In the latest episode of Ferris Sports Update, our host Rob Bentley, is joined by Football Assistant Coach Grant Caserta, Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Josh Fleming, and Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kurt Westendorp.
Writers: Aimee Reynoso Cupido, Rockford Dorman, Kourtney Fairchild, & Scott Purcey
Editor: Rockford Dorman
Featured Image: Rockford Dorman
Men’s Football: A National Title Fueled by Hard Work and Resilience
Rob kicks off the show with Assistant Football Coach Grant Caserta, who shares insights into the team’s championship season. Despite a tough start with a loss in their first game, the Bulldogs rallied to win their next 14 games, culminating in a thrilling victory over Valdosta State for their third National Title in McKinney, Texas. Caserta credits the team’s success to their determination and resilience, noting how they were “firing on all cylinders” by the time they reached the playoff game.
The team’s familiarity with McKinney, where many players had been three times before, also played a role in their confidence and performance. Caserta emphasizes that the team’s hard work began long before the season, with players focusing on offseason training and workouts to build their physical strength. Rob also asks about the impact of winning the GLIAC Championship in the fall, to which Caserta responds that competing against some of the best teams in the state gave them valuable experience, helping the Bulldogs stay focused and prepared for the playoff run.
Looking ahead, Caserta shares that the coaching staff has been busy recruiting new talent for next season, traveling both in and out of state in preparation for National Signing Day on February 5th. With a strong foundation in place, the Bulldogs are set to continue their winning tradition.
Men’s Basketball: A Team Focused on Bounce-Back and Regional Success
Next, Rob welcomes Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Josh Fleming, who talks about the team’s current strong position in the conference. With a record of 18-4, the Bulldogs are second in the GLIAC, but Fleming knows that the toughest games are still ahead. The team recently faced off against Lake Superior State, where they were competitive in the first half but ultimately came up short, losing 64-73. Fleming points out that Lake Superior’s defense made it difficult to score, especially with a few key players out with injuries. Despite the loss, one bright spot was Jaxson Whitaker, who stepped up with an impressive performance.
Looking ahead, Fleming and the team are focused on their next challenges: road games against Davenport on Thursday and Grand Valley on Saturday. With both teams being tough competitors, Fleming is confident that the Bulldogs can rely on their veteran players to secure a win. His final thoughts emphasize the importance of continuing to focus on the bigger picture: positioning themselves for a strong regional standing as they fight to finish the season strong.
Photo Credit: Ciara Brooks
Women’s Basketball: Overcoming Challenges and Building for March
Finally, Rob is joined by Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kurt Westendorp, who reflects on the team’s recent performance and prepares for a busy February ahead. The Bulldogs had a slower week, with only one game against Lake Superior State, which they won decisively. This gave the team some much-needed time to recover from travel fatigue before facing a packed schedule of three upcoming games.
Currently sitting in second place in the conference, the Bulldogs are feeling confident as they head into matchups against Roosevelt, Davenport, and Grand Valley State. Westendorp highlights the team’s victory over Lake Superior, where players like Claire Erickson and Ally Schultz—both hailing from the Upper Peninsula—played key roles. The win was also a showcase of strong team offense, with the Bulldogs securing an 83-46 victory.
Westendorp also praises the development of freshmen like Alyssa Wirth and Grace Lyons, whose experience on the court has been crucial as the team adapts to injuries and new lineups. With a record of 15-5, the Bulldogs have proven their resilience and depth, and Westendorp is optimistic about their growth. Looking ahead to rivalry games against Davenport and Grand Valley, Westendorp believes the team’s familiarity with the local routine will help them prepare and recover well. The team’s off-season preparations have already paid off, and with the right mindset, they’re ready to continue their success into February and March.
With strong leadership from all three teams, Ferris State is primed for an exciting stretch of the season. As the Bulldogs push forward, their focus on hard work, adaptability, and team spirit will no doubt fuel their continued success across multiple sports.
Stay tuned for next weeks episode of Ferris Sports Update!