When I made my decision to come to Ferris, it wasn’t for the sports.
Actually, sports were the one thing that kept me wanting to go to Michigan State. I always dreamed of being in the Izzone or watching Spartan football at their enormous stadium. I grew up eating, sleeping and breathing sports, so when I chose to come to Ferris, I figured it would be fun to watch the Bulldogs play, but I was sad I was going to miss out on experiences like watching my school play in March Madness or a bowl game.
Boy, was I wrong.
Ferris has sent a team to a national championship both years I’ve been here: first with winning the basketball national championship in March, and now with the football team playing in the national championship this year.
I had the opportunity to go to the national championship football game to cover it for the Torch, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I never could have dreamed that I would get to experience a football championship game with my school in it, let alone be on the turf watching it.
Being on the sidelines of the national championship football game was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done, period. The thrill of being inches from the action is an indescribable feeling and the emotions on the field are ten times what you feel in the stands. It was every sports fan’s fantasy.
When Sy ran in the ball to bring Ferris within two points of tying the game with less than two minutes left, my heart was pounding and I could barely breathe as I shot photos from behind the end zone. My heart sank with the players’ as I watched them walk past me off the field after the game. It truly felt like I was a part of this journey with them.
I’ve loved every second of watching Ferris make this historic run to the Division II National Championship and it’s been a dream come true to write about them this weekend. It’s an opportunity I’ll cherish forever.
I met countless football alumni this weekend, too, and it left me with the feeling that Ferris football really is a family. Some of these guys played back in the 70s and they still come to a majority of the games. Hearing them talk about watching the team make their national championship run couldn’t help but put a smile on my face.
So, I guess all I have to say is thank you. Thank you to the football team for the endless hours of hard work and the 16 incredible games they played. Thank you to the fans for their undying support and for making the trip to Texas to make this experience a dream. Lastly, thank you to the Torch for letting me report on history in the making.
For coverage of the NCAA Division II National Championship, click here.