You could say it was wild—our year in sports, that is. A more accurate synopsis would be cardiac at times.
The Ferris State Bulldogs provided more than their fair share of moments that required the setting of pacemakers in order to keep us sane, but the predominant feeling amongst teams was “Next year will be great.”
Football inked a ridiculous recruiting class, and head coach Tony Annese has turned the team into an offensive rushing powerhouse. The team finished 7-4, winning its final game on a last-second touchdown, just where Annese likes it.
But stealing the show during fall season were the ladies in volleyball, soccer, and tennis. Each team showed significant steps forward in terms of not only individual but also team performances.
Per usual, cross-country improved behind incredible senior leadership. The team is one step closer to being a national power in Division II.
Coming off a historic season, the hockey team was up and down most of the season, staying at the middle of the pack. The team had plenty of highlights, despite their early postseason exit.
One of the all-time instant classic games for hockey was the “Groundhog’s Day Massacre,” the second game of their home series against the Western Michigan Broncos. The tussle included a comeback, a tying goal with under a minute to play, a shootout win, brawls and countless penalty minutes.
Senior guard Kenny Brown provided electric moments for the men’s basketball team, where senior forward Daniel Sutherlin provided inspiration, playing his final game on a broken ankle for head coach Bill Sall’s squad.
As the season shifted to spring, Bulldog sports fans were given the opportunity to see one of the more jaw-dropping moments in softball.
Despite being an “offensive” team, the softball team found itself a clear ace in senior Dana Bowler, whose claim to fame includes a perfect game as well as going the distance in more than 90 percent of her starts.
Men’s tennis garnered national recognition for the second straight year, qualifying for the national tournament after finishing as the runner-up in the GLIAC tournament.
The constant record breaking of thrower Jessica Pilling paired with the national champion in the indoor 5,000 meters, Anna Rudd, propelled women’s track and field and cross country in 2013.
The Ferris State athletic program was recently ranked No. 23 in the country under the leadership of athletic director Perk Weisenburger. Next year, look for the athletic program to continue to climb the charts, as the teams gear up for what is sure to be a historic year in athletics.