With brand new seasons on the horizon for Bulldog athletics, there are many storylines to watch over the 2024-2025 outing. Here are a few specifically to focus on.
Gridiron revenge tour
With football season rapidly approaching, the Bulldog football team is looking to reinsert themselves as a championship contender.
During the one-game suspension of head coach Tony Annese, the Bulldogs lost in the first round of the playoffs to rival Grand Valley State last season.
Annese and the staff made their disapproval clear but quickly started working toward next year behind a strong recruiting class including multiple four-star recruits. Among the new Bulldog faces this season is returning linebacker Konnor Near, who rejoins Ferris after playing for the Oklahoma Sooners last season.
earned throughout the twenty-eight games played last season. Photo Courtesy of Ferris Athletics
Despite the lackluster result of the 2023-2024 campaign, the Bulldogs roll into the 2024-2025 season projected to win the GLAIC conference in the league preseason poll with their eyes set on another national championship.
Bob Daniels reaching 500 total wins
Bob Daniels has held down the Ferris hockey squad as head coach for over 30 years and now enters the 2024-2025 campaign just three victories away from 500 all-time wins. Sporting a 497-605-114 record, Daniels has become the face of Bulldog hockey and continues to add to his extensive resume as the years pass. Bob ranks 32nd amongst all-time Division I hockey coaches, in terms of total wins. The Bulldog hockey team saw a lot of changes through the transfer portal this offseason, but Daniels remains determined to lead the team to new success.
Basketball teams look to continue historic runs
After thrilling campaigns for both the men’s and women’s teams last season, both basketball programs are looking to capitalize on their recent success for their upcoming bouts. The men’s team finished last season at 28-8. They made their first Elite Eight since 2018, alongside a regional championship. Despite the success, head coach Andy Bronkema and the returning Bulldogs seek revenge and an NCAA Championship this upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the women’s squad reached the Final Four with a school record for most wins in a season with 26. They also captured their first regional championship in school history. Seniors Chloe Idoni, Mallory McCartney and Amaka Unobagha have since graduated, but the team led by head coach Kurt Westendorp is looking to extend their winning ways regardless.
Volleyball hopes to reach new heights
Women’s volleyball continued adding to their powerhouse program with a GLIAC championship win and a third straight trip to the regional finals. However, all three of those matches have ended in a loss. Head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm is looking to get the team over the hump, with a large majority of last year’s GLIAC championship team returning to the floor this year. Volleyball will kick off their season at the West Texas A&M University Invitational on September 5-7.