gvsports monthly magazine

February 2010

Inside: GVSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball Reports

THE MITCHELL

ERA BEGINSMatt Mitchell Becomes

the Seventh Head Coach

in GVSU Football History

GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 1

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 5

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Tim Nott

MANAGING EDITOR

Doug Lipinski

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Doug Witte

ACQUISITIONS EDITOR

Courtney Goldschmeding

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Charlie Read

CONTRIBUTORS

Kelsey Deacon

DJ Foster

Janine Freeman

Andy Fry

Sandra Jennings

Alexis Rangel

GV Sports Marketing

GVSU Sports Information

PRINTER

Jenison Printing

GV Sports Monthly Magazine is a

magazine that focuses on athletics at

Grand Valley State University. Copies of

the magazine are free to the community.

and located on news stands in the greater

Grand Rapids area. Copies of the maga-

zine will also be distributed in Allendale

by the Advance Newspaper.

GV Sports Monthly Magazine

GVSU, 192 Fieldhouse

Allendale MI 49401

IN THIS ISSUE

Main Event - Page 10

MATT MITCHELL NAMED GvSU HEAD

fOOTBALL COACH

Tim Selgo, the Director of Athletics at Grand Valley State

University, announced that Matt Mitchell has been named the

seventh head coach in the tradition-rich history of the GVSU

football program ...

W. Lacrosse - Page 7

ALICIA GROvESTON BECOMES GvSU’S

fIRST-EvER LACROSSE COACHGrand Valley State Director of Athletics, Tim Selgo, an-

nounced that Alicia Groveston will be the first-ever head

women's lacrosse coach at Grand Valley State. GVSU, which

announced ...

M. Basketball -

MEN’S BASKETBALL CARRIED BY

TOUGH ONE-TWO PUNCH

The saying goes “Offense wins games, defense wins cham-

pionships.” Grand Valley State head men’s basketball coach

Ric Wesley appears to prescribe to this theory, as his Laker

team ...

W. Basketball - Page 2

LAKER WOMEN LOOK TO DEPTH DOWN

THE STRETCH

The 2009-10 women’s basketball team is experiencing per-

haps a case of deja vu, with this season shaping up very

much like the 2008-09 year. For the most part ...


�� *%�-%%�1'$�./("$�-%� �/$&2* /�*(%1�1(")$1� ,5�1(+$��4'$,�5-2

./$0$,1� �3 *(#�.("12/$�"-**$&$��)(��0,-4�!* #$0�� ,#�0,-4!- /#�/$,1 *0�,$3$/�+-/$�1' ,��

�� ,,-,0!2/&��#�� ,,-,0!2/&�� /$ ��'-,$��6��)(��'-.��

444444��"" ,,,,--,,00!!22//&&��""--++�$$�1'$��(3$��$!" +�

��##$$��""��44��$$��""""��4477��%%��##��

*.8��#��%�$��"��$%��$#��$��'�$��&��3�3

,122��"�&�4��"�� #4��-1.,-5��($�$��%#$�"6

/*/301*3///2 9�/*/301*3//.1 ��(

+2�8� ��)� "��"

�%)� ��'��$�+��'��

�� 5 ��!%��"��##�"��%�6

�")!��%*&%$��$#,��%)��#"��")!��$,��)!�'��'��+&"'�(��

�")!��%*&%$��$#,��%)��#"��")!��$,��)!�'��'��+&"'�(��

The 2009-10 women’s basketball team is

experiencing perhaps a case of deja vu, with this

season shaping up very much like the 2008-09

year. For the most part, that would be a very good

thing, as last year’s GVSU squad finished 20-10

with a 15-7 record in the GLIAC and a berth in the

NCAA Tournament. However, at one point last

season, the Lakers were 15-3 and had won 12

straight games, only to alternate wins and losses

for much of the rest of the season.

This year’s team was sporting an 11-3

record with an 8-1 conference mark at press time.

Just like last season, the 2009-10 team had put to-

gether a lengthy winning streak early in the year,

with two of the only blemishes being a pair of

back-to-back losses at the end of December. To

make sure the two seasons do not mirror each

other, Grand Valley State has to avoid the downfall

that occurred late last year, as the Lakers approach

the tough second half of their schedule.

After starting 15-3 last year, GVSU went

5-7 the rest of the way, with the main reason more

than likely being connected to the younger players

simply breaking down towards the end of the sea-

son. The Lakers look to combat that this year with

a second consecutive stellar freshman class that has

head coach Janel Burgess utilizing nearly a dozen

players in her lineup, without much of a dropoff

from the starters to the bench.

The 2009-10 version of Burgess’ squad is

extremely talented and deep, as seven different

players have led the team in scoring in a game dur-

ing the first 14 contests. While three players were

toting a double-figure average in scoring, Grand

Valley State had a whopping 10 players scoring

more than four points per game.

Sophomore guards Emma Veach and Jas-

mine Padin continue to run the show just as they

did during their freshman campaigns. Veach, the

2008-09 GLIAC Freshman of the Year, leads the

team with 11.6 points per game, while throwing in

5.6 boards, 50 assists, and a 51.6 field goal percent-

age. The floor general, Padin, was sporting an 11.2

points per game average, to go along with 62 as-

sists and 33 three-pointers, both figures ranking in

the top three in the conference.

A group of five freshmen have seen ex-

tended minutes, including starting center Alex

Stelfox (10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 23 blocks), the

Taylor twin sisters, Briauna (7.6 points, 60.9 three-

point percentage) and Brittany (4.9 points, 48.4

percent shooting), and back-up point guard Lauren

Stodola (4.5 points, 25 assists, 52.0 three-point per-

centage).

GVSU opens and closes February with a

set of home games. The Lakers will take on Find-

lay and Hillsdale on Feb. 4-6 in Fieldhouse Arena,

while capping off the regular season with games

against Wayne State and Northwood (Feb. 25-27)

in the Fieldhouse Arena. In between those home

contests is a four-game road trip to the Upper

Peninsula against Northern Michigan and Michi-

gan Tech and road games at Lake Superior State

and Saginaw Valley State.

Joining Padin, Stelfox, and Veach in the

starting lineup are juniors Kara Crawford (6.4

points, 4.7 rebounds) and Elizabeth Van Tiflin (6.0

points, 6.1 rebounds). Veach is the only one who

has not started every game of the year, as she was

nursing an injury during GVSU’s season opener.

The Lakers appear to be hitting their stride after an

early January stretch where they won four games

in a row, all by at least 22 points.

As long as the young players can stay

healthy and conditioned and the veterans continue

to lead and produce, GVSU could tally an even

more successful finish than last season.

Laker Women Look to Depth to Carry Team Down the Stretch

DJ FosterContributing Writer


The saying goes “Offense wins games, de-

fense wins championships.” Grand Valley State

head men’s basketball coach Ric Wesley appears

to prescribe to this theory, as his Laker team is

again one of the top defensive teams in the GLIAC

and in the Midwest Region.

As of Jan. 15, GVSU owned an 11-3 over-

all record with a 7-2 mark in conference play, as

the Lakers were winners of seven straight contests.

After a Dec. 12 loss at Findlay, the defending Di-

vision II National Champions, Grand Valley State

was just 4-3 on the year.

Since that point, the Laker defense started

dominating games at a championship-level, help-

ing GVSU rattle off seven wins in a row, including

six straight at home in Fieldhouse Arena. For the

sixth consecutive season, Grand Valley State’s de-

fense ranks in the top two in the league.

During the Lakers’ seven-game win streak,

GVSU held teams to 60 points or less five times

and did not allow a team to eclipse the 70-point

barrier. In fact, Grand Valley State had yet to give

up 80 points in a game all season, as the Lakers

ranked second in the GLIAC, allowing just 61.3

points per contest.

It is just one reason the second half of the

2009-10 year looks bright for Grand Valley State.

In those games in late February and early March,

when teams are playing their 30th game of the year

and players’ tired legs affect offensive production,

defense is the staple that can carry GVSU in the

conference and NCAA playoffs.

Although the Laker offense was just ninth

in the GLIAC in points per game (65.1) at press

time, Wesley’s team featured one of the top indi-

vidual players in the conference, junior Justin

Ringler. The combo guard/forward was putting up

averages of 15.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game

(third-best in the league) and he had totaled five

double-doubles, third most in the GLIAC.

In addition to Ringler, his classmate Toreau

Brown was scoring 12.2 points per game, while

shooting 86.0 percent from the free throw line and

50.4 percent from the field. The one-two punch of

Ringler and Brown, when coupled with the stingy

GVSU defense, is enough to frighten any team

come playoff time.

Before the Lakers can advance to the con-

ference and regional tournaments, GVSU must fin-

ish up the regular season. After returning home

from a four-game road trip in mid-January and

closing the month with home games against Michi-

gan Tech and Northern Michigan, Grand Valley

State will host Findlay and Hillsdale on Feb. 4-6

in Fieldhouse Arena. While the Oilers lost most of

their starting five, they are still in the running for a

conference and regional title, and that re-match

should be a good one.

GVSU then takes another four-game road

trip, this time to the Upper Peninsula, to take on

Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech on Feb. 11-

13. After that trek up north, the Lakers will face

Lake Superior State and Saginaw Valley State in

road contests on Feb. 18-20. Grand Valley State

will then finish up the month with a pair of home

games against Wayne State and Northwood to

close out the regular season.

The Lakers have positioned themselves to

make the postseason again, which would begin in

the first week of March, with Grand Valley State

could host a first-round GLIAC Tournament game

and possibly the GLIAC final four.

If the defense stays strong and GVSU can

make some shots and rebound the ball like they’ve

been doing (a +5.2 rebounding edge), this Lakers

team could be playing deep into the conference and

NCAA Tournaments.

Men’s Basketball Carried by Defense and Strong One-Two Punch

DJ FosterContributing Writer

�� &#'�*"#�"��!�� (��#*

��

��#%�� "!�$�� $%"!�� (��#*��$�"&!%��#��$

� �� *$��("'(& -��0��3(2$��7��++$-# +$��$$�31� 2�.30�-$5�+." 2(.-�� *$��("'(& -!$25$$-��0 -#��.-$6�� "*� -#�� (+��+31

�.,$�.%��+#�� 1'(.-$#��312.,$0��$04("$��312.,$0�� 2(1% "2(.-555�2'$".3-206)$5$+$0�".,�7�2'$".3-206)$5$+$0� 22�-$2�7� ��

��$5$+06��+$ -(-&��-1/$"2(.-

��"&!%#*� �(��#��#��"�!" �&��)��+�� "+!�',('&�'&$/��'+�+'��'%�"&��-"+!��&/�'+!�)

�',('&�')��"*�',&+��.(")�*��

��"&!%#*� �(��#��#��"�!" �&��)��+�� "+!�',('&�'&$/��'+�+'��'%�"&��-"+!��&/�'+!�)

�',('&�')��"*�',&+��.(")�*��

�� 2"'� 22$06

�-12 ++$#��

� 0&$�� 22$0($1��-+6��

�� 30"' 1$��

�� 30"' 1$��

�� 30"' 1$��/��"&!%#*� �(��#

��#��"�!" �&��)��+�� "+!�',('&�'&$/��'+�+'��'%�"&��-"+!��&/�'+!�)

�',('&�')��"*�',&+��.(")�*��&&$$%%"" ��$$��!!�� ((��##**

��#�!��)"%��#��"��!��"�"#�� $%"!�$�

��


Irie Dennis Named Soccer Player of the YearGrand Valley State's Irie Dennis became the first women's soccer player in the program's history to

be named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Women's NCAA Division II

National Player of the Year. Irie was honored at the annual All-America Luncheon, held in Philadelphia,

Pa., on Jan. 16 as part of the 2010 NSCAA Convention.

Dennis helped the Lakers to an undefeated season and

their first NCAA National Championship. She recorded two

assists in the NCAA semifinal match in the 3-2 overtime win

over Saint Rose on Dec. 3, 2009. Dennis finished her senior

year with seven goals and eight assists for 22 points, while

starting all 26 of GVSU's games, playing a total of 1614 min-

utes. She recorded eight multi-point games in the 2009 season

and played a season-high 97 minutes in the NCAA Regional

Finals match against Northern Kentucky on Nov. 20.

"Receiving the National Player of the Year is a great

honor for Irie Dennis and certainly is a great cap to an already

impressive career. Irie has been a great example of the balance

we strive to achieve here at Grand Valley State University,"

said GVSU head women's soccer coach David DiIanni. "She

has a 3.5 grade point average and was instrumental in helping

her team win a National Championship. For the university and

her soccer family I want to say congratulations on a much de-

served award."

This season, Dennis was named to the All-Great Lakes

Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) First Team and

was named the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year. She earned Daktronics Division II Midwest Region

First Team and Daktronics All-America Honorable Mention honors. The New Albany, Ohio native, was

selected to the NSCAA All-America First Team and was nominated as a candidate for the 2009-10 Division

II Athlete of the Year representing soccer.Story written by Kelsey Deacon, gvsulakers.com

Brian Kelly to Coach at Notre Dame

Former GVSU head football coach Brian Kelly has

been named head coach to Notre Dame, succeeding

Charlie Weis. Kelly led the University of Cincinnati

to an undefeated season and a number four ranking

in 2009. Kelly has previously experienced success

at GVSU and Central Michigan University.

Mitch-a-Palooza

On March 20th help welcome new GVSU head

football coach Matt “Mitch” Mitchell with Mitch-

a-Palooza. Be the first to see your 2010 Laker Foot-

ball team in action as they take the field for a

practice and get a chance to win great prizes. For

more information contact (616) 331-8630.

SToMp ouT BREAST CANCERStomp out breast cancer with the Lakers on Febru-

ary 4th during the men’s and women’s basketball

games against Findlay. Games tip-off at 6pm and

8pm. Support your Lakers by wearing pink to the

game and help raise awareness in the fight against

breast cancer.

February 3 - National Signing Day

This is the first day you can find out who will be the

future of the Laker football program. Check gvsu-

lakers.com to view the press conference live or to

find the release of the signing day class. Get the first

glimpse of players who will continue building the

Laker tradition.

AT&T Yellow Pages

Calling all Lakers! Watch

for your 2010-2011

AT&T Yellow Pages

phonebook to see the

Laker football team on

the cover.

GLIAC Championships

GVSU will be competing at the 2010 GLIAC

Swimming & Diving Championships February 10-

13 at Wayne State University. For complete cover-

age of the 2010 GLIAC Swimming & Diving

Championships stay tuned to gvsulakers.com.

Jeff Quinn Hired at University of Buffalo

Jeff Quinn, former assistant coach at GVSU, was

named the head coach for the Buffalo Bulls. Quinn

followed Brian Kelly to Central Michigan and

Cincinnati prior to being hired this winter at Buf-

falo. Quinn hired Greg Forest, who is also a former

assistant from GVSU, as his offensive coordinator.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Interaction at its BestDo you enjoy

spending hours surfing the

web while listening to

music on your ipod and

tweeting on your phone? That scenario is probably

excessive for most but, like me, I’m sure you can re-

late to at least one of those items. Let’s face it, we

are living in a time where people talk how they text

with phrases such as omg (oh my gosh) and lol

(laugh out loud). Technology and new gadgets are

everywhere and are here to stay, so why not embrace

it and see what they can do for you?

I like to think that I can navigate the world

of technology, but in reality I’m happy to be able to

use the internet and my ipod. For all that I lack in

skills, I still enjoy being up on the latest sports hap-

penings. For those of you who are in the same boat

as me, there’s hope with navigating the transforming

world around us with gvsulakers.com. For those of

you who steer with ease, then gvsulakers.com is just

a bonus. Coming from someone who understands

tweeting as something a bird does, I celebrate the

ease that gvsulakers.com has to offer. If your knowl-

edge of Twitter goes beyond mine, then you can fol-

low the Lakers by simply adding gvsulakers to your

account. Twitter allows the fan to be totally up to

date with news and teams, and what sports fan does-

n’t want to feel part of the team?

Sometimes it

seems like Facebook has

changed the way life oper-

ates. Some people have

thousands of friends, while others have only dozens

but, either way, you can connect like never before

with people around the globe. Some people change

their status as quickly as they change their shirts

while others embrace not sharing anything. What-

ever your Facebook style may be, everyone should

be a fan of Grand Valley State Lakers. As much as

Twitter gives you the inside look, Grand Valley State

Lakers on Facebook gives you so much more. Be-

coming a fan on Facebook gives you insights into

Laker Athletics and premium invites to great events

such as Mitch-a-Palooza.

I love sports, from watching them to follow-

ing them, I’m a big fan. You don’t have to be sports

enthusiast though to check out summer camps avail-

able for kids of all ages on gvsulakers.com. The of-

ficial website of the Lakers also offers press

conference videos, live game trackers and radio

show spots, so fans don’t have to miss one second.

So whether your tech savvy or a novice such

as myself, you can link up with Grand Valley Ath-

letics on gvsulakers.com and be a part of all the ac-

tion.

Courtney GoldschmedingMarketing and Promotions

WET BASEMENT? “It’s Not Dry...Until It’s Everdry!”

WET BASEMENT? “It’s Not Dry...Until It’s Everdry!”

W A T E R P R O O F I N G

F A M I L Y O W N E D & O P E R A T E D

www.everdrywaterproof inggr .com 616-828-0504


N

AMISH OAK WAREHOUSE Custom Furniture for Today’s Lifestyles

LLC

��"��!��$"�� "�&�$!��&��"�� !#��!��!�#��"��!��# !��$�#"�

��$"��$#��#��"��%�!��$"��!�� #��"�� !��

�� ! ��#��"��%��"��

��!� #�'��#� �'��

(((��&#�� $�#� �'��!�

��!#� ��! ��$&�%$�� "!#%��!�%$

Grand Valley’s Student-Athlete AdvisoryCommittee (SAAC) is a group of student-athleteswhose mission is, “to enhance the total student-ath-lete experience by promoting opportunity for allstudent-athletes, protecting student-athlete welfare,and fostering a positive image.” In the past, SAAChas organized activities such as can and shoe drivesto help donate to the homeless, created Thanksgiv-ing baskets for families, made Christmas cards fora nearby retirement home, and handed out hal-loween candy to a group of visiting children.

Division II student-athletes nationwideraise money each year to donate to Make-A-WishFoundation. Each year the committee thinks ofideas to try to raise as much money as possible forthis great cause. SAAC has set a goal for the aca-demic year of raising $10,000 for Make-A-Wish.This is the average amount it takes to grant onechild’s wish through the foundation.

On Saturday, September 12th, 2009 theGrand Valley State track and field and cross coun-try teams had four carwashes at various locationsacross west Michigan. The teams raised nearly$2,000 towards the goal. "It was great for our crosscountry team and track and field teams to work to-gether for such a great cause," said Cory Young,assistant track coach. "Our athletes rarely have achance to work together as a complete team, butthe car wash allowed them to provide communityservice while working side by side with one an-other. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the teams

washed cars at four locations: Arby's in Standale,McDonald's in Allendale, Walgreen's inGrandville, and Arby's in Hudsonville. "Make-A-Wish is a great foundation and we are happy thatwe could contribute and make a difference," Youngcontinued. "It was a chance for our student-athletes

to grow as individuals and as a team."SAAC is also selling GVSU beads to fans

at sporting events to support this effort. The pro-ceeds will go towards reaching the goal to be ableto provide a child’s wish. They are also planningother events such as a 3 on 3 basketball tournamentand fundraisers through local restaurants. SAAChopes that the GVSU community will continue tosupport them in reaching their goal to sponsor onewish.

GVSU Student-Athletes Look to Make-A-Wish in 2010

Alicia AdellAssistant Director of Laker Advising

GVSU’s Track and Field team participated in a car wash to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation.


2009-10 REMAINING BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Jan. 28 Michigan Tech (DH) 6:00 pm

Fan Appreciation Night presented by Meadows Crossing

Jan. 30 Northern Michigan (DH) 1:00 pm

Kids Club Day presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union

Feb. 4 Findlay (DH) 6:00 pm

Stomp Out Breast Cancer presented by 48 West

Feb. 6 Hillsdale (DH) 6:00 pm

Golf Day presented by National CityFeb. 11 at Northern Michigan 5:30 pm

Feb. 13 at Michigan Tech 1:00 pm

Feb. 18 at Lake Superior State 5:30 pm

Feb. 20 at Saginaw Valley State 5:00 pm

Feb. 25 Wayne State (DH) 6:00 pm

Presented by Max & Erma’s

Feb. 27 Northwood (DH) 6:00 pm

Presented by Rivertown Honda

TV Game (Comcast 900/901) (DH) Double Header (Men’s and Women’s Game)TV

TV

TV

TV

4 TICKETS

4 HOT DOGS

4 SOFT DRINKSfor only $35

For Tickets Call (616) 331-3200

��$$..((��,,&&++,,**$$11��44,,88((��66((��221188((11,,((1166//;;��22&&$$66((''�%%((6699((((11�� $$00337755((55

��,,6666;;��&&224411((44�))442200��((,,--((44��((::66�6622�!!$$//**44((((1155�,,11��66$$11''$$//((� ,,////$$**((��$$////

��""��

��

��

��##�� 22&&$$////;;�229911((''�$$11''�2233((44$$66((''�;;(($$44��44227711''��33//7755�;;(($$4455�((::33((44,,((11&&((��,,&&((1155((''��55

��88$$,,//$$%%//((��

��67'(16��3(&,$/��$:��4(3$4$6,21

�('(4$/��56$6(��$1'�&,6;�4(67415�1&/7'(5��,/,1*

�756�34(5(16�&27321�62�4(&(,8(�2))(4�27321�8$/,'�716,/��

��,,55&&22771166�2211��((4488,,&&((55�('(4$/��6$6(��$1'�&,6;�4(67415

�1&/7'(5��,/,1*

�756�34(5(16�&27321�62�4(&(,8(�2))(4�27321�8$/,'�716,/��

gvsu basketball

ask for the 4 PACK

SHOP ONLINE ANYTIME

Grand Valley State Director of Athletics,

Tim Selgo, announced that Alicia Groveston will

be the first-ever head women's lacrosse coach at

Grand Valley State. GVSU, which announced that

it would be adding women's lacrosse as the 20th

varsity sport on September 15, will begin play as

an independent in the spring of 2012. Groveston,

who most recently was the head women's lacrosse

coach at Gannon University in Erie, Pa. will begin

her duties at Grand Valley State February 1.

"We are excited to have Alicia lead our

women's lacrosse program at Grand Valley State,"

said Selgo. "We had outstanding candidates inter-

ested in leading our program and Alicia rose to the

top of that group. We were extremely impressed

with her knowledge of the game and her enthusi-

astic approach to recruiting," added Selgo.

Groveston led Gannon to a 12-4 record dur-

ing the 2009 campaign and a final Intercollegiate

Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA)

ranking of No. 8. The Knights finished 5-3 in the

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC),

but failed to make the PSAC Tournament on a tie-

breaker. In addition to an outstanding season on the

field, Gannon's 2009 lacrosse team earned the

IWLCA Merit Award for having the second-best

team GPA (3.34) in NCAA Division II lacrosse.

"I am extremely honored and privileged to

join Grand Valley State University and lead the

women's lacrosse program," said Groveston. "It is

an exciting time in women's lacrosse and I am ex-

cited to build this program from the ground up and

increase the awareness of women's lacrosse in the

Midwest," added Groveston.

Prior to her arrival at Gannon, Groveston

spent the 2008 season as an assistant for Belmont

Abbey. The Crusaders posted a 12-7 record, includ-

ing a 7-4 conference mark against Conference Car-

olina opponents. The squad was also

nationally-ranked throughout the season in the

IWLCA Top 10 poll. Groveston, an Academic All-

American at Salisbury, spent three years prior to

coaching at Belmont Abbey in private business.

She started her coaching career as an assistant

coach at Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin,

Maryland for two seasons where she coached two

All-Americans there and helped guide Stephen De-

catur to the regional championship.

The Annapolis, Md., native had a stellar

playing career at Hartwick for two seasons, before

transferring to Salisbury for her final two years of

eligibility. Groveston played field hockey and

lacrosse while at Hartwick. At Salisbury, she

earned all-conference and regional all-america

honors as a senior defender. In the process, she led

Salisbury to an NCAA Regional Championship ap-

pearance. Groveston also earned Academic All-

Conference and Academic All-America honors as

a senior. She graduated magna cum laude from Sal-

isbury in 2003 with a degree in Communication

Arts/Mass Media. Groveston later received her

MBA from Salisbury in 2004, graduating cum

laude.

Alicia Groveston Becomes GVSU’s First-Ever Lacrosse Coach

Tim NottContributing Writer


Alicia Groveston

Forward Justin Ringler (14) completed this

lay-up despite getting fouled. Ringler

scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds

to lead the Lakers to a 60-58 comeback win

over rival Saginaw Valley State.Photo by Doug Witte

Grand Haven, Mich. native Emma Veach

hits a shot just before the buzzer sounds at

the end of the first half in a game vs. Ferris

State. The Lakers went on to win 64-41.Photo by Doug Witte


Tim Selgo, the Director of Athletics at

Grand Valley State University, announced today

that Matt Mitchell has been named the seventh

head coach in the tradition-rich history of the

GVSU football program. Mitchell replaces Chuck

Martin who left to become the defensive back

coach at the University of Notre Dame. Martin

guided Grand Valley State to a 74-7 record during

his six years at the helm,

including two NCAA DII

Football National Champi-

onships (2005-2006), five

Great Lakes Intercolle-

giate Athletic Conference

(GLIAC) crowns and six

playoff appearances.

“I am pleased to

announce today that Matt

Mitchell is the seventh

head football coach in the proud history of Grand

Valley State football, said Selgo. “We interviewed

an outstanding group of candidates for our head

football coaching position and each one of those

candidates were first class individuals and out-

standing football coaches. Ultimately, we had to

make a decision that was in the best interest of our

student-athletes at GVSU and there is no doubt in

my mind that we found that person in Matt

Mitchell,” added Selgo.

A six-year veteran of the GVSU coaching

staff, Mitchell most recently concluded his second

year as the defensive coordinator and

linebacker/safety coach for the Lakers. Mitchell’s

2009 defense finished the regular season ranked

first in the GLIAC in scoring defense (17.7 ppg),

rushing defense (95.6 ypg), total defense (305.0

ypg), turnover margin (+22), QB sacks (48), tack-

les for loss (7.1 pg) and interceptions (21). The

Laker defense ranked in the top 20 of six NCAA

DII categories and held six opponents to 10 points

or less. His 2008 Laker defense led the GLIAC in

six different categories and ranked in the top 10 na-

tionally in scoring defense (4th/12.6), QB sacks

(2nd/4.17) and tackles for loss (6th/9.17). GVSU

also ranked 17th in total defense (278.9), tallied

two shutouts and limited seven opponents to 10

points or less.

The 35-year-old Mitchell spent four years

at Wartburg (Iowa) College

as an assistant coach, in-

cluding the final two as the

defensive coordinator.

Wartburg, which compiled

a record of 21-3 while

Mitchell was in charge of

the defense, advanced to

the quarterfinals of the

NCAA Division III Na-

tional Championship each of his last two years.

Wartburg finished third in total defense, second in

rushing defense and eighth in scoring defense in

2003 under Mitchell's guidance. Mitchell, who is

a certified strength and conditioning coach through

the NSCA, was named the Football Quarterly Di-

vision II Strength and Conditioning Coach of the

Year in February 2007.

“It is a tremendous honor to be named head

football coach at Grand Valley State University,”

said Mitchell. “The Grand Valley State football

program has a great tradition of excellence and I

am excited about the opportunity to lead our stu-

dent-athletes. I am following in the footsteps of

some outstanding football coaches and I am look-

ing to continue to build on the tradition already es-

tablished,” added Mitchell.

Including his four years at Wartburg and six

years at Grand Valley State, Mitchell has been a

part of an 10-year college football record of 112-

13 with eight straight NCAA playoff appearances.

In addition, Mitchell was the head football coach

at Regina High School in Iowa City, Iowa where

he compiled a record of 15-5 during the 1998 and

Tim NottContributing Writer

"Recruiting and leadership are key

points to being the head coach at

Grand Valley State and Matt meets

those traits in much the same way

that Brian (Kelly) and Chuck (Mar-

tin) did during their time as head

coaches at Grand Valley State."-Tim Selgo, GVSU Athletic Director

MATT MITCHELL NAMED GVSU HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

Coaching Career:

2010

Grand valley State

Head Coach

2008-09

Grand valley State

Defensive Coordinator

2004-07

Grand valley State

Linebackers Coach

2002-03

Wartburg College

Defensive Coordinator

2000-01

Wartburg College

Assistant Coach

1998-99

Regina High School

Head Coach

Playing Career:

1994-1997

Cornell College


1999 campaigns.

“Matt’s track record in coaching has been

successful each step of the way and he was a key

piece in our 74-7 record the past six years,” said

Selgo. “Recruiting and leadership are key points to

being the head coach at Grand Valley State and

Matt meets those traits in much of the same way

that Brian (Kelly) and Chuck (Martin) did during

their time as head coaches at Grand Valley State.”

Mitchell will welcome back the services of

42 lettermen in 2010, including 18 players that

have started games for the Lakers. GVSU will have

to replace quarterback Brad Iciek, wide receiver

Blake Smolen, running backs James Berezik and

P.T. Gates and offensive tackle Nick McDonald

offesively, while safety Jacob McGuckin and de-

fensive tackle Alex Gilde must be replaced on the

defensive side of the ball.

“We will obviously have some holes to fill,

but we have a number of players who are ready to

step in and make an impact in our football team,”

said Mitchell. “We lost one player among our of-

fensive line and tight ends and as a head coach it

is comforting to know that you will be strong up

front. We will have some big holes to fill among

our offensive skill players, but when I look at our

roster we have a number of skill players chomping

at the bit to show their ability. Defensively, we will

miss (Jacob) McGuckin and (Alex) Gilde, but I

saw a number of playmakers on the defensive side

of the ball that either redshirted or played in a

backup role,” added Mitchell.

Mitchell earned his B.S.S in Biology and

Secondary Education from Cornell (Iowa) College

in 1997. Matt was a two-time, First-Team All-Mid-

west Conference selection as a defensive lineman

during his playing career at Cornell (Iowa) Col-

lege.

*****GVSU is 93-7 in its last 100 games

with four National Championships (2002, 2003,

2005, 2006). The Lakers are 121-8 in their last 129

games and 94-4 in its last 98 regular season

games...Including the last six games of the 2000

season, the Lakers are 65-3 at home, 50-4 in their

last 54 road games and 52-5 in all games away

from Lubbers Stadium in their last 57...Grand Val-

ley State appeared in six title games since 2001 and

is the only team in NCAA DII to appear in the

NCAA DII Playoffs each of the last nine years.

Matt Mitchell Named GVSU Head Football Coach

Matt Mitchell has directed one of the top defenses for the

past two years as the defensive coordinator.

GVSU Students, Do the Math:

Get your caffeine fix for less. Stop by the Perk® located inside our branch at 5023 Lake Michigan Drive. You don’t haveto be a member to enjoy a goodcup of joe, free Wi-Fi and 10% off everyday for GVSU students and faculty.

Open Mon-Thurs 9-5:30; Fri 9-6 and Sat 9-1Their 16 oz Latte

*

Our 16 oz Latte

* Includes 10% discount for GVSU students and faculty.

+tax +tax

Do the MatDo the MatVVGG

Do the MatDo the MatSU StuSU StuVVSU StuVVSU Stu

h:Do the Matnts, ed

r branch at 5023 Lakuoy thep boSt

ouGet yGet you

r branch at 5023 Lakcat lo®kre Py the

eine fix fffr caou

er branch at 5023 Lakd insideecat

or less. eine fix f

Do the Mat

Do the Mat

h:Do the Mat

cuand faydervef jop ocu a me beot

chigan DrivMi

.yltltycuutVSU sor Gy faandfree Wi-Fi , ef jo

njo eor tmbe a meon’t ha duo. Y. Yoechigan Driv

dents uf 0% of0% off 1and

doy a gonjonjoy a goevon’t ha

cuand fa

.yltltycu

+tax+tax

tudents and facultytudents and facultytudents and faculty

Ou ez Latt6 or 1Ou

*+tax

tudents and faculty

Open Mo.tudents and facultytudents and faculty.

ri 9-6 and Sat 9-1s 9-5:30; FrThun-n-Thu

ri 9-6 and Sat 9-1


Q & A with Women’s Head Basketball Coach Janel BurgessWhat is your favorite part of being Head Coach

of the GVSU women’s basketball team?

One of the greatest aspects of coaching our Laker

Women’s Basketball team is the fact we get to

watch our young ladies mature into strong women.

Each lesson we learn on and off the court leads to

success after graduation in whatever career oppor-

tunities they are given.

Tell us a little about what you were involved

with prior to coming to GVSU?

I have had the opportunity to coach and impact

young women immediately after graduating from

Iowa State University. I have worked at four other

universities prior to my arrival at GVSU and each

career move prepared me for this amazing adven-

ture. Working at GVSU is an amazing privilege

and I am thankful for all the people who have men-

tored me throughout my career.

Being a collegiate athlete yourself, how has that

helped you in your coaching career?

Having been a student athlete myself allows me to

relate to the different challenges and successes our

young ladies experience on a day-to-day basis.

Being a student-athlete is a full time commitment

and it is challenging. I have been in their shoes be-

fore and now I am trying to motivate and challenge

these young ladies to reach their fullest potential,

which is what my college coach was able to do as

well.

Describe your most memorable experience from

your years of working in athletics.

I can honestly say that each year has memories but

last year was a great journey in which we reached

the NCAA tournament with a very youthful team.

To sit in our house and hear our name come up as

the #8 seed for the NCAA Tournament and hear

our young ladies’ excitement was something I will

cherish forever.

Outside of basketball, what are some of your fa-

vorite activities?

My favorite activity outside of basketball would

definitely be hanging out with my wonderful fam-

ily. I am blessed to have a hard working husband

and two healthy children (Eddie-6; Sydnee-9

months old). This profession is time consuming

and each moment I get we try to spend it together,

playing Power Rangers, watching Mickey Mouse

Clubhouse, whatever it might be. Those are the

greatest moments, being a MOM and WIFE!

We heard you weren’t quite yourself at your last

practice before Christmas break, can you tell us

about that? (I’m referring to the Grinch cos-

tume. )

Each Christmas we have a dinner and gift ex-

change at our house and my staff always “makes”

me dress up. Well this year I turned into the Grinch

and truly surprised the team. I had the entire Grinch

costume on and stormed up the stairs, taking their

gifts and yelling, “I hate Christmas.” Then Coach

Wiseman gave me a heart and I turned into a

“Happy” Grinch and gave back their presents. I can

say the looks on the players’ eyes and Eddie’s eyes

was unbelievable. That will be a hard one to top.

Any other interesting stories you would like to

share?

Coaching is an amazing profession that has so

many rewards. Each year is a different journey and

each year you see young ladies grow. Throughout

my entire college career I thought I would be an el-

ementary teacher and high school coach. I soon

found out that I could teach the game of life to 18-

22 year olds through collegiate coaching. And I am

sure thankful for my career path and the opportu-

nity to mentor young adults.


GVSU Recipe of the Month - Butterscotch Chip Cookie Bars

Laker Crosser

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, baking soda,

salt and set aside.

Blend margarine, sugars until fluffy with a mixer.

Add the vanilla and eggs and beat until smooth.

Add the dry ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold

in the chips.

Spread in a greased 9” x 13” pan. Bake until lightly

browned 15 to 20 minutes. ENJOY!

Ingredients:2 ¼ cup flour

1 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt

1 cup softened-not melted-margarine¾ cup sugar

¾ cup packed brown sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs6 oz. semisweet chocolate chips

6 oz. butterscotch chips

About the Recipe

This month’s recipe was provided by Sharon Kowalczyk. Sharon is the GVSU Ath-

letic Department Secretary. If you would like to submit your own recipe, please

email [email protected].

Crossword answers available on page 14


February Home Events

*Radio shows are on WTKG AM 1230 For Tickets call (616) 331-3200

Crossword Puzzle AnswersSandra’s Snapshot

The fall Lakers sports season brought a new head football coach, five GLIAC and one national championship... all we can

say is "whew." This is Paul Leidig's jacket tossed aside while he was busy congratulating Women's Soccer on their return

from a National Championship.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1*Basketball Radio

Show

6 p.m. at Peppino’s

Allendale

2 3 4Basketball vs. Findlay

6 & 8 p.m.

5 6Basketball vs. Hillsdale

6 & 8 p.m.

7 8*Basketball Radio

Show


Allendale

9 10 11 12Track

The GVSU Big Meet

10:50 a.m.

13The GVSU Big Meet

9:30 a.m.


Show


Allendale

16 17 18 19Track

Grand Rapids

Championships

4 p.m.

20


Show


Allendale

23 24 25Basketball vs.

Wayne State

6 & 8 p.m.

26Track

GLIAC Championships

4 p.m.

27Basketball vs.

Northwood

6 & 8 p.m.

Track

GLIAC Championships

11:30 a.m.

28

Sandra’s Snapshot is a photo provided by

Sandra Jennings, the administrative

assistant for the GVSU Athletic Department.


PLAYER PROFILES

Athletics was a main reason I attended Grand Valley. I had also at the time

wanted to become a physical therapist and I heard Grand Valley had an excel-

lent program.

My father had the biggest impact on my athletic career. Having the support of

my father and the rest of my family is a major reason for why I am so passion-

ate about the high jump, having them at every meet is fantastic.

The plan now is to finish my degree and get a job in cardiac rehabilitation. I

would love to stay in Michigan so I can be close to my family and friends.

Nate Miller Name Candice WheatSenior Year Senior

Track and Field Sport Track and Field

High Jump Event Sprints/Hurdles

Exercise Science Major Exercise Science

Favorite ...

Good Will Hunting Movie Aladdin

Cheeseburger and Fries Food Spaghetti

“Born to Run” Bruce Springsteen Song “First Love” Kirk Franklin

Las Vegas, Nev. Place to visit Tennessee with my Aunt and Uncle

Manchester United Sports Team Detroit Pistons

Why did you

choose GVSU?

Who has had the

biggest impact on

your sports career?

What do you hope

to being doing in 5

years?

I thought it would be a great opportunity to be a student-athlete with more em-

phasis on being a student.

My coach, Ray Williams, because he has always had faith in me since day 1.

Hopefully still running track somehow, whether it’s training as an athlete or

coaching.

�� $$$$�� """"��%%%%""""�� !!!!��""""��#### ��####!!!!��""""��""""��!��" #�$�!��!�(��""��&"��!"&��$�!�(��""��!��'%��""��&"��!"&��$�'%��""��

��

��

��

��

��


The GridWes TrammellBasketball Player

Jenison, Mich.

Jasmine PadinBasketball Player

Wyoming, Mich.

Mark NawrockiAthletic Rec. and Facilities

Equipment Manager

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Ric WesleyHead Basketball Coach

Hudsonville, Mich.

Best thing to do in the

winter is ...

What Olympic event will

you be glued to the TV

for?

On Valentine’s Day,

I’ll be ...

Who will win the Super

Bowl?

What was your New

Year’s resolution?

Your community newssource for over 40 years

For all your printing needs...

6670 Marcan • Jenison, MI • 616.669.5210

2141 Port Sheldon Street, P.O. Box 9 • Jenison, MI • 616.669.2700

Play Basketball

100 Meter Dash

Taking my girl out to a

nice dinner

Dallas

Cowboys

Work harder in

everything I do

Sleep or txt on my phone

Half-pipe (snowboarding)

Playing in a

basketball game

New Orleans

Saints

Not to make one

Talk Notre Dame athletics

with Tim Selgo

Anything but figure skating

Making points with the

wife (dinner, etc.)

New Orleans

Saints

Not to be annoyed with

bad drivers

Go to GVSU Laker

basketball games

Ice hockey

At home with my wife

Detroit

Lions (in 2015)

Work out more

Coupon valid at this location only. Not good with any other offer.No copies of this coupon will be accepted. Offer expires 5/31/2010.

for franchise info www.biggby.com

4814 Lake Michigan DrLake Michigan Dr and 48th

(616) 895-2075

$1.00 OFFany grande specialty beverage

Coupon valid at this location only. Not good with any other offer.No copies of this coupon will be accepted. Offer expires 5/31/2010.

for franchise info www.biggby.com


(616) 895-2075

buy one beverage

get one HALF OFF(of equal or lesser value)

treated


buy one beverage

get one (of equal or lesser value)HALF OFF

(of equal or lesser value)get one


buy one beverage

HALF OFF(of equal or lesser value)

Lake Michigan Dr and 48th

HALF OFF

$1.00 OFFany grande specialty

Coupon valid at this location onlyNo copies of this coupon will be accepted.

for franchise info www

Lake Michigan Dr and 48th(616) 895-2075

$1.00 OFFany grande specialty beverage

. Not good with any other offerCoupon valid at this location onlyNo copies of this coupon will be accepted. es 5/31/2010.fer expirfer expires 5/31/2010.OfOffer expir

.com.biggby.biggby.comfor franchise info www

Lake Michigan Dr and 48th(616) 895-2075

.. Not good with any other offer. Not good with any other offer.es 5/31/2010.

Lake Michigan Dr and 48th

Coupon valid at this location onlyNo copies of this coupon will be accepted.

for franchise info www


(616) 895-2075

any grande specialty

. Not good with any other offerCoupon valid at this location onlyNo copies of this coupon will be accepted. es 5/31/2010.fer expirfer expires 5/31/2010.OfOffer expir

.com.biggby.biggby.comfor franchise info www


(616) 895-2075

any grande specialty beverage

.. Not good with any other offeres 5/31/2010.

beverage

��""��%%��%%��$$�#�!#��!��%"�� #� � ��&"��!��

gvsports monthly magazine

Documents

basketball page

grand valley state head

gvsu mens

grand valley stateuniversity

basketball team isexperiencing

lacrosse page

gvsu went5

years gvsu squad