Ferris has a history of sporting success, but this fall, multiple teams are taking that success to a new level.
Heading up Ferris fall success are the football, volleyball and women’s soccer teams. All three teams are ranked in the top 20 for NCAA Division II sports, and all three are undefeated in GLIAC play.
“A lot of players that are coming back on all three teams have been around and gained a lot of experience,” Ferris assistant athletic director Rob Bentley said. “They’ve had a lot of success.”
Bentley started his career at Ferris 19 years ago before the university’s sports program was even on the map. The school is surely on the map now, after the Ferris men’s basketball team won their national championship earlier this year.
A team that has made a considerable jump from last season is the women’s soccer team. After ending last season 11-8, Ferris head coach Andy McCaslin’s team is on track to eclipse that win total by a longshot.
Currently standing at 9-1-2, they have their eyes set on scoring goals well into November. Ferris senior defender Carley Dubbert has been a key player in the scoring line, currently leading the Bulldogs in goals scored.
“We are in a very competitive conference, so there are no teams that you can overlook,” Dubbert said. “We talk about each game as it comes and try to avoid looking too far ahead.”
Ferris volleyball has also found great success this fall. They’ve started this season 16-3 and have moved up to No. 16 ranked team nationally. With just eight games left in the regular season, the Bulldogs are in a good spot to take control of the GLIAC tournament.
“This team is very centered, very much about the team, very much focused on doing what they can in their role to help the team be successful,” Ferris volleyball head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm said. “We’re simple. We’re a one day at a time team.”
Then, there’s the Bulldog football team, which remains undefeated at 6-0. Ferris junior quarterback Jayru Campbell has been taking Big Rapids by storm, leading his team in both passing and rushing yards.
With a monumental matchup with rival Grand Valley State University slated for Saturday, Oct. 13, the Bulldogs will look to take home the Anchor-Bone Classic title. Tournament time is approaching quickly, as the regular season closes for most teams in the GLIAC. People will soon learn who truly has taken a leap forward from a year ago, and who will have to wait another year for a chance at a championship.