5 minute read
Ferris State University
By John Raffel affel@pionee g oup.com
BIG RAPIDS -- Junior outside hitter Katie O’Connell is a key returning player for Ferris State’s volleyball team.
Sophomore middle hitter, junior middle hitter Samantha Hermann and senior libero Nina Gorgijevska, are also key returnees.
O'Connell had 316 kills with 407 digs and 52 total blocks in 29 matches. "Katie was a player who made an impact really early in her career," Ferris coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm said. "As a freshman, she was in the mix and one of the first kids off the bench and ended up playing (defensive specialist) for a lot of the season. As a sophomore, she really worked hard and moved into a starting role as a rightside attacker. "Katie is a fantastic leader on and off the court. She is someone who focuses
Katie O'Connell (7) goes for the ball in GLIAC action last season. (Pioneer file photo)
on the people around her and making sure everyone is doing well and focuses and is feeling strong about their play. She's a very strong worker too. She works every day to be better."
Last fall, the Bulldogs compiled a 25-6 overall record and FSU also won both sixth consecutive GLIAC regular-season and Tournament Championships. Ferris State made its ninth consecutive and 24th all-time NCAA Division II tournament appearance.
Senior outside hitters Courtney Brewer, and Allyson Cappel have graduated. Over the course of Ferris State's six-year GLIAC Tournament winning streak, the Bulldogs have played in 18 matches. None of those matches have gone to more than four sets.
Cappel standout Allyson Cappel (Tinley Park, Ill.) has been chosen as a consensus first team All-American as she was named to the 2019 Division II Conference Commissioner's Association (D2CCA) squad. Cappel was also chosen as an American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) first team pick as well, becoming the Bulldogs' first four-time All-America choice on the court.
For the ninth consecutive season, Ferris also went to the NCAA tournament, upon receiving the automatic qualifier via the conference tournament championship.
Bulldog football hungry for another GLIAC title
By John Raffel affel@pionee g oup.com
BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State’s football team is looking at an eight-game schedule, with all contests being in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference for the 2020 season.
But as is the case with every other fall sports team, this will happen provided there is a season despite the pandemic situation.
The Bulldogs were recently tabbed fourth in the country by two national polls and sixth in another.
College Football America also selected FSU senior offensive tackle Dylan Pasquali (Trenton) as a member of its' Starting Lineup Preseason First-Team All-America squad. He was the only player from the GLIAC on the publication's Preseason All-America list.
“He started as a great run blocker,” Annese said. “Pass protection is something he has to work on over time. He’s improved his game from the pass protection perspective and had a great year last year protecting the quarterback.”
Ferris State reached the national semifinals for the third time in four years in 2019. Last fall, along with reaching the national semifinals, FSU also claimed a second-straight GLIAC Championship with an unblemished league record. Last year marked the Bulldogs' fourth-straight trip to the national quarterfinals or beyond, which is the longest streak in the country. Over the past two seasons, the Bulldogs have compiled a 27-2 mark.
Jayru Campbell and Travis Russell have graduated from the quarterback spot but returning junior Evan Cummins and junior college transfer quarterback David McCullum will vie for the position.
Sy Barnet is back as a talented wide receiver.
Prior to his injury in his sophomore season, “he had been incredible” Annese said. “He’s a very multi-dimensional athlete, one of the best in the nation. He can punt, he can kick, he can catch, he can run, he can do it all.”
Marvin Campbell leads a talented corps of running backs.
“Marvin has been a guy who has been around a long time for us,” Annese said. “This will be his fourth year as a starter. He’s just a versatile running back. He can make people miss and he gets a lot yards after contact. He’s elusive. He’s also a good receiver out of the backfield.”
Marvin Campbell (6) is expected to be among Ferris' top offensive weapons this season. (Pioneer file photo)
GLIAC player of the year and defensive end Austin Edwards has graduated.
Junior defensive tackle Austin Simpson (Livonia/ Churchill), and sophomore defensive tackle Jordan Jones (Redford/Divine Child) won All-GLIAC honors last season and are returning.
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