SeASon Unlike Any other Photo By Steve King
Inside: Rebeccah Rapin’s Path from Traditional Student to Team Leader
IN THIS ISSUE 2 Men’s Golf UPPERCLASSMEN READY In October 2009, the Grand Valley State men’s golf team captured its second consecutive GLIAC Championship, winning the league title by an eye-opening 20 strokes...
3 Football MITCHELL LOOKS TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP Grand Valley State first-year head football coach Matt Mitchell is looking for senior leadership and three home games to open the season as springboards for the 2010 campaign... (Pictured: 2010 Football Team)
6 Volleyball LAKER VOLLEYBALL TURNS TO RAPIN One of the starters for the 2010 Grand Valley State volleyball team already ranks in the career Top-10 in three different categories and has been named Honorable Mention All-American, the first Great Lakes Region Freshman of the Year in school history ... (Pictured: Rebeccah Rapin)
10 Soccer BUSINESS AS USUAL IN 2010 Grand Valley State’s women’s soccer team was voted as the number one team in Division II by the National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA) preseason poll, but will be business as usual ... (Pictured: Jaleen Dingledine)
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VOLUME 2, NUMBER 3 EDITOR IN CHIEF Tim Nott MANAGING EDITOR Doug Lipinski EXECUTIVE EDITOR Doug Witte ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Charlie Read STAFF WRITERS DJ Foster Kelsey Deacon CONTRIBUTORS Janine Freeman Andy Fry Sharon Kowalczyk Sandra Jennings Kyle Schwerin GV Sports Marketing GVSU Sports Information PRINTER Jenison Printing GV Sports Monthly Magazine is a magazine that focuses on athletics at Grand Valley State University. Copies of the magazine are free to the community and located on news stands in the greater Grand Rapids area. Copies of the magazine are also distributed in Allendale by the Advance Newspaper. GV Sports Monthly Magazine GVSU, 192 Fieldhouse
Gunthorpe, Olsen, and Company Set to Carry Men’s Golf In October 2009, the Grand Valley State men’s golf team captured its second consecutive GLIAC Championship, winning the league title by an eye-opening 20 strokes. The Lakers return a strong group of golfers for the 2010 season and are hoping that winning the conference championship is something that becomes - excuse the obvious pun - par for the course. “A constant goal of ours is to win the GLIAC Championship,� explains assistant coach Byde Kephart. “We’ve been able to do that the past two years and it’s always rewarding to bring home a conference title.� Kephart and GVSU return a young golfer who finished sixth at last year’s league tournament, as sophomore Chase Olsen is back for his second season in Allendale. During the Lakers’ back-toback championship victory, Olsen shot a 219 (+6), finishing just three strokes out of second place. Olsen capped the three-day tournament with a 1under 70 in the final round after opening with rounds of 72 and 77. Also returning for Grand Valley State this season is junior Ben Brooks, who played a strong role last year in the team’s second straight title. Brooks was very consistent that weekend, shooting 78-76-76 for a 230 (+17) and a 15th place finish.
DJ Foster Staff Writer The championship was GVSU’s third in the past four seasons and as rewarding as that is, Kephart says the bigger goal is advancing further in postseason tournaments. “We had a good spring season,� said Kephart, as Grand Valley State finished in fourth place or higher in five straight tournaments in late March and early April. “Our focus needs to be not only on winning the GLIAC Championship, but on what we do in postseason play. We want to advance out of the Super Regional and move on in the NCAA National Tournament.� At the NCAA Super Regional in May, the Lakers placed 13th, but received a tremendous effort from Nick Gunthorpe, who enters the 2010 season as a junior. Gunthorpe placed seventh in the tournament with a 223 (+7), tying with four other golfers and finishing just four strokes out of first place. The then-sophomore was tied for first place going into the final round of the tournament. Last September, Gunthorpe showed early signs of brilliance, as his round of 67 in the Great Lakes Regional in South Haven, Mich. was just
one stroke shy of the GVSU single-round record. “This year needs to be a collection of all our golfers,� Kephart noted. “Gunthorpe had a lot of success last spring and we’re looking forward to see what he can do all season long.� Teaming Gunthorpe with Olsen can be quite a 1-2 punch for Grand Valley State, as Olsen was named the GLIAC Freshman of the Year for his efforts last season. He is the first men’s golfer in school history to earn rookie of the year honors. “Nobody works harder than Chase,� described Kephart. “It’s no secret that the guys who work harder usually win. Chase has a lot of talent and ability, but he continues to work hard on those talents. He stays calm and collected and doesn’t let a lot bother him out there on the course.� Junior Travis Shooks came on strong towards the end of last year, including a fourth-place finish during GVSU’s win at the Findlay Spring Invitational in April. The Lakers also bring back senior Josh Burt, who redshirted last season, and welcome newcomer Chris Cunningham. “Shooks had a very good summer,� said Kephart. “We’re excited to get Burt back in the game and see what Chris brings to the table.� The Lakers open the 2010 season on Sept. 11-12 at the Lake Superior State Invitational.
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Mitchell Looks to Senior Leadership and Three Home Games to Vault Lakers Grand Valley State first-year head football coach Matt Mitchell is looking for senior leadership and three home games to open the season as springboards for the 2010 campaign. Mitchell and his Lakers enter the season ranked #2 in the American Football Coaches Association poll and are poised to make yet another run at a NCAA DII National Championship. After having just four starting quarterbacks since 1996 and nine since the start of the 1985 season, GVSU will be looking for a one-year wonder to step forward. Three-year letterwinner and senior Marquel Neasman will compete with Eastern Michigan transfer Kyle McMahon for the starting signal caller spot. Additional seniors that will play a key role for the Lakers offensively will be WR Ryan Bass, OT Cameron Bradfield, OG John Godush and RB Justin Sherrod. “We have some great leaders offensively,” said Mitchell. “We lost a lot from a skill position perspective, but we have a number of players returning that have played significant roles for our program in a number of big games,” added Mitchell. Mitchell will also look for a host of talented underclassmen to fill the void left by graduated seniors. GVSU returns all but two offensive linemen listed on the final depth chart in 2009, including three tight ends that will be relied on heavily. In addition, GVSU returns a number of talented skill players that are ready to step into a starting role. The GVSU defense was dealt a blow on its third day of practice when senior All-American DL Danny Richard suffered a season-ending knee injury in a non-contact drill. “We will obviously miss Danny and you don’t just replace a player of his caliber at any level,” said Mitchell. “We will look to a number of players to fill his void on the defensive line, but we will need the entire defense to step up and fill the void left by Danny.” Two other seniors, NG Steve Gawronski and DE Nick Lawrence, will hold down the defensive front, while preseason All-American LB Justin Victor, FS Matt Bakker and CB Rob Carlisle will look to provide quality performances.
were picked to finish first by the coaches in the conference’s preseason poll. Every team that Tim Nott comes to Lubbers Stadium seems to take its best Editor in Chief shot at the five-time defending GLIAC champs. “Like our offense, we have some great leaders Even with three games at home to start the season, defensively,” said Mitchell. “Our seniors are the the Lakers know they can’t relax and be content hardest workers on the defensive side of the ball with the preseason rankings. Entering September and they have really taken on the role of both vocal after three weeks of practicing against each other and lead by example,” added Mitchell. in the August heat, the Lakers are excited to run Another key senior will be long snapper Kurt under the banner into Lubbers Stadium and offiSchnittger. The only time a long snapper gets no- cially kick off the the new era. ticed is when a snap from center goes bad, but Schnitter has been incredibly consistent. The Lakers will open A D V E R T I S E M E N T the 2010 campaign with three home games, including the opener against #11 West Texas A&M on Thursday, Sept. 2, followed by the GLIAC opener versus #18 Hillsdale at Lubbers Stadium Sept. 11. Hillsdale snapped GVSU’s 48-game regular season winning streak a year ago, but the Lakers dominated the Chargers in a rematch at Lubbers Stadium in the NCAA DII playoffs. GVSU jumped out to a 37-0 halftime lead and then pulled its starters en route to a 4427 win. Grand Valley State will close the threegame home stand with a date on Sept. 18 versus Indianapolis. The Lakers lead the all-time series with the Greyhounds by a 19-1 margin. Like most seasons, GVSU enters 2010 with a target on its back in the conference. The Lakers
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NEWS IN BRIEF
The Media Center has a New Look The Media Center on gvsulakers.com recently got a new look for the upcoming year. The Media Center is where you are able to find video content online. It features coaches shows, press conference, and live games as well. Visit gvsulakers.com and click on the Media Center or on the featured videos below it to get a deeper look at Laker athletics. 3rd Annual Community Night Laker Athletics would like to invite you to the 3rd Annual Community Night, a special event that will take place prior to the second home game on September 11th. There will be a variety of West Michigan businesses on hand with all kinds of giveaways and activities. Community Night will begin at 4:00 PM and end at 7:00PM.
Where Are They Now? LAKERS IN THE NFL EDITION: Here is a list of former GVSU football players who have played in the 2010 NFL preseason. Brandon Carr CB Kansas City Chiefs Carr has played two seasons with the Chiefs and has started every game during that time.
Brandon Carr
Dan Skuta LB/FB Cincinnati Bengals Skuta has taken some snaps at fullback for the Bengals due to injuries, while he also continues to play as a special teams player and linebacker. Todd Carter K Carolina Panthers Signed as a kickoff specialist, Carter has a great shot to stick with the Panthers because of his ability to force touchbacks. Dan Skuta
Nick McDonald OL Green Bay Packers McDonald is a versatile lineman that could see a future in the NFL because of his ability to play more than one position on the line.
Derrick Jones DE San Diego Chargers Jones has spent time in the NFL on practice squads and will look to prove Grand Valley State Lakers Fan Page Become a fan of Grand Valley State Athletics himself this year to land a spot on the active roster. on Facebook! You can find the fan page at WR Detroit Lions www.facebook.com/gvsulakers, or search Eric Fowler Fowler played in a number of games last year for the Lions, after starting the year on the practice squad. “Grand Valley State Lakers”. You’ll get all the latest updates on GVSU Athletics, along with interactive content such as videos and photos. Student-Athletes Earn Academic Achievement Award The Division II Athletics Directors Association (DII ADA) announced the 2009-10 Academic Achievement Award recipients on Tuesday (August 10). Grand Valley State had 50 studentathletes honored with the Academic Achievement Award, presented by WeatherPORT. The Academic Achievement Awards is a program that recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the Division II level.
GVSU FOOTBALL REPORT RADIO SHOW Presented by AT&T Thursdays at 6:00 pm on WTKG AM 1230
50th Anniversary Celebration The 50th anniversary of Grand Valley State University will be celebrated all year long around campus. Laker Athletics will be joining the celebration by having throw-back games for each sport. Each team will wear special throwback jerseys at one specific game. Each of the fall sport throw-back games will be during Homecoming weekend and the dates can be found below:
Live from the Main Street Pub
Volleyball: Friday, Oct. 8 vs. Lake Erie College at 7 pm Football: Saturday, Oct. 9 vs. Northern Michigan at 7 pm Soccer: Sunday, Oct. 10 vs. Saginaw Valley State at noon
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 4
Lakers Ink First-Ever Women's Lacrosse Class Grand Valley State head women's lacrosse coach Alicia Groveston announced the signing of 20 student-athletes to attend and play lacrosse for the Lakers. The 2010 recruiting class is the firstever for the newly added women's lacrosse program and consists of 20 players from Michigan and Ohio. The Lakers are slated to begin intercollegiate competition during the spring of 2012. "We are excited to begin practice and embrace the fact that we are a completely new program," said Groveson. "We were able to bring in some outstanding players and it says a lot about the mental makeup of our young ladies knowing that the 2010-2011 year will be dedicated to nothing but practice." Along with the first recruiting class, the program has also added an assistant coach. Erika Walker has joined the coaching staff and will help Groveston as they spend the year preparing the team for its first official season. Walker comes to GVSU from Robert Morris College, where she spent the last three years as an assistant coach. "I am very excited to have Erika join our staff," said Groveston. "She gained a great deal of experience helping a new program get off the ground at Robert Morris and I look forward to her bringing that energy and enthusiasm to GVSU. Her proven ability to recruit and her mind for the game will really assist our team in having a very successful first year."
Name
Pos
Ht
Hometown/High School/Last College
Trisha Blake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defense . . 5-4. . . . Casco, Mich./Richmond (Port Huron United) Kelsey Bragg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midfield . 5-6. . . . Fenton, Mich./Kalamazoo College Nikki Cerovec . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attack . . . 5-3. . . . Highland, Mich./Hartland Jessica Dalton . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goalie . . . 5-1. . . . Medina, Ohio Allyson Fritts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midfield 5-6 . . . . Howell, Mich./Flint Powers Catholic Michelle Gagliardi. . . . . . . . . . Midfield . 5-7. . . . East Lansing, Mich./Lansing CC Mackenzie Grzeskowiak . . . . . Defense . . 5-4. . . . Brighton, Mich. Kara Hogan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attack . . . 5-5. . . . Farmington Hills, Mich./North Harrison Rachel Iturralde . . . . . . . . . . . . Midfield . 5-4. . . . South Lyon, Mich./Detroit-Mercy Annie Laurie Medonis . . . . . . Mid/Def. . 5-6. . . . Fenton, Mich./Northville Katie Mitteer
. . . . . . . . . . . . Defense . . 5-5. . . . Middleville, Mich./Caledonia
Alexia O'Connor . . . . . . . . . . . Defense . . 5-5. . . . Rockford, Mich. Jodie Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attack . . . 5-5. . . . Orion, Mich./Lake Orion Roxanne Rosema . . . . . . . . . . . Midfield . 5-5. . . . Belmont, Mich./Rockford Rebecca Seeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midfield . 5-4. . . . Lake Orion, Mich. Ashley Stoltenberg . . . . . . . . . Attack . . . 5-2. . . . Fenton, Mich./Hartland Kelsei Streeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midfield . 5-3. . . . Rockford, Mich. Samantha Szegedi . . . . . . . . . . Midfield . 5-2. . . . South Lyon, Mich. Julie Vander Male . . . . . . . . . . Defense . . 5-2. . . . Midland, Mich. Tara Visser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midfield . 5-4. . . . Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian
Laker Volleyball Turns to Rapin for Leadership, Production One of the starters for the 2010 Grand Valley State volleyball team already ranks in the career Top10 in three different categories and has been named Honorable Mention All-American, the first Great Lakes Region Freshman of the Year in school history, and just the 14th Laker to be named First Team All-GLIAC twice during her career. The crazy thing is that Rebeccah Rapin almost never played volleyball at Grand Valley State. “I looked into playing college volleyball,” explains Rapin, the 6-1 middle blocker that is the unquestioned leader of the 2010 squad. “But I was worried it would get in the way of different groups on campus that I wanted to join, having a social life, stuff like that.” A few conversations with Laker head coach Deanne Scanlon and former assistant coach Jason Johnson, along with an on-campus visit late in her senior year of high school, changed Rapin’s mind. “I knew I was going to come to Grand Valley as a student, but after that visit in May where I got to meet the team and get a feel for the program...I called Coach Scanlon a week later and told her I was coming to play for her. I couldn’t give up competing. That was the part I couldn’t give up.” Fans of the Grand Valley State volleyball program sure are glad she made that decision. In 2009, Rapin added the prestigious title of AVCA All-American to her already sparkling resume. The honorable mention selection, Rapin is the 13th player in GVSU history to be named to the All-America
DJ Foster Staff Writer team and she has a chance to be one of just five Lakers to ever earn multiple All-America honors. Each of the past two years, she was named First Team All-GLIAC and an All-Midwest Region choice. In her freshman year of 2007, she was also tabbed as the first GLIAC Freshman of the Year at Grand Valley State in 16 seasons. The Lakers advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight that year, with Rapin earning All-Tournament Team honors during the GLIAC, Great Lakes Region, and Elite Eight tournaments. “Rebeccah has always been a natural leader, even as a freshman,” Scanlon described. “She is mature beyond her age and the players respect her because she has a tremendous work ethic. It also helps that she has such a great perspective of life outside of herself.” What Scanlon was mentioning is the fact that Rapin owns a 3.877 grade point average, has been a two-time GLIAC All-Academic selection, and is the club president of SAAC (Student Athletic Advisory Committee). Moreover, she is a member of Athletes Who Care and Alternative Spring Break. “We’re very excited to have Rebeccah begin her role as SAAC President for the 2010-2011 year,” explained Damon Arnold, Director of Laker Advising. “Rebeccah has already begun planning more community outreach projects and having participated in the
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 6
NCAA Student Leadership Conference in Orlando, she is more than ready to take her role to a new level.” In late April, Rapin traveled to Haiti with senior teammate Leslie Curtis and $2,400 in cash that the duo was donating to various groups such as the Haiti Clinic and the Haiti Foundation of Poverty. Rapin and Curtis put together a fundraiser tabbed as Headbands for Haiti, which helped raise part of the money they took with them to Haiti. The rest of the money was donated from families and friends of the Laker volleyball team. “I’ve always thought my leadership was one of my strongest qualities and I like being in that position,” Rapin said. “Everybody on this team knows I’m not perfect at what I do and that I make mistakes. But I think they respect my competitiveness and they see that I try to lead by example.” Rapin, whose goal for this season is a national championship, already ranks seventh in GVSU history in career block assists (323), ninth in total blocks (385), and ninth in hitting percentage (.307). With 176 kills this season (she has had at least 326 kills each of her first three years), she’ll join the Top-10 in that category. On and off the court, Rapin has demonstrated all the qualities it takes to be a strong leader, a great team captain, and a terrific middle blocker. Looking back on her decision to play volleyball at GVSU, she says without hesitation, “It was the right choice.” Grand Valley State begins the home portion of its schedule against Michigan Tech (Sept. 11, 4:00 p.m.) and Northern Michigan (Sept. 12, 2:00 p.m.).
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Photo by Doug Witte
The Laker football team posed for the team photo on August 18, 2010. The team photo is always taken on media day.
Photo By Steve King
Business as Usual in 2010 Grand Valley State’s women’s soccer team was voted as the number one team in Division II in the National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA) preseason poll, but it will be business as usual as they prepare for its 2010 season, after a stellar 2009 campaign. The Lakers won the program’s first ever NCAA Division II National Title last year, which makes this the first season they will be the defending champions. Head coach David DiIanni believes if his team prepares for this season just like any other season, they will prevent any issues of trying to defend its national title. “We are not going into this year to avoid having a letdown,” DiIanni commented. “The coaching staff and I believe that our success is based on a culture and tradition we have created from past years based on hard work, selflessness and taking each day and doing the best you can on that day. If we do that, then we hope to be back in the national championship match this year.” To make sure the team has maintained the program’s tradition of a high work ethic, the players were expected to come into preseason prepared and determined. DiIanni holds high expectations for his student-athletes, making sure they step on the field ready and focused for the fall season. “We look forward to seeing how much work our team has put in during the summer hours when they step back on campus,” stated DiIanni. “We have set very high standards for our players and expect them to fulfill those standards before returning to camp. Seeing how prepared the players are, gives us a good picture of how the year will go.” The Lakers started preseason on Aug. 16 and spent two weeks training twice a day. The players also spent time together as a team getting to know the incoming freshman class. GVSU brought in eight freshman this year, which all are from Michigan. This is a first for head coach DiIanni in his seven years of coaching at Grand Valley State. “We are very happy with the group of young women who have made the decision in continuing their soccer and student careers at Grand Valley State University,” DiIanni commented. “We believe this class is comprised of some very experienced, competitive and passionate soccer players, who are extremely excited to be part of and contribute to the
2010 Soccer Schedule
Kelsey Deacon Staff Writer GVSU soccer program.” It will not be a walk in the park for the incoming freshmen during their first year. DiIanni and his coaching staff want to make sure this class understands the hard work, effort and time its takes to be a Laker. “I hope that the freshman class grasps the competitive nature of our program and accepts the high level of expectations we have for them and our program,” said DiIanni. Out of the eight incoming freshman, five are defenders and they will be called upon to help fill in the loss of four starting defenders from last years squad. The backline only allowed 12 goals in 2009 and opponents took 78 shots on goal compared to Grand Valley State’s 326. The Lakers will also have to focus on building off of the most successful senior class in the program’s history. Last year’s senior class notched a four-year record of 84-4-6, recording a winning percentage of .926. DiIanni knows the difficulties of replacing a senior class and is looking to this year’s seniors to build on that record. “Replacing any senior class is hard because you lose the experience they bring to your team, not only on the field, but also in the classroom and experiences off the field,” commented DiIanni. “Seniors know what is best as to what it takes to lead a team and how tough it can be to balance both soccer and academics. In most cases they are much more matured and developed as people and I believe this year’s senior class is prepared to take on that role and push our team to become better.” The 2010 senior class consist of five studentathletes and three returning starters. Midfielder Kristen Eible and defender Jenna Wenglinski will spend their senior campaign as captains along with sophomore goalkeeper Chelsea Parise. Eible and Wenglinski were named to the all-tournament team following the championship match last year. Eible was also named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player, while Wenglinski was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player. The team along with DiIanni believe Eilbe GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 10
Sept. 3 Sept. 5 Sept. 8 Sept. 10 Sept. 12 Sept. 17 Sept. 19 Sept. 24 Sept. 26 Sept. 28 Oct. 3 Oct. 8 Oct. 10 Oct. 15 Oct. 17 Oct. 22 Oct. 24 Oct. 30 Nov. 2 Nov. 5 Nov. 7 Nov. 11 Nov. 14 Nov. 18 Nov. 21 Dec. 2 Dec. 5
Winona State 4 PM Minnesota State-Mankato Noon at Ferris State* 4 PM at Northwood* 2 PM at Saginaw Valley State* Noon at Michigan Tech* 7 PM at Northern Michigan* Noon Lake Erie* 4 PM Ashland* Noon vs. Indianapolis 5 PM (at Fort Wayne, Ind.) Ohio Dominican* 1 PM Northwood* 4 PM Saginaw Valley State* Noon Northern Michigan* 4 PM Michigan Tech* Noon at Tiffin* 4 PM at Findlay* Noon Ferris State* Noon GLIAC Tournament GLIAC Quarterfinals TBA GLIAC Semifinals TBA GLIAC Championship TBA NCAA Tournament NCAA Regional QuarterfinalsTBA NCAA Regional Semifinals TBA NCAA Regional Championship TBA NCAA Quarterfinals TBA NCAA Semifinals TBA NCAA Championship TBA *GLIAC Games Home Games Road Games
Home games played at the GVSU Soccer Field For Tickets call 616-331-3200
Business as Usual in 2010 (continued) and Wenglinski will use their knowledge, experience and leadership qualities throughout the season. “Kristen and Jenna are both great examples of senior captains. They represent what our team needs in leaders for us to be successful in 2010,” DiIanni said. “Both of them have certain strengths that will complement one another, which will help make this another great year.” Grand Valley State will also have to find a replacement for graduated forward Irie Dennis. Dennis was named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Offensive Player of the Year, along with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Senior College National Player of the Year. Dennis used her speed and knowledge to help the Lakers claim an undefeated 22-0-4 record last year. DiIanni will call upon returning forwards and incoming freshmen to replace the loss of Dennis. “Losing the experience, knowledge, and talent of Dennis will be tough, but we will be able to fill that role with many different student-athletes,” DiIanni commented. “We are returning our forwards from last year’s team besides Irie, and in some cases we will have very good players coming off the bench. Like any good program, we hope that someone will step in and fill that role.” The Lakers will turn to returning sophomore forwards Ashley Botts, Kayla Addison, Alyssa
Mira, Maria Brown and senior Jaleen Dingledine. lead the way for Grand Valley State with 15 goals This group notched 45 of GVSU’s 88 goals, 13 and seven game winning goals, followed by Addigame winning goals and recorded 22 assists. Botts son and Dingledine with 11 goals apiece. Dingledine also notched five game winning goals, along with five assists. Grand Valley State will be relaying on the sophomore class to have another stellar year after an impressive freshman campaign. Botts, Addison, Mira, Brown and midfielder Erin Hilbert played a combined 5,249 minutes, placed 152 shots on frame, recorded 21 assists and notched 111 of GVSU’s 244 points. When asked how the sophomore class will respond to the challenge of defending the team’s national championship title, DiIanni stated, “I think the better question is, how will they respond to the increased attention and expectations from our opponents and within our program? They always talk about the sophomore year being a slippery year, especially after having success in their first year. Are they willing to challenge themselves and become players or be complacent and rely on last year’s success?” The No. 1 Lakers and DiIanni will find the answer to those questions when they open their 2010 season on Friday, Sept. 3 at home. Grand Valley State will face Winona State at 4:00 p.m. at the GVSU Soccer Field in Allendale, Mich. The LakMore will be expected of Erin Hilbert and the sophomore ers will then host Minnesota State-Mankato on class after their solid play last season. Sunday, Sept. 5 at 12:00 p.m.
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 11
Q&A With Broadcaster Steve Lloyd-Jones With players changing year to year and with a coaching change, tell us how you prepared for the football season? Fortunately many players from the previous season return so I don’t have to start from scratch each year, but I rely on Tim Nott and his sports information staff to keep me updated on the changes. They also provide biographical information on coaches and players for us to use and important statistics. For football broadcasts, you work with Dick Nelson, the voice of Laker football for 35 years. What has it been like to work with Mr. Nelson? Very entertaining! Dick is such a character. He has a great sense of humor and a story that relates to most everything we see. Dick is a great example of loyalty and passion for the team he covers. What was your first impression of Mr. Nelson’s patented touchdown call? Surprised to say the least. Here’s this mild-mannered, older guy who’s not boisterous away from the game, but get him around Laker football and he erupts with enthusiasum. I’m amazed at how he keeps that passion up all game long. What’s your favorite part about working the radio for Grand Valley State Athletics? I really enjoy how each game, regardless of the sport, is a fresh, unedited story ready to unfold in front of you.
I didn’t initially pursue broadcasting when I started college. It wasn’t until after I suffered an arm injury in baseball that I began to think about doing this as a career. Sports announcing seemed to blend my interests and natural gifts the best.
Dick Nelson (L) and Steve Lloyd-Jones (R) call the action on the radio for every Laker football game.
No game is exactly like another. You may be confident of the outcome, but the way it plays out is often unpredictable. What GVSU sporting event was the most memorable during your time at GVSU? The National Championships in football and women’s basketball certainly come to mind as I was personally there to see them. And even though it wasn’t a championship game performance, the victory over Michigan State’s men’s basketball team in the Breslin Center was stunning. The entire nation took note of the Lakers that night. When did you realize that you wanted to be a sports announcer?
Describe your favorite memory or proudest moment from your job? The best is when the Lakers win and I feel like those of us involved in the broadcast have done our jobs exceedingly well. Announcers are never the story, but if Dick and I or Kent Fisher (basketball) and I can relay the action and excitement of the moment to Laker fans then I’m happy. What has been the best advice that anyone has ever given you? Make every effort to develop a great reputation. People you don’t even know are forming an opinion of you all the time. If your reputation is good, you’ll reap the benefits. If not, you will suffer the consequences. Outside of work, what are some of your favorite activities? Spending time with my family is my favorite activity outside of work. My three children are young and very active, so I’m excited to watch them learn and grow every day. Reading and movies are also some of my favorites.
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Terrance McGee
Charlie Read
Erika Walker
Alicia Groveston
Assistant Basketball Coach Allendale, Mich.
Advertising Director Grand Rapids, Mich.
Assistant Lacrosse Coach Wyoming, Mich.
Head Lacrosse Coach Grand Rapids, Mich.
I know summer is over because ...
College football begins
Football is everywhere
All the stores have back to school gear
Because the days keep getting shorter
What is your favorite part about tailgating?
Socializing while eating
Being with friends
The food!
The people you get to meet and the games I have it! But being a sportscaster on ESPN wouldn’t be half bad
The Grid
What is your fantasy job?
NFL receiver catching passes from Peyton Manning
Owner of an NBA team
Own a hotel and casino in Las Vegas
What is the next book you plan to read?
48 Laws of Power
The Breaks of the Game
The Color Purple or The Tipping Point
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
NBA.com
ESPN.com
Facebook ... is that lame?
laxpower.com or msnbc.com
What website do you visit the most each day?
Laker Word Search J X X U O S O S O H
W G P W D F N O H S
H R D D R O L H U L
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Crossword answers available on page 14
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 13
September Home Events Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
2 Football vs. West Texas A&M 8 p.m. *FB Radio Show 6 p.m.
5
6
7
8
Soccer vs. Minnesota StateMankato 12 p.m.
Saturday
3 Soccer vs. Winona State 4 p.m.
9
10
*FB Radio Show 6 p.m. Live at Main Street Pub
12
13
14
Volleyball vs. Northern Mich 2 p.m.
19
15 Volleyball vs. Ferris State 7 p.m.
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Volleyball vs. Mich Tech 4 p.m.
17
*FB Radio Show 6 p.m. Live at Main Street Pub
27
28
7 p.m. - Family Day
23
29
M. Golf The Arendsen
18 Football vs. Indianapolis
24
*FB Radio Show 6 p.m. Live at Main Street Pub
26
11 Football vs. Hillsdale 7 p.m.
16
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4
Soccer vs. Lake Erie 4 p.m.
25 M. Golf The Arendsen
30 *FB Radio Show 6 p.m. Live at Main Street Pub
Soccer vs. Ashland 12 p.m.
SANDRA’S SNAPSHOT
*The Football Radio Show can be heard on the radio on WTKG 1230 AM
Crossword Puzzle Answers
J X X U O S O S O H
(L-R) Former head coach Chuck Martin, former head coach Brian Kelly, former head coach Tom Beck, former sports information director Don Thomas, former assistant coach Mike Denbrock, current head coach Matt Mitchell, and athletic director Tim Selgo.
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 14
W G P W D F N O H S
H R D D R O L H U L
X X ZQ W Z J R J G N K V F H X W R V W
O J R D O L H J U U
U D R O H N L S V L
D R N I D H YP L I G D O H PX J V N H
E U H Q Q X U E R U
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PLAYER PROFILES Robert Carlisle Senior Physical Education/Coaching Detroit, Mich. Football Cornerback
Name Year Major Hometown Sport Position
Megan Maceratini Senior Nursing Livonia, Mich. Cross Country/Track Distance
I chose to become a Laker because I felt as though I could bring something to Why did you choose I chose to become a Laker because I knew Grand Valley would provide me with the table for an already very good and respected program. to become a Laker? the best environment to succeed in both athletics and academics. My dad has had the biggest impact on my sports career because he always encouraged me and never let me quit anything I started.
Who has had the biggest impact on your sports career?
I would have to say my parents have had the greatest impact. They have traveled around the country to encourage me and to watch me compete. I am very thankful for their support.
In five years I see myself either still playing the sport of football professionally Where do you see In five years, I hope to be working as a R.N. in a specialty which I truly enjoy. I or becoming a college football coach. yourself in five years? hope to have my own house and dog, maybe even a husband…who knows. Becoming a bonafide starter here at Grand Valley after being a school start What has been your My greatest accomplishment so far was becoming an All-American in cross greatest accomplishwalk on who was not recruited by Grand Valley. country and the 5000m outdoor. ment in sports so far? Pilates….it gets my core stronger.
What will be your favorite class this semester?
I’m guessing my favorite class for the fall will be my nursing class because I get to start my clinical rotations this semester!
You have entered football camp!!! You know summer is I know summer will soon be over when I receive an email titled, “PLEASE over when ... READ: Team camp info.” When the coaches beg us to read our email in the beginning of August it can only mean it’s time for running camp.
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 15
Recipe of the Month
Laker Burger
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. 2. Make into patties. 3. Put on grill on medium heat. 4. Cook on each side for 4 min. 5. Toast the buns and enjoy!
The Top 5 Winningest Programs in NCAA Division II Football History
Ing redien ts:
1lb gro und chuck 1 cho ppe d oni on 1/4 cup Ita lian Dre ssing 1 Tbl s Wo rce ste rsh ire Sauce 1 Tbl s Gar lic powder 1 Tsp Crushe d Red pepper 1 Tsp Ore gan o
1. Grand Valley State (.725)
2. Bentley (.718)
3. West Chester (.685)
4. Valdosta State (.684) About the Recipe This month’s recipe was provided by Joe Kuzmicz. Joe is a 2009 graduate of Grand Valley State and submitted his recipe to Charlie Read for the magazine.
5. Texas A&M-Kingsville (.681)
2141 Port Sheldon Street, P.O. Box 9 • Jenison, MI • 616.669.2700
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GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 16
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