Bulldogs Get Split Against Northwood In Dramatic Fashion

MIDLAND - Needing to salvage a win in some way, shape or form, Ferris State University reached down deep and escaped Northwood University with a much-needed softball split in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference softball action.

The Bulldogs (24-16 overall, 15-9 GLIAC) dropped a 4-0 decision in game one of the doubleheader, but rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning of game two to take a 7-6 win over the Timberwolves in Midland.

Northwood's game-two heartbreak was a translated into a very important road triumph for the Bulldogs who remain a contender in a tightly-contested battle for the top spot in the GLIAC, for seeding in the league tournament and for NCAA regional rankings.

Game 1: Northwood 4, Ferris State 0

Junior catcher Rachel Mueller had two hits. Senior designated player/pitcher Rhea Flores, junior shortstop Lynsay Weaver and sophomore pinch hitter Lindsey Pettit each had a hit for the Bulldogs in the game-one setback. In spite of five hits, the Bulldogs were not able to push a run across the plate against the Timberwolves. Most of the damage Northwood inflicted came mostly from the top five spots in its lineup. Batting first and second, Rachel Hammer and Jamie Swick each had a hit and an RBI. NU did get some production from other spots in the lineup, but it was the top that did a good deal of the damage. Dana Bowler took the loss for the Bulldogs while Jessica Wojcik picked up the victory for Northwood.

Game 2: Ferris State 7, Northwood 6

Ferris State made created a lot of drama, but it's better to be on the positive side of a dramatic fashion than on the negative side of it. Sophomore third baseman Makenzi Peterson (pictured) tied the score at 6-6 on an RBI single. It's not the most thrilling way to end a game, but a sacrifice fly from Flores scored freshman outfielder Morgan Kramerich to give the Bulldogs a come-from-behind win over the host Timberwolves. Flores had two hits and two RBI, Peterson had two hits and an RBI, senior center fielder Rachel Wade had a hit and an RBI, Mueller had a hit and an RBI and senior second baseman Amanda Harrington had a hit and an RBI.

Ferris softball team survives trip to Sault Ste. Marie

SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State University is home to a softball team that doesn't have the great record, but has enough talent to put a scare in opponents.

In four games against Lake Superior this spring, Ferris State University has gotten a couple of scares, but still has emerged 4-0 against the Lakers (a perfect record that was nothing short of essential as the Bulldogs seek to stay in the hunt for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and for positioning relative to GLIAC Tournament seeding and NCAA Division II Tournament seeding. But, those two are well down the line for Ferris.

Monday, the Bulldogs went to the Soo and defeated the Lakers 9-0 in the first game and 6-5 in game two to pull off the sweep as Ferris improves to 20-13 overall and 11-6 in GLIAC

action, On April 4, Ferris swept LSSU 7-0 and 6-5.

In Monday's 9-0 win, Ferris showed its depth as freshman catcher Liz Hamming played and showed a good stick as she batted 2-for-2 with two RBI and a double. Sophomore outfielder Stephanie Dusendang was 2-for-2 with two runs scored. For all the numbers from the game, check the box score, here.

In Monday's second game, sophomore Makenzi Peterson, senior Rhea Flores and sophomore Chelsea Morris each had two hits. Morris had two RBI. Junior shortstop Lynsay Weaver batted 1-for-2 with two runs driven in. For more numbers from game two, visit the FSU Web site for the box score, here.

Wednesday, the Bulldogs host Northwood University in a one-game set to make up for a game earlier this season that was rained out in Big Rapids. The Bulldogs and Timberwolves take the diamond at 3:30 p.m. at Ferris. It's a big game for Ferris as Northwood is playing very well this season and, as of now, is one of the better teams in the GLIAC.

Ferris splits a twinbill against Ashland

Ferris State catcher Rachel Mueller makes a tag for an out at home plate during game two of the Bulldogs' Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference series against Ashland University at the FSU Softball Field. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS - With Ashland University coming to town for a softball doubleheader, Ferris State University knew it had its hands full going against one of the top teams in the region and a strong team on the national scene.

The Bulldogs managed to salvage a split with a 6-3 loss to the Eagles in game one before Ferris bounced back to earn a 3-1 win over Ashland in game two of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference softball series at the FSU Softball Field. The Bulldogs of head coach Keri Becker, now 18-13 overall and 9-6 in the GLIAC this spring. The split keeps the Bulldogs in the thick of a competitive race for softball supremacy in the conference as teams battle for position with the league tournament looming on the horizon in early May.

"We knew that they were on top of the conference and we needed to win both and we settled for a split," said shortstop Lynsay Weaver, a junior from Bay City who prepped at All Saints High School. "But, a split felt good after game two and that now we have a chance to get it rolling this week."

In game one, against the Eagles, Ferris was doing well before it hit a buzzsaw in the fifth inning. Ashland (26-10 overall, 15-5 GLIAC), a team that rolled to two relatively easy wins on Saturday against Grand Valley State University, exploded for five runs in the top half of the inning to take a 5-0 lead. It looked as if AU might do the same to the Bulldogs. Ferris responded with one run in the bottom of the fourth and two more in the bottom of the seventh before the Eagles held on for a 6-3 win.

Morgan Kramerich, a freshman left fielder, was 2-for-4 with a run scored and a run driven in. Sophomore first baseman Chelsea Morris was 1-for-3 with a run driven in and senior center fielder Rachel Wade was 1-for-3 with a run driven in and a run scored. Freshman Dana Bowler took the loss for the Bulldogs as she pitched three full innings before being relieved by Rhea Flores.

In game two, senior pitcher Kayle Stevenson picked up the win as she tossed all seven innings, allowed five hits, one run (earned) and two walks. At the plate, Morris quietly continued a solid game as she had one hit in three trips to the plate with two runs driven in. Sophomore second baseman Makenzi Peterson was 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Wade and senior second baseman Amanda Harrington also added hits.

"Coach always talks about responsiveness and that you can either take it with you or you can forget about it. We forgot about it," Weaver said. "Our defense played great, our pitching was great and we got the hits when we needed to get them."

In the most recent NCAA Division II Midwest Region poll (April 14), Ashland was ranked second while Ferris was ranked 10th.

There is no rest for the Bulldogs. Ferris is back in action on Monday (April 19) when they travel to Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula to take on Lake Superior State University in a two-game GLIAC series beginning at 3 p.m.

Ferris Drops Two Games To No. 14 Saginaw Valley

Ferris State's Amanda Harrington slides into third base during Wednesday afternoon's game against No. 14 Saginaw Valley State University at the FSU Softball Field in Big Rapids. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS - The box scores for Wednesday afternoon's Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference softball games show nine hits in two games for Ferris State University against No. 14 Saginaw Valley State University.

But, the Bulldogs of head coach Keri Becker had a hard time stringing together hits to put runs on the scoreboard against the visiting Cardinals and ultimately were swept by scores of 2-0 and 4-1 at the FSU Softball Field in the GLIAC openers for both teams. Throughout the game, Becker encouraged her team to be a little more selective at the plate, to wait on good pitches and then drive them to spots on the field. But, Ferris had a tough time stringing those hits together against Saginaw Valley's pitchers.

In the first game of the afternoon, the Bulldogs were held scoreless on four hits against SVSU pitcher Jade Fulton (7-1 on the season), who was superb with seven strikeouts and only one walk. Accounting for the Ferris hits were freshman left fielder Morgan Kramerich, junior shortstop Lynsay Weaver, sophomore third baseman Makenzi Peterson and senior second baseman Amanda Harrington.

In the circle, senior pitcher Kayle Stevenson took the loss for the Bulldogs as she dropped to 3-5 on the season. Stevenson threw all seven innings, allowed nine hits, two runs (both earned), walked one and struck out one. The run support was not there for Stevenson, who surrendered just the two runs (both of which were scored in the third inning).

In game two, the Bulldogs drew first blood as Rhea Flores picked up an RBI as she grounded out to score Kramerich (who reached on a single up the middle).

The Cardinals, however, responded with two runs in the bottom of the second and two more in the bottom of the fourth to take command of the game.

Freshman pitcher Dana Bowler took the loss for the Bulldogs as her record fell to 3-4 on the season. She threw six innings, allowed six hits, four runs (all earned), two walks, struck out three and was charged with two wild pitches. Kari Bowlby earned the win for SVSU as she improved to 6-0 on the season.

Again, the Bulldogs had trouble mustering run support. Ferris had five hits (three of which were from Kramerich, who had a solid afternoon). Flores and Peterson had the other two hits.

Ferris, now 9-9 on the season, hosts Lake Superior Sate University on Friday in a doubleheader with the first game to begin at 3:30 p.m.

Game one box score
Game two box score

Five Bulldogs Named To GLIAC All-Conference Softball Teams

MIDLAND – Ferris State University had five of its players named to the 2008 All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Softball Teams and two others who were honorable mention selections.

Earning first-team All-GLIAC honors were junior first baseman Amanda Jager, and junior utility player Sarah Mueller. Named to the second-team all-league were junior pitcher Holly Bruntjens and sophomore second baseman Amanda Harrington. The honorable mention picks for Ferris were junior catcher Krystle Bailey and freshman outfielder Lynsay Weaver, who also has played at shortstop for the Bulldogs.

“You don’t have the success we’ve had without good players and the players who were recognized have played a big role in the success of our team this season,” said Ferris State head coach Keri Becker, who was named the “Michael J. Corbett” GLIAC Coach of the Year. “For me, winning an individual award, like Coach of the Year, can only happen if you have players who perform well on the field.”

Jager’s honor is well deserved with her consistency hitting the ball and, in general, getting on base for teammates to drive her in. Through Friday morning’s game against Mercyhurst, to start the GLIAC Tournament, Jager was batting .389. Mueller, with her pitching and her hitting near the top of the Bulldogs’ order, has been doubly important for the team throughout the spring. Harrington and Bruntjens bring a steady component for Ferris that avoids peaks and valleys. Bailey has been a rock of stability behind the plate and Weaver is just scratching the surface of her great potential.

In other awards news, “Player of the Year” was Saginaw Valley State’s Stacy Kraatz, “Pitcher of the Year” was Wayne State’s Molly Yetman and the “Freshman of the Year” was Ashland’s Erica Miller.

SPRING 2008 BLOG 13: Streaking Bulldogs Do It With Offense

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – Ferris State head softball coach Keri Becker didn’t have to think long when asked what has been going so right for her Bulldogs since the team’s return from Florida.

Back in Michigan, after more than a week of competition in the Sunshine State in early March, Ferris has hit its stride – particularly offensively. After winning three of four Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference road games over the weekend, sweeping Northwood and splitting with Saginaw Valley State, the Bulldogs looked sharp in a doubleheader against non-conference foe Cornerstone Monday afternoon. Back at the FSU Softball Field, Ferris earned a 5-0 win over the Golden Eagles in the opener and enjoyed a dominating offensive effort to secure the sweep with a 13-2 victory in the nightcap to improve to 16-9 on the season, overall, while remaining 7-1 in the GLIAC’s standings.

The key to Monday’s sweep, and this stretch of 11 wins in 12 games as the big picture, has been the ability to string together hits – especially the big ones.

“Basically, we’ve got offense coming from a lot of different people right now and that has definitely been one of the biggest differences since we got back from Florida,” said Becker, whose team hosts league rival Wayne State in a pair of non-conference games at the FSU Softball Field on Wednesday beginning at 4 p.m. “It was nice to get that offense going and it was nice to get a lot of different people in the games to give (those younger players) some valuable game experience.”

Still, this recent string of success started with offense. Even with the wind blowing in, at the FSU Softball Field, the Bulldogs hit the ball hard time and time again. Redshirt freshman outfielder Rachel Wade had a big first game as she finished with two of Ferris’ eight hits including a double and two runs driven in. Senior third baseman Katie Kraai had a pair of hits while rookie outfielder Brooke Lewis batted 2-for-3 with a run scored as she started in right field.

In game two, Ferris’ offense was even better as the team pushed across 13 runs on 10 hits. Freshman second baseman Lynsay Weaver batted 2-for-3 with two runs scored and one driven in, redshirt freshman first baseman Rachel Mueller was 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI, Wade finished 1-for-3 with three RBI, Kraai was 2-for-3 with three runs scored and a run driven in while Lewis hit 1-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBI.

Of significance, for the Bulldogs, was the ability to string together hits against Cornerstone’s pitching staff – something that had previously plagued the team at times in Florida.

“Our hitting has really improved since we got back from Florida and there are a lot more people who are hitting and hitting with confidence,” said Wade as the Bulldogs also had winning pitching performances from Kayle Stevenson (1-1) and Rhea Flores (1-0). “Our hitting has gotten better since Florida and our defense also has improved a lot to go with our pitching.”

SPRING 2008 BLOG 11: Ferris Seeks To Get Back Its Killer Instinct

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – Ferris State is hopeful its killer instinct is back.

After returning from Florida one game below .500, at 7-8, the Bulldogs could hardly wait to get back on the softball diamond. After having a tournament canceled and a home game canceled – both do to poor weather conditions – Ferris looked toward this past weekend to get started with a pair of Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheaders against Gannon and Mercyhurst.

As important as it was for the Bulldogs to get wins, it also was critical to reestablish their killer instinct. Several times, while in Florida, Ferris struggled to finish some games it felt it should have won. That was not the case this past weekend – in chilly weather conditions in Big Rapids. After giving up the first two runs to Gannon, in game one of Saturday’s doubleheader, the Bulldogs took control. Ferris was dominant through the next three-plus games to beat the Lady Knights 4-2 and 5-0, on Saturday, and the Lakers 5-0 and 10-0, on Sunday.

The performances had a lot of people in crimson and gold smiling.

“The offensive machine is up and running right now … we had some good and key hits in these games and we’re starting to string together a lot of those hits we need to get runs up on the scoreboard,” said Ferris head coach Keri Becker, whose squad is now 11-8 on the season and 4-0 in the GLIAC. “We wanted to get it started and we did that, but we were also able to keep it going and that was one of the best things to see about our offense.”

In the first game, Ferris struck early with three runs right off the bat and added two more for insurance – one apiece in the third and fifth innings. Senior Katie Kraai, batting cleanup, had two hits in two trips to the plate with a home run, three runs driven in and one run scored. Sophomore Amanda Harrington was 2-for-4 with two runs scored as Ferris tallied five runs on six hits.

Junior pitcher Sarah Mueller proved superb with seven innings pitched, four runs allowed and three strikeouts for her fifth win of the young season against three losses.

In game two, the Bulldogs turned the killer instinct up a little more right off the bat with all 10 of their runs scored in the top of the first inning. Mueller had two hits in two trips with two runs scored and three runs driven in. Junior Krystle Bailey had two hits (with two RBI) while freshman Lynsay Weaver had a pair of hits with a pair of runs driven in. Juniors Amanda Jager and Holly Bruntjens, along with Harrington, each had one hit with a run driven.

In the circle, Bruntjens and sophomores Rhea Flores and Kayle Stevenson combined on a one-hitter effort with nine strikeouts. Bruntjens, who pitched only the first inning, earned the win to improve to 6-3 on the season. All of the pitchers, including Mueller, toughened up when they needed to over the weekend in front of a solid defense.

Ferris’ wins were complete team efforts – just what the doctor ordered for the Bulldogs who next are scheduled to see some tougher competition next weekend on the road at Northwood, in Midland, and at Saginaw Valley State, in University Center.

SPRING 2008 BLOG 10: Weather cooperates, bats come alive for Bulldogs

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – Leaving behind ideal weather and softball-playing conditions, in Florida, Ferris State found itself back indoors upon its return to Michigan.

The Wayne State Tournament was canceled and bad weather also cost the Bulldogs a home doubleheader against Aquinas, scheduled for Wednesday. Saturday, however, the weather was not perfect, but it was more than good enough to put the softball in play as Ferris welcomed Gannon to the FSU Softball Field to begin Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition.

“It’s always nice to be able to get back on the field after you come back from Florida,” said Ferris head softball coach Keri Becker as her team is now 9-8 overall and 2-0 in the GLIAC. “The weather is something you have to deal with. We actually were able to work on a lot of things inside and we accomplished a lot so when we got back on the field, outside, we were able to get back at it.”

To start game one, the Bulldogs showed some signs of some of the troubles that plagued them at times in Florida. Ferris fell into a 2-0 hole as the Lady Knights capitalized on a pair of Bulldog errors to claim an early lead. This time, however, Ferris showed it has learned from some of the lessons of its time in the Sunshine State.

Junior first baseman Amanda Jager had an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning, but that was just the beginning. Sophomore second baseman Amanda Harrington had an RBI double, Sarah Mueller had an RBI double and junior catcher Krystle Bailey had an RBI double to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead – in a heartbeat.

“It was perseverance,” said Becker as she reflected on her team’s come-from-behind 4-2 win in game one that set the stage for a sweep as the Bulldogs took game two 5-0 to begin league play 2-0. “That’s one of the things about this team that’s so good. They’ve persevered through a lot of things and they realize that there’s too much talent and too much potential on this team not to be able to come out of (the early struggles).”

In game two, senior third baseman Katie Kraai finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and two driven in, Jager was 1-for-3 with a run scored and one driven in, Bailey was 1-for-3 with a run scored and one driven in and freshman outfielder Lynsay Weaver also was able to drive in a run.

In the circle, Ferris enjoyed solid pitching performances from game-one junior starter Holly Bruntjens (seven innings, six hits, two runs, two walks and three strikeouts) and game-two junior starter Sarah Mueller (seven innings, two hits allowed, one walk and four strikeouts) to complement a defense that got tougher as the day went on.

SPRING 2008 BLOG 9: Ferris ends on a high note with two wins – now looks ahead

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Ferris State had the look of a team hungry to finish its annual spring softball trip on a high note and that showed Saturday at the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla.

A strong finish was important for the team. A 4-2 start turned nightmarish as the Bulldogs fell to three games below .500 at just 5-8 entering their final day of the trip to central Florida. Adversity – as is so often the case – is a true test of character for a team as Ferris discovered on Saturday. It was decision-making time for the Bulldogs who had to decide on what note they wanted their Florida trip to end with games against St. Xavier and New Haven left.

Ferris answered the loud call, however, and played some of its best ball of the week as the team secured wins of 8-4, against St. Xavier, and 8-0, against New Haven to end the trip just an eyelash below the .500 mark at 7-8.

Perhaps, most importantly of all, head coach Keri Becker’s team now has a point of reference to figure out where they want their season to go from here.

Here is an early evaluation of the Bulldogs:

INFIELD: Ferris has a veteran presence on its infield with Amanda Jager, an experienced junior, playing first base; Amanda Harrington, a sophomore, solidifying the team up the middle from second base; McKenzie West, a junior, who returns at shortstop with starting experience; Katie Kraai, a senior, who has become a cornerstone at third over the years; and Krystle Bailey, who has been a rock-solid presence behind the plate as the starting catcher. Becker also has used redshirt freshman Rachel Mueller, at first base, and freshman Lynsay Weaver, at shortstop, to mix things up during portions of the trip.

OUTFIELD: This was the area where the Bulldogs knew they were going to be a little youthful with a lack of experience. Juniors Sarah Mueller and Holly Bruntjens are pitchers who have had some time in the outfield in the past. Another pitcher, Kayle Stevenson, also has been inserted into the outfield, mostly in right, this spring so far. Becker also has mixed true freshmen like Weaver, Colleen Roney, Brooke Lewis as well as redshirt freshman Rachel Wade – among others – in the outfield. There is some potential out there on the grass, for the Bulldogs, but gaining confidence and experience will be a big key for Ferris.

PITCHERS: Ferris has a deep roster of pitchers and all saw action during the week in the circle for Becker. Mueller, Stevenson, Bruntjens, Rhea Flores and Jager all had opportunities to prove themselves as Ferris continues its evaluation for the upcoming Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schedule that begins not long after the return to Michigan. Like the rest of the squad, the pitchers had their highs and lows, but when they were on their game they were awful tough. On Ferris’ final day, which featured games against St. Xavier and New Haven, the Bulldogs enjoyed strong pitching efforts from Mueller and Bruntjens as the offense also came through for a pair of wins.

OFFENSE: Ferris, at times, blinded opponents with flashes of offensive brilliance as it used the long ball, at times, and used the short game, at other times, to find success with run production. One of the early bright spots was the production of the lower half of the order which showed some potential to put a lot of runs on the scoreboard as Bruntjens, Weaver and Roney had their bright spots delivering hits and driving in runs. Jager has been off to a hot start swinging the bat and working her way on base via the walk or as a result of being hit by pitches. Bailey, hitting in the No. 3 spot, had a big final day as she batted 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI against St. Xavier and then 1-for-2 with a run scored and a run driven in against New Haven.

DEFENSE: This is an area of concern for the team, but when the focus was present the Bulldogs were solid behind their pitching staff. When the defense and pitching clicked together, with a little bit of scoring, Ferris proved tough to handle. Over the course of the week, Ferris started to cut down on some of the errors that had plagued them at times.

ANALYSIS: The team is not in its ideal position, with a record of 7-8, but they do now have a point of reference from which to look ahead. Ferris must continue to cut down on errors (mental and physical errors), find ways to string hits together a little better and stay mentally tough and together from start to finish. The pieces are in place – as proven by the team’s preseason No. 25 national ranking and how high the Bulldogs were picked to finish in the GLIAC.

Now, it’s time to just do it.

SPRING 2008 BLOG 7: Early spring schedule is rich with opportunities for Bulldogs

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Once again, the wire-to-wire race for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference softball championship is shaping up as a hard-fought one.

If nothing else, the annual Rebel Spring Games has been an opportunity for Ferris State University to take an early peek at the competition in the GLIAC this spring. While there is, of course, snow and chilly weather in the upper Midwest that will wreak the usual havoc on the early portion of the season, that has not prevented the usual travel to Florida to sneak in some of those early games prior to the start of the league schedule. After a hot start this spring, Ferris has stumbled through some rough times with losses in six of their last seven games. The latest setbacks have come at the hands of regional rival Wisconsin-Parkside (5-2) and Central Missouri (3-0), both on Friday, at Fortune Road Complex during the Rebel Spring Games.

In spite of the current hard times, Ferris expects to figure prominently in the mix this season for a GLIAC championship – and hopefully more. The Bulldogs are confident the talent on their current 14-player roster will pay dividends by the time everything is said, done and written. Ferris has been working to plug players into different positions with, for example, Amanda Jager now playing regularly at first base along with some mixing and matching in the outfield with Holly Bruntjens, Sarah Mueller, Colleen Roney, Rachel Wade and Lynsay Weaver among others in that group. One of the issues for the Bulldogs will be to maintain focus from start to finish this spring and begin to realize the potential that is clearly evident.

The GLIAC already is looking up for grabs this season as the Bulldogs already have had a chance to watch a number of rival teams they will see upon their return to Michigan. Saginaw Valley State suddenly is nationally ranked and playing with confidence under a first-year head coach. Grand Valley State remains strong with some capable hitters at the top of its lineup while Wayne State and Ashland are likely to figure prominently in the league, region and national pictures. Northwood is going to be a solid as will Gannon and others. The bottom line in the GLIAC remains pretty simple: No easy days no matter who you play in a league with so many talented and well-coached softball teams.

In addition to the league games, the Bulldogs also have to be conscious of their regional foes as well. Already in Florida, the Bulldogs have begun to make their case for regional rankings with some solid efforts against some in-region opponents (including wins over Southern Indiana, St. Joseph’s and Northern Kentucky). But, three of the team’s losses have been to regional opponents (a painfully-frustrating one-run, extra-inning loss to defending NCAA Division II national champion Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, one to Indianapolis and the latest on Friday to Wisconsin-Parkside).

Ferris has its work cut out for it this spring.

So, whether it’s a regional opponent or a conference opponent – anticipate some big-time competition.

SPRING 2008 BLOG 3: Ferris State Athletics Hall of Famer Pays Bulldogs A Special Visit

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The passion Bob Leach, a 2000 inductee of the Ferris State University Bulldog Athletic Hall of Fame, has for the university is unquestioned. Leach and his wife, Mary Louise, spent two days in Kissimmee, Fla. in a show of support for the Bulldog softball team competing in the annual Rebel Spring Games to begin softball season.

Leach, who is and enthusiastic supporter of Ferris athletics financially and as a fan, had an inspirational message for the Bulldogs’ softball players following a 3-2 win over Minnesota State at the Osceola County Softball Complex. The man who coached Ferris’ 1968 undefeated football team that finished 7-0-1 – the only team to go through an entire season undefeated – knows a thing or two about success, the crimson and gold and what it means to be a true Bulldog.

“I told them that performance builds tradition and tradition builds performance … tradition and performance truly go hand in hand,” said Leach, who spends this time of the year in the Florida home he and his wife keep. “The thing I like about this team, in the two days I was able to watch them, is they truly played like Bulldogs and I told them that. A Bulldog is going to keep on fighting and is never going to quit. I think our ladies showed that in the games I was able to see them play.”

Ferris’ annual spring softball trip is a special time for Leach, who looks forward to making the short trip to Kissimmee. He was able to watch the Bulldogs’ Saturday victories over St. Joseph’s (Ind.), 4-3, and Northern Kentucky, 10-2. The team sputtered a bit in a 2-0 loss to Shippensburg (Pa.) to begin the day. Kayle Stevenson took the loss as she pitched seven innings, allowed four hits, three walks and struck out three. The good news, however, was that freshman outfielder Lynsay Weaver continues her hot start to the season as she had two hits in three trips to the plate in the loss. Weaver, a Bay City native, continued to excel in the second game as she was 2-for-3 with a solo home run. Shortstop McKenzie West also smacked a home run in the sixth inning as the Bulldogs rallied for a 3-2 win over Minnesota State to finish Sunday on a high note.

Leach watched the games, like a hawk, while he also took time to meet with as many fellow Bulldogs as he could during the two days he was in Kissimmee.

“It’s tremendous to be part of this and to get to spend time getting to know the players and the coaches and their families,” said Leach, also has been inducted in the Great Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame (1990) and the Mecosta County Sports Hall of Fame (1985). “It’s nice to meet so many people who have a connection with Ferris and Big Rapids … even when we are this far away.

“I love supporting Ferris sports whether its men’s or women’s sports … it’s not just about supporting football for me,” said Leach, who coached the 1968 team to the 7-0-1 record after the program had gone just 1-26-2 in the three seasons prior to his arrival in 1967. “We like to support all of the kids both financially and as fans. I believe in Ferris and love Ferris and I know supporting the university and kids are important because that is supporting our future.”