It’s been a great year to be a Bulldog, and it seems to only be getting better.
The 2011-12 season has been one of unquestionable success for the Bulldog Athletics program. FSU has dominated the GLIAC (and CCHA) in multiple sports and has even garnered national attention on several occasions. It’s been exciting to cover as a sports writer and probably even more exciting to follow as a fan.
The Bulldog volleyball team started the year off with a GLIAC North Division crown, a 27-4 overall record, and their highest national ranking in more than 20 years. Not to be outdone, the FSU women’s cross country team advanced to the national championships for the fourth consecutive campaign. Senior Tina Muir and junior Anna Rudd claimed All-American honors as they led the Bulldogs to an eighth-place finish at nationals. Muir and Rudd are just two of the many FSU athletes who were honored for their outstanding athletic performances this season.
The fall was followed by the winter and with it came continued success for the Bulldogs. The men’s basketball team repeated as GLIAC North Division champions while the women’s basketball team captured its second GLIAC North Division title in school history. Sophomore Sarah DeShone was recently honored with Honorable Mention All-American status for her efforts in helping lead the Bulldogs to the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Semifinals (don’t miss the story on DeShone in this issue!).
Last but certainly not least, the FSU hockey team has given fans plenty to cheer about this season. The Bulldogs were top-ranked nationally and have proved they deserved the distinction as the team won their way to spot in the NCAA Frozen Four. The Apr. 5 game against Union will be the program’s first-ever Frozen Four appearance.
As the team prepares to take the national stage, I’d like to take the opportunity to say—on behalf of the Torch sports staff—what a pleasure it has been to cover your success this season. We wish you the best of luck in Tampa Bay, and regardless of whether or not you bring home a championship, please know that you’ve made this school proud. As always, go Bulldogs!