As the temperatures drop, it’s not a bad idea to stay inside and watch this week’s episode of Ferris Sports Update! In this week’s episode (November 20, 2024) produced by Reese Miller, our host Rob Bentley brings you the latest from Ferris State University’s athletic program, with entertaining updates from football, volleyball, and hockey. Bentley is joined by assistant football coach Brian Rock, Women’s basketball head coach Kurt Westendorp, and hockey head coach Bob Daniels. Each coach will go over the highlights, reflect on the teamwork, and discuss upcoming FSU sports events.
Writers Braeden Andros, James Bonham, Ryan Pilon, & Sean Anderson | Editor Braeden Andros | Featured Image Cody Metiva
Football
First on the show was Ferris football assistant coach Brian Rock. Rob starts off by asking about the recent trophies and championships the team has just captured. Rock describes that this is a big win for the whole team and especially the seniors now that they won the GLIAC conference championship against Davenport last Saturday. For many of the seniors it was their last regular season game, and this was a huge capstone for their season after such a tough game. Rock describes that the defense was crucial in their game to hold the team only to three field goals. Going into half time, Ferris was down, but not out. Players like Connor Near and Brady Rose were some instrument players in the first half and all throughout the game to close out with a victory winning 24 to 9.
Rock describes that the win is a momentum game. It is important to be clicking on all cylinders for post season matchups. There are no games off and every team is good that the Bulldogs will be facing. On Thanksgiving weekend, Ferris will play at home against the winner of a matchup between Ouachita Baptist and Central Oklahoma. Rock describes that the mindset is always one game at a time, but they have their eyes on the prize.
Photo Credits: Kevin McDermott
Hockey
Host Rob Bentley sat down with Head Coach of the Hockey team, Bob Daniels to discuss the previous games, and the upcoming matchups. This past weekend, the Bulldogs traveled to Lake Superior State to play the Lakers Friday night and then played them again in Traverse City on Saturday night. It was “another tough loss,” put by Coach Daniels on Friday night when the Bulldogs lost by a final score of 4-2. He argued that the team played really well, but unfortunately did not get the final result in their favor. Ferris out shot Lake Superior 45 to 25 shots on goal.
Saturday night was a different story, the Bulldogs won 3-2. Tyler Schleppe scored twice Saturday, and 3 total over the weekend. Coach Daniels said that Schleppe, coming off an injury, played extremely well and has improved “leaps and bounds.” Even though he did not have a great start to the season, he has managed to find his way onto the scoring sheet lately. The Bulldogs fell behind 2 goals this game but were able to turn it around and end up with the win. Coach Daniels continues to preach to improve every day. This win was also a huge milestone for Coach Bob Daniels as he reached his 500th win. Upcoming for the Bulldogs, they will be hosting Augustana Friday, November 22nd and Saturday, November 23rd.
Photo Credits: CCHA
Women’s Basketball
Lastly, Rob talks with Head Coach of Women’s Basketball, Kurt Westendorp as they talk about last weekend’s game against Great Lakes Christian. Kurt talks about how him and the team are grateful that Great Lakes Christian made the trip. He goes on to talk about how they ended up using some players that have not had a lot of playing time, such as Emma Schierbeek. The coach talks about how this game was a good one to give them the spark they need to go into tougher opponents. Rob talks about how Mia Riley was named the GIAC defensive player of the week and the Coach agreed by saying she plays a pivotal role for the team. Ferris won 103-50. Ferris will be playing Ashland on the 23rd and Lakes Superior State on December 3rd.
Photo Credits: Ferris State University
Let’s wrap this up with one undeniable statement: Ferris State’s sports teams are achieving great success this season. The football team secured a big win by claiming the GLIAC championship, thanks to strong defense and key player performances, as they prepare for the playoffs. The hockey team showed grit, bouncing back from a tough loss to earn a victory, with standout efforts from Tyler Schleppe and Coach Bob Daniels reaching his 500th career win. The women’s basketball team dominated Great Lakes Christian, building confidence and depth, with Mia Riley shining on defense. Ferris teams are ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Credits
Producer: Reese Miller
Hosts: Rob Bentley
Guests: Brian Rock, Bob Daniels, Tia Brandel-Wilhelm
Director: Ben Muma
Audio: Bobby Yaxley
Technical Director: Tori Bridges
Avid: Lawrence Carter, Glen Okonosh
Stage Manager: Jaylah Lewis
Camera Work: Jaylah Lewis, Jarius Aaron
Faculty: Nick Kuiper, Glen Okonoski, Joshua Pardon, Andrew Tingley
Engineer: Bill Jung
Academic Advisor: Timberly Boezwinkle
Secretary: Rolonda Gleason
Music: “Playful Funky Vibes”