Big Rapids

Cardinals primed to begin new era at new stadium

By Joe Judd Joe.Judd@pioneergroup.com

BIG RAPIDS — Football season is fast-approaching, and the Big Rapids squad is eager to grace the newly completed Cardinal Stadium with its presence.

One year removed from earning their first postseason victory since 2015, head coach Mike Selzer and his players will look to build upon their performance in ‘20.

Big Rapids went 4-4 overall and were led on the field by graduating seniors DJ GreenBay, Austin Maneke, Sawyer Meeuwes, Sam Alley, Austin Vennix and Jack Cooley.

Without the likes of this group to lead the charge in 2021, it will be somewhat of a different, younger look for the Cardinals this time around.

Selzer’s aim for his team will, of course, be to remain competitive each and every week during the season, even though it might be a task that is easier said than done, particularly due to a lower turnout this time around.

“With low numbers we will have to rely on each player learning multiple positions and being in excellent shape to help the team,” Selzer said.

Despite the lower numbers in camp and in practice, Selzer said his team’s overall chemistry and the fact that his players are in relatively good shape are two big strengths going into the new campaign.

“Though we have low numbers, all of the players are in really good shape and are playing as a team,” Seltzer said. “We will be able to get the ball in the hands of our athletes in multiple ways and let them create in space.”

Expected to lead the charge this time around will be the likes of junior Wil Strickler and seniors Jamal Strickland, Justin Gorczewicz and Grant Kidder.

The Big Rapids football team will be playing its games in the brand new Cardinal Stadium.

(Pioneer flle photo)

This will be the start of Strickler’s first full season under center for the Cardinals. “Wil has the ability to change plays at the line of scrimmage and enure we are in the right position,” Selzer said.

At the wide receiver position, Selzer said that Strickland will be one of Strickler’s primary targets down the field.

On both sides of the ball, Selzer said his team will need to pay attention to every detail in their preparation for each game.

“We will have to improve on the small details, both offensively and defensively,” Selzer said. “We will have to rally to the ball and play team defense.”

Going into a new year and not having to worry nearly as much about COVID-related guidelines and restrictions is a big change of pace from a season ago.

Selzer said it will have a significant impact on the mental aspect of the game.

“They are able to focus on football and not so many outside distractions,” Selzer said.

Big Rapids will open the new season on the road with a non-league game against Coopersville at 7 p.m. on Aug. 26.

The Cardinals will break in their new stadium with their home-opener against Newaygo at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10.

New season, new coach for Cardinal volleyball squad

By Joe Judd Joe.Judd@pioneergroup.com

BIG RAPIDS — The 2021 season will signal the start of a new era for the Big Rapids varsity volleyball team.

With Emily Van Culin taking over head-coaching duties for Chelsea Nelson, who resigned earlier in the offseason, the Cardinals are under new direction for the first time in five years.

Van Culin played volleyball collegiately at Ferris State University and moved to Northern Ohio for a decade before ultimately coming back to Big rapids.

Prior to her first season at the helm for Big Rapids, Van Culin has outlined the expectations she has for her new team.

“Since they are very coachable, I have high expectations for them,” Van Culin said. “I think we will see a lot of growth between our first match and last match of the season.”

Van Culin added that she would like to see her players grow as a team down the stretch and improve their communication while enhancing their on-court awareness.

Many players on this year’s edition of the BR volleyball team possess the ability to play in multiple spots on the court, which the new coach thinks will be an asset for them.

“We are a versatile group with many athletes that can play several positions,” Van Culin said.

Last season, the Cardinals were eliminated by Cadillac in the district semifinals and turned in a 4-12 overall record.

BR also went 3-5 in conference play.

Big Rapids volleyball players conduct a conditioning workout during a volleyball summer practice. (Pioneer flle photo)

“I see us fitting into the league race,” Van Culin said. “Other than that, I know very little about our league being a first-year coach.”

The Cardinals will play in their first competitive match of the season on Aug. 21 at the Alma Invitational and compete in a quad match 10 days later at Cedar Springs.

BR’s first official game of the regular season will take place at 5:30 p.m. on the road against McBain.

During summer practices Van Culin has noticed a few players who she thinks could be standouts for her team this season.

Marissa Warren (Sophomore, Middle Hitter): “A very athletic middle hitter with a lot of potential and can jump out of the gym,” Van Culin said.

Kelsie Gorczewicz (Junior, Outside Hitter): “Very athletic and coachable,” Van Culin said.

Kyleigh Klever (Senior, Setter): “Versatile and plays every position well,” Van Culin said. “Good leadership skills.”