December/January

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Tim Nott

MANAGING EDITOR

Doug Lipinski

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Doug Witte

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Charlie Read

STAFF WRITERS

DJ Foster

Kelsey Deacon

CONTRIBUTORS

Janine FreemanAndy Fry

Adam IngrahamSandra Jennings

Sharon KowalczykKyle Schwerin

GV Sports MarketingGVSU Sports Information

GV Sports Monthly Magazine is a

magazine that focuses on athletics at

Grand Valley State University. Copies

of the magazine are free to the com-

munity and located on news stands in

the greater Grand Rapids area. Copies

of the magazine are also distributed in

Allendale by the Advance Newspaper.

GV Sports Monthly Magazine

GVSU, 192 Fieldhouse

• 1

5 MEN’S TRACK & FIELD

Transfer Daniel Vanek

to Showcase His Talents

IN THIS ISSUE

FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Volume 2Number 6

PRINTER

Jenison Printing

FEATURED PHOTO

IN THE SPOTLIGHTAndy Boyce Coaching Insight

NEWS IN BRIEF

The Green Zone

Q & AWith Brandon Carr

PLAYER PROFILESChelsea Johnston & James Thomas

CALENDARFeatured events for Winter 2011

LAKER WORD SEARCH

SANDRA’S SNAPSHOT

Lauren Stodolasophomore guard

2

4

6

10

11

13

14

14

16

15

6 STUDENT-ATHLETES

Student-Athlete Advisory

Committee (SAAC)

7 BASKETBALL

Ringler and Van Tiflin

on the Court

131 SHOWDOWN pg. 8Lakers and Bulldogs

ta k e B a s k e t b a l l

Rivalry Downtown

On January 29, 2011, the two West Michigan

schools will face each other in a primetime

doubleheader at Van Andel Arena in downtown

Grand Rapids ... by DJ Foster staff writer

James Thomasjunior guard

Alvin Storrs’ dunk in thesecond half put the excla-mation point on the Lakers109-55 home opening winover Marygrove.Photo by Doug Witte

Last year’s GLIAC Freshmanof the Year, Alex Stelfox, hasled to the Lakers to a strongstart in 2010-11.Photo by Doug Witte

• Recruiting: We are alwayslooking for the top swimmers anddivers from our area, across thecountry, and throughout the world.The recruiting process is a yearround process. We are alwayslooking towards the future and try-ing to make Grand Valley Swim-ming and Diving the best that itcan be.• Dealing with college kids: Westrive to challenge our swimmersand divers in the pool on a dailybasis. We have a very motivatedgroup of athletes . • Difficulty in teaching variousswim strokes: Each day we splitinto stroke specific groups andwork on the training of the strokeas well as the technique. Thereare several underwater video ses-sions each season to help theswimmers improve on their tech-nique.• Goals each season: There areteam goals and individual goals.The team sets the team goals butthe coaching staff pushes our team

m e m b e r seach day to makesure that they aredoing the appropriatethings in practice to reach theirown goals.

• Practice: We offer three after-noon practices for our team mem-bers to choose from so that theycan receive more personalized at-tention and it also makes it easierfor them to schedule their classes.We believe in high intensity prac-tices with lots of racing.

• 4

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

things toknow aboutcoaching ac o l l e g eswimmingand divingteam

5

AndyBoyce

with GVSU

Swimming and

Diving Head Coach

• 5

WEST MICHIGAN CHEVY DEALERS (616) 669-6683

The Grand Valley State men’s track

team added a talented and expe-

rience student-athlete for the

2010-11 season. Daniel Vanek, a junior

who spent a year at Georgia and was a

2006 National Champion in the shot put

and discus at Central Arizona College,

will showcase his talents at Grand Valley

State this year.

Vanek, a native from Dolna

Spreda, Slovakis, is one of the top-

throwers in Slovakia and has a personal

best of 19.75-meters in the shot put and

a personal best of 61.59-meters in the

discus. Both of these marks are more

than two meters further than GVSU

school records that were set last season.

The junior has also collected nu-

merous International Association of Ath-

letics Federations (IAAF) honors. In

2009, he finished 17th in the shot put at

the European Athletics Indoor Champi-

onships. In the discus throw, Vanek fin-

ished second at the 2006 European Cup

(57.55-meters) and claimed a fifth place

finish at the 2002 IAAF World Junior

Championships with a toss of 60.86-me-

ters.

Vanek’s experience with com-

peting in different competitions all over

the world will bring an unique quality to

this year’s track and field team. “Daniel

brings great leadership to the team and

with this experience he has done a

tremendous job of metering some of the

younger student-athletes,” said throws

coach Cory Young.

Vanek also gives credit to the

Grand Valley State track and field team

for treating him like family, which has

created a team atmosphere. “It is hard to

be this far away from friends and family,

but I have made this decision to do what

I love and to finish up school. I did not

know what to expect at Grand Valley, but

I am enjoying my time here. The track

and field team has treated me like one of

their own,” Vanek comments. “If it was-

n’t for my teammates and coaches I

probably would not be having this much

fun and training this hard.”

Vanek also wants to drive his

teammates and himself to the highest

stage in order to help the track and field

program to reach their goal of winning a

national championship. “I hope training

with my teammates to the highest level

will get us to the highest level,” Vanek

stated. “My main goal is to compete at

the national stage and help Grand Valley

State win a national championship.”

The Laker throwers, which in

the past four years have collected 22 All-

American honors and have broken 15

school records, will have a great oppor-

tunity to reach that goal in the 2010-11

season. With Vanek’s valuable experi-

ence and talent, Grand Valley State can

only antici-

pate good

things to

come. “Our

team has had

a very good

start so far

this year and

we will be ex-

pecting some

great things from our team and Daniel,”

comment Young. “Daniel’s training has

been progressing very well and he will

be competing at a high level right away.

It will be a great year to come out and

watch the men’s shot put compete.”

The Grand Valley State track

and field teams will showcase its talents

when they open up the 2010-11 indoor

campaign on Dec. 17. The Lakers will

host the GVSU Holiday Open at the

Laker Turf Building beginning at

4:00 p.m.

Transfer Daniel Vanek

To Showcase His Talentsby Kelsey Deaconstaff writer

“My main goal is to

compete at the

national stage and

help GVSU win a

N A T I O N A LCHAMPIONSHIP.”

• 6

131 ShowdownThe Men’s and Women’s Laker Basketball Teams

will go head to head with the Ferris State Bulldogs

at Van Andel Arena on January 29, 2011. The

women’s game is at 6 pm and the men’s game is at

8 pm. Visit www.131showdown.com for more in-

formation or “like” 131 Showdown on Facebook.

Mason announced as

PA for 131 ShowdownGrand Valley State Athletics has announced that

John Mason, the Detroit Pistons' public address an-

nouncer, will work the mic for the 131 Showdown

between Grand Valley State and Ferris State. Com-

monly known as Mason, he has worked as the pub-

lic address announcer for the Detroit Pistons for the

past 10 years. Mason has helped shape the Palace

of Auburn Hills into one of the toughest places for

opposing teams to play in. His signature call "Deee-

troit Basket-ball" has helped make him a celebrity

to Piston fans. Mason also works as a radio morning

show host for 107.5 WGPR in Detroit, Michigan.

Family Sports PassIs your family spending a fortune to attend Grand

Valley athletic events? Get your Family Sports Pass

today! Four passes per game to over 60 regular sea-

son home games during the 2010-11 season for just

$99! *Does not include Football. Call (616)331-

3200 for more information.

NFL Pro BowlDo you want to see former Grand Valley athletes

Dan Skuta and Brandon Carr in the 2011 NFL Pro

Bowl? You can vote for them by going to

www.nfl.com/probowl/ballot . Carr can be found

under Defense – Cornerbacks, and Skuta can be

found under Special Teams – Special teamers. There

is no limit on the number of times you can vote.

Kids’ ClubKids’ Club day is January 8th, 2011. The event will

take place from 11 am – 1 pm, and kids get in free

to the Basketball games that are at 1 pm and 3 pm.

There will be tons of kid’s activities, Krispy Kreme

doughnuts and more! Bring all the kids you know

for a fun filled day!

Rapin Selected as Daktronics

Midwest Region Player of the YearGrand Valley State senior middle blocker Rebeccah

Rapin was honored on November 24th as the 2010

Daktronics Midwest Region Player of the Year, as

voted on by the region's sports information direc-

tors. It is the third straight season Rapin has been an

All-Midwest Region selection, as she was joined on

the All-Region team by freshman Stacey Catalano,

who was a Second Team selection. Rapin is GVSU's

all-time leader in total blocks and block assists,

while ranking in the career top-10 in three other cat-

egories.

N E W S I N B R I E F

Between a full course load, twenty hours of

practice per week, traveling for competi-

tion, and improving the community, it is

safe to say that members of Grand Valley’s Stu-

dent-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) have

their priorities straight. The group is comprised of

about 45 athletes from each varsity sport that

focus on discussing concerns of the athletic de-

partment, giving back to the community, and rais-

ing money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In an effort to make a difference, SAAC

has already voted on several changes to be made

for Division II schools that will affect college

campuses throughout the country. They have also

planned several community outreach programs,

such as food and coat drives, reading to inner-city

children, and putting together holiday food bas-

kets. The Haunt put on last month was an effort

to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Our goal this year is to raise $10,000 for

the foundation,” SAAC president, Rebeccah

Rapin, says. “To date, we have already raised over

$1,800.” SAAC has set a goal for each team that

is dependent on how many members are on that

team. It is the responsibility of each SAAC

“Team Captain” to ensure that each team meets

their fundraising goals.

The members of SAAC, along with their

teammates, are undoubtedly busy nearing the end

of the semester. In addition to studying for finals,

some athletes are finishing their seasons, while

others are just beginning. To help SAAC raise

money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, cash or

checks made out to GVSU Student-Athlete Advi-

sory Committee can be taken by Damon Arnold in

the Fieldhouse. Be sure to come support your

Lakers as they continue to uphold and improve

GVSU’s outstanding reputation and fundamental

traditions.

Student-Athlete

Advisory Committee

by Kim Baughman S.A.A.C. Communications Rep.

Members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee help

during a haunted trail event they organized in October.

• 7

JUSTIN RINGLERRingler is GVSU’s Jack of All Trades

It’s hard to tell when a player is de-

scribed as “not always exceptional in any one

area, but just a good all-around player” if the

comment is meant as a compliment or a put-

down. But upon hearing what GVSU head

coach Ric Wesley said of senior standout

Justin Ringler, the 6’4” combo guard/forward

had no problem with Wesley’s description.

“I guess it’d be better to do every-

thing really great,” Ringler said, with a laugh.

But I’ll take that compliment from Coach

Wesley. I don’t really feel that there’s one

thing I’m leaps and bounds better at than

other players. Some guys are unbelievable

shooters, some people are really quick. I’ve

been able to kind of melt them all together

and do them all at least good enough to excel

in them, at least at a certain level.”

Entering his senior season, Ringler

stood 28th all-time in Laker history in scor-

ing and with a repeat of last season’s per-

formance (a team-high 13.4 ppg.), he could

easily enter the Laker top-10 in career points.

Also a tremendous rebounder, Ringler could

very well become one of just seven players

at GVSU to ever grab 800 career boards.

“Justin is just a super competitive

player; I think that’s his biggest strength on

the court,” Wesley explained. “He’s a jack of

all trades and gets stats in almost every cate-

gory. He’s a good scorer with over 1,000

points, he led us in rebounds (6.9 rpg.) and

assists (87) last year. He probably led us in

steals too - or close to it.”

Ringler’s 42 steals were good

enough for second-best on the team, but if

the Lakers’ Superman has a kryptonite, it

would be his three-point shooting. He’ll even

say so himself.

“I feel a lot more confident driving

the ball than shooting it,” Ringler admitted.

“I’ve always felt that I could rebound fairly

well and I try to play at a high level of com-

petitiveness. That definitely helps out a lot.”

Wesley and Ringler shared a mutual

belief about his competitiveness being his

biggest strength, but Wesley took it a step

further in his praise of Ringler.

“He can impact the game in so

many ways and his competitiveness and

toughness are a constant,” said Wesley. “His

personality and nature since he’s been here

have certainly set the standard and been a big

part of who we are. You don’t get many guys

that are like Justin anymore.”

After his successful 2009-10 sea-

son, Ringler was named to the All-GLIAC

North Division First Team and was an NABC

All-Midwest Region First Team selection.

While he may end up as one of the top scor-

ers in program history, Ringler has been

tabbed as a GLIAC North Division All-De-

fensive Team member the past two years.

Ringler’s plan to keep earning those awards

and accolades? Keep doing what he’s doing.

“Personally, I’d like to just stay con-

sistent throughout the whole season with no

unbelievable highs or lows,” Ringler pointed

out. “I feel like if the team does well, the per-

sonal awards come along with that. The in-

dividual awards usually go to players on the

teams that do well.”

Wesley has mentioned before that

Ringler is somewhat overlooked despite a

terrific first three seasons. That complaint is

entirely correct as Ringler might not even be

the best ‘Justin’ in the GLIAC. Ferris State’s

senior center Justin Keenan was voted the

Division II Preseason Player of the Year.

“As far as statwise, you can’t really

compete with him [Keenan],” said Ringler.

“But the one thing I feel real confident about

is we’ve made the NCAA Tournament every

year I’ve been here. Keenan is a great player

and all those awards are well-deserved. I

don’t feel like the lesser of the two; I’ll take

team awards over personal ones any day.”

Having been to the Elite Eight

twice and the NCAA Regional Semifinals

last season, Ringler knows what winning is

all about and he thinks this Grand Valley

State team can be as good as it wants to be.

“Every team wants to win the na-

tional championship,” Ringler explained.

“But first we’d like to win the GLIAC, make

the NCAA Tournament and then get back to

the Elite Eight in Springfield. You get out

there and anything can happen. If we make

it that far, we’d have the opportunity to be the

best team out there.”

If the Lakers do make it back to the

national tournament, they’ll turn to the guy

who has no problem admitting his flaws.

That, in itself, is just another one of Ringler’s

many strengths.

E L I Z A B E T H VA N T I F L I NIntangibles Make Van Tiflin Strong Team Captain

Grand Valley State senior guardElizabeth Van Tiflin may not be the Lak-ers’ top player according to the stat sheetat the end of games, but the best way tomeasure her success and importance toGVSU is in the unmeasurable category: theintangibles.

“Biz is never the leader in the glitzand glamour stats,” explains fourth-yearhead coach Janel Burgess. “But from acoaches’ perspective, she’s a leader in somany aspects by the intangibles she pro-vides. You can’t measure what she bringsto the court.”

The glitz and glamour stats thatBurgess mentioned include career totals forVan Tiflin of 413 rebounds, 386 points, 94steals, 76 three-pointers, and 51 assists.Those intangibles that she brings to thefloor are evident in other statistical cate-gories, however. Van Tiflin has played in87 games in her three-plus years at GVSU,starting in 63 of those games and totaling56 wins. Another key to Van Tiflin’s suc-cess is how well she has responded tobeing the unsung hero.

“Part of my development as aplayer over the years is being comfortableand confident in that role,” Van Tiflin said.“If I can keep doing what the coaches andmy teammates expect of me, then I’ll behappy.”

What Van Tiflin has been doing

over her time at Grand Valley State haskept more than her coaches and teammateshappy. In 2008-09 when the Lakers madean appearance in the NCAA Tournament,Van Tiflin ranked fifth in the GLIAC in of-fensive rebounds, 10th in total rebounds,11th in steals, and 13th in defensive re-bounds. For her efforts that season, Van Ti-flin was named to the GLIAC NorthDivision All-Defensive Team. When askedabout what she does well on the court, VanTiflin - to no surprise - pointed out thingsthat cannot be covered in the stats.

“I think that I’m pretty vocal andI try to be a leader by example,” shepointed out. “I try to lead my teammateswith how hard I work and how I don’t set-tle for just being average. Our team playswith so much energy and I try and keep myenergy level up so my teammates see thatand feed off of it.”

Her teammates have definitelytaken notice of Van Tiflin’s energy and ef-fort, as she was named as a team captainfor the second season in a row.

“I think it’s an honor because ourcaptains our voted on by the team; ourcoaches don’t pick the captains,” notedVan Tiflin. “My teammates have the con-fidence in me to be a leader and lead them- that gives me even more confidence inmyself.”

Van Tiflin gained even more con-

fidence in herself in an odd way during thepreseason. Teammate, fellow senior, andfour-year roommate Kara Crawford suf-fered a season-ending injury during anearly scrimmage, forcing Van Tiflin totake the court as the team’s only senior.

“I was taken aback at first becauseKara’s never been hurt before. We hadmade it to our senior year together and thenwhen she went down, it was like ‘Oh mygosh, its only me now’,” Van Tiflin said. “Idon’t think added pressure came from that,but it was a great opportunity for me to stepup and be more confident in my role andin my voice. Being the only senior, myleadership is what our team needs with usbeing so young.”

Arguably the team’s most fitplayer, Van Tiflin keeps her energy levelsup on the court by what she does off of it.The senior is a running fanatic, havingcompleted several 10K and 15K races andeven partaking in the 25K (15.5 miles)Riverbank Run.

“Running is an outlet for me.Some people just have that thing they doand running is my thing,” she described.“Running gives me peace and it’s a goodway to think. It’s a good form of expres-sion for me.”

Although Van Tiflin says shewon’t run another 25K but other shorterraces, Burgess points to the type of person

that Van Tiflin is as to why she can succeedon the basketball court and in the runningworld.

“She has the strongest characteryou could ever imagine. Biz relies stronglyon her faith and her upbringing,” com-mented Burgess. “She understands thatthere is more to life than playing basketballwhether it’s academics, family, social life.Biz is great in the classroom, volunteers allover the place, and will be a great teacherin the near future.”

When talking about goals for theseason, Van Tiflin naturally doesn’t get toocarried away with team expectations.

“Our goals are to win the GLIACand finish in the top-eight of our region sowe can go to the NCAA Tournament,” VanTiflin described. “But we won’t obtainthose goals if we don’t come to practiceeach day with the mindset of getting betterevery time we step on the floor.”

Spoken like a true captain.

by DJ FosterStaff Writer

• 8

The intense rivalry between the

Grand Valley State and Ferris

State men’s and women’s bas-

ketball teams has been taken to a

whole new level with the recently

created 131 Showdown presented by

Amway. On January 29, 2011, the

two West Michigan schools will face

each other in a primetime double-

header at Van Andel Arena in down-

town Grand Rapids. GVSU and

Ferris State’s women will tip off at

6:00 p.m., with the men’s game start-

ing at 8:00 p.m.

Grand Valley State’s players

and coaches are excited about playing

in a venue like Van Andel Arena and

playing its rival on such a big stage

only adds to the charm and prestige

of the event. Being the first year of

the 131 Showdown in what hopefully

becomes an annual meeting, there is

definitely some excitement surround-

ing the doubleheader, even if there is

uncertainity with it being so new.

“We’ll have to see how it all

works out, but it’s certainly a good

idea,” said seventh-year head men’s

coach Ric Wesley. “It’s always good

to do things that put our program and

team in front of new people.”

GVSU women’s head coach

Janel Burgess, in her fourth year at

the Laker helm, is also thrilled to be

taking Grand Valley State basketball

to Van Andel Arena.

“The 131 Showdown is a

great opportunity to go downtown,

play at Van Andel Arena in a large en-

vironment in front of a lot of fans,”

Burgess said. “It’ll be fun to draw a

unique crew of people and fans from

Grand Rapids to come out and watch

us and it’s fun to put our product on

the court downtown.”

Wesley feels the location of

the doubleheader makes it even more

of an attraction to basketball fans.

“By taking the game down-

town, hopefully it will attract some

attention we might not normally at-

tract and get some people to come to

our games that normally don’t get to

come see us play,” Wesley pointed

out. “In downtown Grand Rapids,

we’re fortunate to have probably the

best city in Michigan. With Van

Andel Arena, a lot of nice restaurants

and places to hang out, there’s a good

excuse to go downtown and get some

new people following us. It definitely

makes it a special thing.”

What makes the doubleheader

even more intriguing is how good the

quality of basketball should be. Both

the Grand Valley State men’s and

women’s teams were chosen by the

league’s head coaches to finish first

in the GLIAC North Division, while

Ferris State’s men are picked as the

North Division runner-up.

The Laker and Bulldog men

know each other extremely well, hav-

ing met on the court 25 times since

2000 and seven times in just the last

three seasons. Since 2006, the rivals

have played each other three times in

the GLIAC Tournament (with Grand

Valley State winning all three games)

and for the tournament championship

in 2006. The Lakers bounced Ferris

State by an 80-58 score for the

by DJ Foster staff writer

Lakers and Bulldogs TakeBasketball Rivalry Downtown

The Lakers played Michigan State in Van Andel Arena in 2006.

Grand Valley State

vs.

Ferris State

Van Andel ArenaJanuary 29, 2011

For tickets call1-800-745-3000

or visitticketmaster.com

• 9

GLIAC Tournament title that year.

What has made this match-up

so good in the past are the players on

the court and this year is no different.

While the entire event is being billed

as the 131 Showdown, the men’s con-

test could be sub-titled as “The Battle

of the Justin’s”, as both teams’ best

player is named Justin. For Grand

Valley State, senior forward Justin

Ringler is coming off a tremendous

junior year in which he lead the Lak-

ers in scoring (13.4 ppg.), rebounding

(6.9 rpg.), and assists (87). For his ef-

forts, Ringler was named to the All-

GLIAC North Division First Team

and was an NABC First Team All-

Midwest Region selection.

Ferris State boasts a strong

Justin of its own in senior center

Justin Keenan. Last season, Keenan

averaged a league-best 20.1 points

per game for the Bulldogs on his way

to earning the GLIAC Player of the

Year award. To begin this season,

Keenan was not only named the

GLIAC Preseason Player of the Year,

but the Division II Preseason Player

of the Year by the DII Bulletin.

Both men’s teams also have a

player on the Preseason All-GLIAC

North Division Second Team, in ad-

dition to Ringler and Keenan being

First Team selections. GVSU junior

guard Alvin Storrs joins Ringler on

the Preseason All-GLIAC Team,

while Ferris State’s senior guard

Darien Gay pairs with Keenan for

FSU’s strong 1-2 punch.

Ringler, who became a 1,000-

point scorer last year and could enter

the Laker all-time top-10 scoring list

by the end of this season, is looking

forward to the 131 Showdown.

“I think it’s really cool. We

played Michigan State at Van Andel

a couple years ago and it’s a cool

event and a great place to play,” said

Ringler. “Especially playing Ferris

this year; they should be pretty good.

Anytime you play them and you build

it up with a bigger showcase, it makes

it that much more fun. I hope it turns

out well; I’m excited about it.”

On the women’s side, al-

though Grand Valley State is at or

near the top of the GLIAC with the

preseason prediction by league

coaches to win the North Division,

Ferris State is slotted to finish sixth in

the division. However, that means

very little to Burgess.

“When you think of Grand

Valley and Ferris, it’s going to be a

bloodbath,” she explained. “You

erase all records, you erase anything

that has happened in the past. It’ll be

a tough battle no matter what.”

The Lakers will face FSU

with the reigning GLIAC Freshman

of the Year in center Alex Stelfox,

who was named to the Preseason All-

GLIAC North Division First Team

this year. Junior point guard Jasmine

Padin was a Preseason Second Team

selection, while Ferris State’s senior

forward Tiara Adams joined Padin as

a Second Team choice.

Grand Valley State has won

10 of the last 13 meetings with the

Bulldogs and Burgess is 4-2 against

FSU in her career. The overall series

lead is clearly in GVSU’s favor, as

the Lakers own a 56-24 edge all-time.

“Both teams will be ex-

tremely excited and hyped up for this

game,” Burgess noted. “Bringing the

event to Van Andel will give it a little

more hype, but hopefully we can all

keep ourselves under control, focus

on our game plans, and be able to be

successful.”

5023 Lake Michigan Drive, just west of 48th St.

(800 or 616) 242-9790www.LMCU.org

GVSU Campus ATM Locations:

Drive-up Kiosk @42nd/Pierce Commons (lower level) Kleiner Commons Kirkhof Center Rec Center

“When you think of

Grand Val ley and

F e r r i s . . . i t ’ l l b e a

T O U G H B A T T L E

no matter what.” -Janel Burgess

Justin Ringler

• 11

Q: Thinking back to your high school ca-reer, what made you want to come play forthe Lakers?A: The atmosphere at Grand Valley wasdifferent from the other schools I visited. Iwas blown away by the campus, academicprograms, and of course the winning tradi-tion of the football team. I could sense theconfidence the players and coaches pos-sessed. The expectation level at Grand Val-ley was 10 times higher than the otherschools I visited. I came from nothing butwinning teams and programs, I wanted tocontinue to win so GV was definitely at thetop of my list.

Q: Describe one of your favorite memoriesor highlights from your GVSU football ca-reer?A: The 2006 National Championshiop is amemory that I will always remember andcherish. It was a hard fought battle againsta very good NWMSU football team. Webeat them the previous year and the pres-sure was on us to defend our title. I remem-ber intercepting a pass in the endzone toend their chance at scoring before the half.That game was a dog fight and I was so re-lieved when the clock expired and we re-peated as national champions.Q: After being drafted in 2008, you wenton to start all 16 games in both the 2008and 2009 seasons, and all of the 2010 sea-son so far. What are a few things you at-tribute your early success to?A: I'm truly blessed. Not many rookies cancome into the NFL and start right away. Iwas fortunate enough to be placed in a sit-uation and on a team where I had an op-portunity to play early and often. I hadbeen preparing for an opportunity to playin the NFL since high school. There werecountless nights where I would lace up thecleats and do some sort of workout op-posed to going out partying. I am a big be-liever that hard work and dedication willpay off. It may not be instantly but some-where down the road it will come into play.I took the same attitude and work ethic toGV. I kept my focus and faith. I was not

worried about not being scouted because Iwas at a Division II school. I always toldmyself, "If you're good enough, they willfind you."Q: What's one of the biggest differencesbetween college football here at Grand Val-ley and professional football with theChiefs?A: The speed of the game is one of thethings I had to adjust to. Everything hap-pens fast and if you are not ready you willmiss the opportunity to make a play. Thequarterbacks are bigger, have strongerarms than QBs I faced in college. Theywere not just throwing the ball just to bethrowing it. They know how to place theball away from the defender. I felt like i ad-justed to the speed of the WRs pretty good.I had confidence in my speed and felt likeI could run with anyone. The runningbacks were another thing I had to get usedto. They were much quicker, bigger, andstronger than most of the RBs I faced atGV.Q: What is one way that playing footballhere at Grand Valley prepared you for theNFL?A: We competed every day at GV and thatis something that definitely helped me outwhen I entered the NFL. You are con-stantly evaluated in the NFL, every prac-tice, every play. I compete and hustle fromthe time the ball is snapped until the whis-tle blows.

Q: Outside of playing football, what aresome of your favorite activities?A: I enjoy spending time with family(daughter and girlfriend). I am still learn-ing new things about Kansas City, so I tryto do something different around the cityevery now and then. I'm constantly check-ing on GV and seeing how their season isgoing. I like to visit schools both locallyand back at home in Flint, Michigan so Ican talk to kids and give them some en-couragement. In the offseason I travel to afew different cities a year. I went to Hon-olulu, Hawaii this past offseason.Q: You wore #24 at GV, why/how did youpick #39 for the Chiefs?A: I didn't have a say so in what number Iwore here. To be honest, back then I wasmore concerned about making the teamthan what number I had. After starting all16 games my rookie year the number juststuck with me. I debated changing it a fewtimes but I like how unique the #39 lookson a corner.Q: If you had to pick, what is one of yourfavorite parts about playing in the NFL?A: I just loving playing at the highest levelthere is to play. Everyone is watching youon Sunday and it's time to go out there andput on a show. I'm a competitor and everySunday is a challenge that I gladly accept.I love playing for the Chiefs and also rep-resenting my family and the school that Icame from.

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Spirit. Style. Tradition.Go Lakers!

Q & A wi th Brandon CarrQ & A wi th Brandon Carr

• 12

Grand Valley State has encour-

aged its fans to create home-

field advantage in the past

few years. In 2010, the soccer team

took that mantra to heart and de-

fended their home turf to perfection.

Not only did the Lakers finish

undefeated and untied in Allendale at

the GVSU Soccer Field, but they also

turned away every shot attempt. In a

total of 15 home games, five of which

were in the postseason, the stingy

Laker defense did not allow a single

goal.

Throughout the regular sea-

son at home, GVSU recorded 175

shots on goal, while the opponents

only mustered 50 total shots, with just

32 being on goal.

Since the Lakers earned a No.

1 seed in both the GLIAC Tourna-

ment and the NCAA playoffs, the

road to the final four in Louisville,

Kentucky. ran through the GVSU

Soccer Field. As it turned out, that

road was an uphill climb for visiting

teams throughout the postseason. In

five playoff games (GLIAC and

NCAA Tournament) the Lakers out-

shot their opponents 105-33 in the

friendly confines of GVSU’s home

field.

In a sport where it can be dif-

ficult to quantify how good

defensive players are playing,

the results speak for them-

selves ... 15 games at home,

15 shutout victories. Those

results are the reason why Jenna

Wenglinski was named the GLIAC

Defensive Player of the Year and

earned First Team All-Region honors

from Daktronics. Taylor Ward started

15 games in the backfield for the

Lakers and was named the GLIAC

Freshman of the Year, while defend-

ers Kayla Klosterman and Megan

Brown were named to the All-

GLIAC Second Team.

It’s well known that a soccer

game isn’t won by just three or four

players on the field. “Our back line

stepped up every time we’ve needed

them to,” said head coach Dave Di-

Ianni. “Our midfielders have also

helped to clean things up as well and

they really played great defense as a

whole.”

Even when the offense was

fortunate enough to break through

and take a shot on goal, sophomore

goalkeeper Chelsea Parise was up to

the challenge and turned away every

shot on goal.

As far as homefield advan-

tage goes, the Laker soccer team

found a way to perfect it in 2010.

Laker Soccer Completes

Perfect Home Scheduleby Doug Witte

executive editor

SHOT

CHARTGVSU VS OPP

AT HOME

in 2010

includes postseason

Shots405

On Goal204

On Goal46

Shots88

Opponents

In a total of 15 home games, five

of which were in the postseason,

the stingy Laker defense did not

allow a single goal.

Being with family andloved ones

Being withfamily

To win a NationalChampionship!

• 13

PLAYER PROFILES

Why did you choose

to become a Laker?

Favorite athlete to

watch in another sport?

What is your favorite

thing about the

Christmas season?

What was your

favorite toy as a

child?

Who should play you

in a movie about

your life?

CHELSEA

JOHNSTONJAMES

T H O M A Syear

S E N I O Rmajor

MARKETING &

MANAGEMENThometown

N O V I , M Isport

WOMEN’S TENNIS

year

J U N I O Rmajor

PHYSICALEDUCATIONhometown

GRAND RAPIDS, MIsport

MEN’S BASKETBALL

FAVORITE...

Fast Food

Movie

Song

Sports Team

Color

TV Show

I loved the campus and thegirls on the team.

American Girl Doll A Basketball

Burger King

Takers

Death Before Dishonorby Young Jeezy

L.A. Lakers

Blue

Sports Center

Taco Bell

Head Over Heels

Slideby Goo Goo Dolls

Red Wings

Blue

Desperate Housewives

Michael VickPhiladelphia Eagles

Nikolas LidstromDetroit Red Wings

Will SmithJennifer Love Hewitt

• 14

CALENDAR

Crossword answers

available on page 16

Laker Word SearchLaker Word Search

GvSU HOLiDAy OPEN

The Laker track & field team

open their 2010 indoor season at

home with the GVSU Holiday

Open starting at 4:00 p.m. at the

Laker Turf Building.

DEC.

17

MEN’S BASKETBALL TO PLAy TOURNAMENT iN PHOENiX

The men’s basketball team will travel to Phoenix, Ariz. to play New Mex-

ico Highlands on Dec. 30 at 5:00 p.m. followed by Southwestern College

on Dec. 31 at 3:00 p.m.

DEC.

30-31

JAN.

6

JAN.

8

BASKETBALL vs. SvSU

MBB at 6:00 p.m.

WBB at 8:00 p.m.

GVSU Fieldhouse Arena

JAN.

14

SWiMMiNG & DiviNG

The swim team will host

Wayne State at 1:00 p.m. at

the Fieldhouse Pool.

BOB EUBANKS OPEN

Track & Field at 4:00 p.m.

Laker Turf Building

JAN.

29

THE 131 SHOWDOWN PRESENTED By AMWAy

The men’s and women’s basket-

ball teams will face conference

rival Ferris State at the Van Andel

Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.

This is a Community for a Cure

Event. A portion of the proceeds

from the event will be donated to

the Van Andel Research Institute.

Tickets for the game can be pur-

chased by calling 1-800-745-3000

or by visiting ticketmaster.com.

BASKETBALL vs. MTU

MBB at 1:00 p.m.

WBB at 3:00 p.m.

GVSU Fieldhouse Arena

JAN.

22

Composite Home Schedule

Date Sport/Opponent Time

Dec. 2 MBB vs. Ohio Dominican 6 pm

Dec. 2 WBB vs. Ohio Dominican 8 pm

Dec. 4 MBB vs. Tiffin 1 pm

Dec. 4 WBB vs. Tiffin 3 pm

Dec. 6 MBB vs. Olivet 7 pm

Dec. 16 TF-GVSU Holiday Open 6 pm

Dec. 16 TF-GVSU Holiday Open 4 pm

Jan. 6 MBB vs. Saginaw Valley 6 pm

Jan. 6 WBB vs. Saginaw Valley 8 pm

Jan. 6 TF-Laker Early Bird 6 pm

Jan. 7 TF-Laker Early Bird 4 pm

Jan. 8 MBB vs. Lake Superior 1 pm

Jan. 8 WBB vs. Lake Superior 3 pm

Jan. 8 SD vs. Wayne State 1 pm

Jan. 12 MBB vs. Northwood 6 pm

Jan. 12 WBB vs. Northwood 8 pm

Jan. 14 TF-Bob Eubanks Open 4 pm

Jan. 20 MBB vs. Northern Mich. 6 pm

Jan. 20 WBB vs. Northern Mich. 8 pm

Jan. 21 SD vs. Hope College 5 pm

Jan. 21 TF-Mike Links Open 4 pm

Jan. 22 MBB vs. Michigan Tech 1 pm

Jan. 22 WBB vs. Michigan Tech 3 pm

Jan. 22 SD vs. Indianapolis 1 pm

Jan. 26 WBB vs. Urbana 7 pm

MBB - Men’s Basketball

WBB - Women’s Basketball

SD - Men’s/Women’s Swimming & Diving

TF - Track & Field

For tickets call 616-331-3200

• 15

The 1st football National

Championship in 2002Yet to come... I’ve only been here 2 months, so

being hired to GVSU’s staff!

HUMBLE T R A D I T I O N Tradition Dynasty

World PeaceJoy & Peace of

course...and a flat screenTV for my office, please

the chance to go homeand spend time with my

family

A new turbo man doll(reference to

Jingle All the Way)

Christmas CarolChristmas Vacationwith Chevy Chase &

Jingle Bell Rock

Christmas

Vacation Elf

Best Grand Valley

Moment?

What’s on your wish list

for the Holidays?

Favorite family

tradition?

New Year’s

Resolution?

Favorite Holiday

Movie or Song?

Walter Moore

Assistant Athletic Directorfor Compliance

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Jill VanderEnde

Assistant Women’sBasketball Coach

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Keith Roberts

AssistantTrack & Field CoachBellefontaine, Ohio

Mike Przydzial

Men’s Basketball PlayerWest Bloomfield, Mich.DEC

EMBER

Beating MSU in

double OT in 2007

What one worddescribes GVSUsports?

Getting more involved inthe community;

volunteering/serviceNO FAST FOOD!

continue

working out

Motivate teammates to

ultimately win a national

championship

Singing “We Three Kings”

with my brother and sister;

it’s an inside joke

Exchanging gifts on Christmasmorning and reading the originalChristmas story from the Bible

FOOD...Family dinner

Dinner and gift exchangeat my Aunt’s house on

Christmas Eve

• 16

Word Search AnswersWord Search Answers

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SANDRA’S SNAPSHOT

Sandra Jennings is an Administrative Assistant

in the athletic department. Governor Granholm ordered flags at half staff on November 17, 2010 in

honor of Army Private Shane M. Reifert, Cottrellville, MI. Remember our fallen this holiday season.