February 2010 Inside: GVSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball Reports THE MITCHELL ERA BEGINS Ma Mitchell Becomes the Seventh Head Coach in GVSU Football History
Mar 15, 2016
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 - Page 3
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 ...
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 2
����������������������������������������������������� *%�-%%�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
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 3
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$$-��0 -#��.-$6���� "*� -#�� (+��+31
�.,$�.%��+#�� 1'(.-$#��312.,$0��$04("$����312.,$0�� 2(1% "2(.-555�2'$".3-206)$5$+$0�".,�7�2'$".3-206)$5$+$0� 22�-$2�7� ������
�����$5$+06��+$ -(-&���-1/$"2(.-
�����"&!%#*� �(���#������#���"�!" �&��)���+�������� ��� ���"+!�',('&�'&$/���'+�+'�����'%�"&���-"+!��&/�'+!�)
�',('&�')��"*�',&+���.(")�*��������
�����"&!%#*� �(���#������#���"�!" �&��)���+�������� ��� ���"+!�',('&�'&$/���'+�+'�����'%�"&���-"+!��&/�'+!�)
�',('&�')��"*�',&+���.(")�*��������
��� �������� 2"'� 22$06
�-12 ++$#����������������
� 0&$�� 22$0($1��-+6������
�������������������� �������� �����30"' 1$�����������
�������������������� �������� �����30"' 1$�����������
�������������������� �������� �����30"' 1$��������/�����"&!%#*� �(���#
������#���"�!" �&��)���+�������� ��� ���"+!�',('&�'&$/���'+�+'�����'%�"&���-"+!��&/�'+!�)
�',('&�')��"*�',&+���.(")�*����������&&$$%%"" �����$$����!!����� ��((����##**
����#�!��)"%�������#���"��!��"�"#����� $%"!�$�
������������� � ����� ��������� ��������
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 4
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
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 5
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.
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 6
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
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 7
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
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 10
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
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 11
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
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 12
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.
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 13
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
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 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
6 p.m. at Peppino’s
Allendale
9 10 11 12Track
The GVSU Big Meet
10:50 a.m.
13The GVSU Big Meet
9:30 a.m.
14 15*Basketball Radio
Show
6 p.m. at Peppino’s
Allendale
16 17 18 19Track
Grand Rapids
Championships
4 p.m.
20
21 22*Basketball Radio
Show
6 p.m. at Peppino’s
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.
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 15
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.
�������������������� ��������������������������$$$$���� ��""""����%%%%""""���������������������� ������������!!!!��""""������������������#### ������������������������������####!!!!����������������������""""����""""����������������!��" #�$�!����!�(��""��&"��!"&��$�!�(��""���!����'%����""��&"��!"&��$�'%����""��
���������������� ����������������� ��������������������������������
������ ������
������������ ������������ ����������������������������������������������������
����������
���������������������������� ������������������������������������
GVSPORTS Monthly Magazine • 16
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
4814 Lake Michigan DrLake Michigan Dr and 48th
(616) 895-2075
buy one beverage
get one HALF OFF(of equal or lesser value)
treated
4814 Lake Michigan DrLake Michigan Dr and 48th
buy one beverage
get one (of equal or lesser value)HALF OFF
(of equal or lesser value)get one
4814 Lake Michigan DrLake Michigan Dr and 48th
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
4814 Lake Michigan DrLake Michigan Dr and 48th
(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
4814 Lake Michigan DrLake Michigan Dr and 48th
(616) 895-2075
any grande specialty beverage
.. Not good with any other offeres 5/31/2010.
beverage
�����������""����%%�����������%%������������������$$�#�!#�������������!������%"������� ��#� � ���&"���������������!�����������������