Written By, Bryce Dysard, Cameron Altonen, and Brody Sara
Welcome to This Week’s Edition of Ferris Sports Update!
This week, host Rob Bentley highlights Special Olympics basketball, Ferris State softball, and both men’s and women’s golf. Guests include women’s basketball head coach Kurt Westendorp, softball senior Brooklyn Verbeek, and head golf coach Sam Stark.
Written by Bryce Dysard, Kayla Muter, and Brody Sara | Featured Image by Brody SaraRead more: Ferris in Focus 4.16.25
Welcome back to this week’s episode of Ferris In Focus! In this edition, we explore a range of engaging segments, including Big Rapids Life, Animals of the ARC, Program Spotlight, College Kids’ Cars, and more. Join us as we highlight the stories, people, and programs that bring our campus and community to life.
In this episode of Ferris in Focus, our Big Rapids Life segment brings you behind the scenes at LightTouch Tattoo, the longest-standing tattoo shop in Big Rapids, with over 20 years of experience and artistry.
We meet Sonya Grenell, the dedicated owner, along with Ryan Van Dyke, a talented tattoo artist, and Nicki Wyatt, the welcoming receptionist and personal assistant. The LightTouch team is known for its professionalism, skill, and attention to detail.
We get an up-close look at the tattooing process, from initial consultations where customer ideas are carefully discussed and sketched out to watching their designs come to life on skin. The artists talk about their passion for tattooing as a unique form of self-expression and art. What sets LightTouch Tattoo apart is its commitment to client comfort and privacy, creating a relaxed and respectful environment for everyone who walks through the door.
For more information or to book a consultation, visit lighttouchtattoo.com or call (231) 796-9940.
In our heartwarming Animals of the ARC segment, we meet Max, a gentle 9-year-old pup with a sweet personality and a big heart. Max’s journey to the shelter was filled with ups and downs, but he’s proven to be a true gem. He’s great with kids, gets along well with other pets, loves cuddle time, and is very well-behaved on a leash.
Max is neutered, microchipped, and ready for his forever home. If you or someone you know is looking to adopt a loyal companion, Max could be the perfect fit for your family.
To learn more or to adopt Max, visit ArcofMecostaCounty.com or call (231) 796-2683.
In our Program Spotlight, we take a closer look at the renowned Sales Program at Ferris State University. We chat with Jina Jackson-Rockwell, instructor and passionate advocate for the program’s hands-on, real-world learning approach.
We also meet Benji Zorn, a junior majoring in Business Administration, who shares her experience with the program. Blair Entenmann, another instructor, walks us through the program’s impressive history—it began in the 1970s and has grown to become one of the most recognized sales programs in the country, currently ranked 15th in the state.
Ferris’ Sales Program focuses on building student confidence and comfort in professional settings, with an emphasis on learning how to close deals. The program offers six specialized classes as a minor, available to many of the business majors offered at Ferris.
For more information, visit ferris.edu/business.
We continue with College Kids’ Cars, where host Mark Kibbe sits down with Dylan Peterson, a senior in the Automotive Engineering Technology program. Dylan showcases his impressive 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, a far cry from your average luxury sedan. Outfitted with an aftermarket hood, a blacked-out chrome grille, and custom detailing, the vehicle exudes a bold and aggressive aesthetic. Under the hood, the CTS-V roars with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, pushing 500 horsepower, making it a serious contender on the road. The interior, reupholstered in striking red and black leather, adds a touch of sophistication and flair to the powerhouse vehicle.
Next, we take a nostalgic turn with Memory Lane, hosted by Adam Jewell. This week’s spotlight is on the beloved segment Silly Songs with Larry from the animated series VeggieTales. Adam reminisces about how his mom introduced him to the show during his childhood. While VeggieTales is rooted in faith-based themes, Adam emphasizes that the silly songs are universally enjoyable, thanks to their humor, catchy tunes, and whimsical storytelling, many of which steer away from religious references altogether.
In Ferris Asks, students share heartfelt answers to the question, “What was your favorite place as a child?” The responses capture the carefree essence of youth, with many recalling sunny days at the beach, swimming pools, local parks, and favorite ice cream shops. Others reflected on warm memories made at grandparents’ homes and family gatherings, highlighting the places that made their childhoods truly special.
Finally, this week’s Cineskit delivers a lighthearted narrative featuring Ferris’s beloved mascot, Brutus the Bulldog. In a playful skit, Brutus meets with President Pink to explore potential job roles at the university. After several humorous attempts, it becomes clear where Brutus truly belongs—representing school spirit and pride as the official mascot. It’s a fitting role for a figure who embodies Ferris State University’s energy and enthusiasm.
Stay tuned for more highlights next week on Ferris In Focus as we continue to celebrate the people and stories that make our campus community shine!
Thanksgiving is coming up soon Bulldogs, classes are making you prep for finals, and everyone is just kind of busy as of late, but surely you have time to check out this weeks episode of Ferris Out Loud produced by Jadelin Hinkel! For this episode we are joined by our hosts Ryan Pilon, Sara Keilman, Da’Shanya Williams, and Jade Scholten. Join them as they talk about “What’s Trending”, dive into some interesting topics with “Debate”, guess the song in “Game Time”, and hear some watchlist suggestions from the hosts.
Writers Cody Metiva & Sean Anderson | Editor Devin Gennette | Featured Image Devin Gennette
After a 30-year absence, Ferris State University’s marching band is making a highly anticipated return in fall 2025. With over $7,000 raised and 80-100 students ready to join, the revival is set to energize campus life. This blog explores the history, the vision for the band’s future, and how you can support its comeback through an upcoming fundraiser and donations.
