Ferris Track & Field Blog

Ferris Reaches Out To Support Leanna (Wolf) Geers In A Time Of Need

2010-08-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

Leanna (Wolf) Geers smiling for the camera during her days as a student-athlete for Ferris State University back in 2006. Below, Leanna is shown with her husband, Eric Geers.

Some things are nothing short of shocking, and that was my reaction when I originally heard the news that former standout Ferris State University track and field student-athlete Leanna (Wolf) Geers was diagnosed with cancer and currently is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatment.

Leanna and her husband, Eric, welcomed the birth of their first daughter, Ava, in February 2010.

Ferris men's and women's cross country and track and field coach Steve Picucci is leading the way as his programs are reaching out to help Leanna through this time of need. Later this month, the Bulldog cross country teams will travel to participate in the Benefit 5K Run/Walk on Aug. 28 in Scottville in honor of Leanna.

The event begins at at 11 a.m. at Riverside Park in Scottville with a spaghetti lunch to follow at Mason County Central High School. There will be no entry fee for the dinner or for the race, but donations are appreciated and will be accepted to help with cost of the treatment. Participants will receive a wrist band and water bottle.

"This is an opportunity to support Leanna and her family in their time of need," Picucci said. "I personally was able to compete with her at Ferris during my career and I'm thankful our teams will be there as well for this important event."

This is an emotional time for those reaching out to help one of our own.

"We know how much Leanna loved Ferris and running for the Bulldogs while in college," event organizer Stacy Wallach said. "It would be awesome to see those coming out to run wearing a Ferris jersey or shirt as a way to help stand out and support Leanna."

To help make this fundraiser possible, a generous donation from General Mills in Reed City will help provide transportation for the Ferris teams.

Hopefully we can all come together in support of Leanna, who was always a joy for me in the times I had the joy to interview her (including the first time when I wrote a story about her, Crystal Flutur and Jenny Irwin, teammates at Mason County Central and later at Ferris).

Ferris Looking For More Than A Few Good Volunteers For GLIAC Championships

2010-04-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

Ferris State's Emily Cross is one of the Bulldogs top track and field student-athletes during the spring outdoor campaign. (Photo/FSU Photographic Services)

BIG RAPIDS - Pulling off a track and field competition the size of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference meet is no easy task.

But, Ferris State University believes it is up for a major challenge as it will host this year's three-day GLIAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships (May 5-7) at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids. The decathlon and heptathlon start the competition on Wednesday (May 5) at 2 p.m. Thursday (May 6), the competition continues beginning at 9 a.m. and running through 8:30 p.m. Friday (May 7), the meet concludes with events beginning at 11 a.m. and running through the late afternoon as the league awards ceremony will conclude the event.

Hosting a meet that features the best of the best in the GLIAC (including several of the best track and field student-athletes in the nation) requires a collaborative effort.

Considering the magnitude of the event. The Ferris State University Athletics Department is actively seeking volunteer assistance to run this meet. Anyone interested in volunteering to assistant staff of Athletics is asked to contact FSU Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic or Associate Athletics Director Jon Coles at (231) 591-2860.

For more information, visit: http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/wtrack/2009-10/releases/gliacoutdoor

Mangieri, Muir Shine For Ferris

2010-01-26T06:21:00.001-08:00

ALLENDALE - The Ferris State University women's indoor track and field team recorded eight top-eight individual performances and the Bulldog men had six individuals finish in the top 11 during Friday (Jan. 22) night's Bob Eubanks Open hosted by Grand Valley State University inside the Laker Turf Building at Allendale.

The non-scoring indoor competition included a large number of competitors from schools across the state and region such as FSU, GVSU, Saginaw Valley State, Tiffin, Davenport, Aquinas, St. Francis (Ind.), Bethel (Ind.), Olivet Nazarene (Ill.), Calvin, Spring Arbor, Windsor (Ontario), Indiana Tech, Alma and others.

The Bulldogs' strongest showing came in the women's mile run where they claimed the top three places and four of the top five overall. Junior Tina Muir took first place in the 35-runner field in a NCAA Division II National Provisional qualification time of 5:00.32 overall. Freshman Alyssa Osika claimed second (5:07.29) followed by freshman Shelby Janutol in third (5:12.31) and freshman Anna Rudd, who was fifth (5:19.78) in the event.

Muir also won the 3,000 meters (9:58) as FSU's lone double winner on the day while senior Emily Cross earned runner-up honors in the high jump (5-3.75)

FSU junior Jade Kaufman came in seventh overall in the 400 meters (1:02.12) and Cross finished eighth in the 60-meter hurdles (9.36).

Senior Mike Mangieri won the men's mile run (4:19.54) among and field of 55 runners and came in fourth overall in the 800 meters (1:55.50) while leading the Bulldog men's squad.

Sophomore Tyler Crossman took seventh place in the mile run (4:29.09), Ryan Chute finished eighth in the mile (4:29.31), senior Greg Burns placed eighth in the pole vault (14-9) and senior Justin Price was 11th overall in the 400 meters (51.38).

Ferris State returns to action in the Saginaw Valley State Collegiate Classic next Friday (Jan. 29) in University Center, Mich. The event is slated for a 4 p.m. (EST) start time inside SVSU's Ryder Center.

Source: Ferris State University Athletics Communications

Track Takes Part In GVSU Holiday Open

2009-12-22T13:40:00.000-08:00

ALLENDALE - The Ferris State University indoor track and field program opened the 2009-10 slate with its first action by sending a selected handful of individuals to the Grand Valley State Holiday Open this past weekend (Dec. 17-18) in Allendale, Mich.

The meet was held at inside GVSU's Laker Turf Building and represented the first official action of the year for the Bulldogs. The meet was a late addition to FSU's 2009-10 schedule.

Senior Mike Mangieri paced Ferris by winning the 5,000 meters (15:13.71). Freshman teammate David Silversmith also competed in the same event and placed ninth overall (16:02.89).

Senior Greg Burns came in fourth overall in the pole vault (15-3) while senior Justin Trombley took 12th place in the vault (13-1.50).

Finally, sophomore Alex Best was a fourth-place finisher in the men's mile run (4:25.74) and freshman Josh Kyser wound up seventh in the mile (4:38.68).

FSU returns to action by taking part in the Saginaw Valley State Doug Hanson Open on Jan. 15 in University Center, Mich.

Click Here For Complete Meet Results:
http://www.gvsulakers.com/sports/m-track/stats/2009-2010/results-days2-holidayopen.html

Source: Ferris State University Athletics Communications

BLOG 14: Levine Hired As Assistant Track And Field Coach

2009-09-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

From Ferris Athletics Communications

BIG RAPIDS - The Ferris State University men's and women's track and field/cross country program has a new assistant coach with the appointment of Larry Levine to the full-time post in an announcement made today (Sept. 8) by FSU head coach Steve Picucci.

The 47-year old Levine most recently spent the last 12 years as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Central Michigan where his throwers were instrumental in the men's and women's teams earning a total of seven Mid-American Conference (MAC) team championships. In his tenure at CMU, Levine coached 26 All-MAC performers, including 13 conference champions and multiple school-record holders.

He will serve as the program's assistant coach and help oversee the track and field strength and conditioning efforts as well as assisting with various administrative and recruiting duties.

"I am extremely excited to bring Larry into the program," Picucci said. "His knowledge and expertise will strengthen our track and field program and give us a tremendous boost as we continue to progress.

"Additionally, Larry's dedication to the sport of track and field and the development of the student athletes is incredible and will be a valuable asset," he added.

For the rest of the press release:
http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/wtrack/2009-10/releases/levinehired

BLOG 13: Tryouts are on for track and field

2009-07-07T10:04:00.001-07:00

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University’s track and field teams are hosting tryouts on Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. at Top Taggart Field.

The Big Rapids area and the state of Michigan have a lot of outstanding track and field athletes. This opportunity, to potentially compete for the Bulldogs is a special opportunity for dedicated and hard-working student-athletes who are willing to put in the time and commit themselves to success.

The walk-on tryouts will help determine the final roster for the 2009-10 season.

For more about the specific requirements to participate in walk-on tryouts, visit the Athletics Web site at:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/track/
0809news/09tryoutinfo.htm

BLOG 12: Muir puts heartbreak behind her; earns All-American honor

2009-07-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

Ferris State University sophomore distance runner Tina Muir and teammate Mikinzie Stuart signify their fourth-place, All-American finishes at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in San Angelo, Texas

BIG RAPIDS – The sting of missing out on All-American honors during indoor track and field nationals both pained and motivated Ferris runner Tina Muir.

Muir, just a sophomore, carried with her the memories of the indoor track and field season through all her workouts and to San Angelo, Texas for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Her focus paid off as Muir finsihed fourth in the 5,000-meter run, clocking a time of 16:56.92, to become an All-American – erasing the demons that haunted her since the indoor national championships.

“Indoor for me was heartbreaking. I had raced so well all season and to have a bad race at the most important meet was devastating. But, it gave me that extra drive during practice to push harder so that it would not happen again,” Muir said. “To achieve All-American, in outdoor track, is a great honor on its own, but I would never have dreamed I would come in the top five.

Added Muir, “because of a silly mistake in indoor nationals, I became more determined to achieve All-American status in outdoor to make up for it. I definitely feel as though I have proved to myself and others that I am not just a cross-country runner (she earned All-American honors during the fall of 2008 in the sport) who struggles through track, but (that) I am able to compete at a level that is on par with my long term goals.”

Muir made sure not to put too much pressure on herself. She wanted to be sure to enjoy the experience of competing at the outdoor national championships – perhaps alleviating some pressure she put on herself.

“Nationals were a lot of fun and even though it was tiring having to run prelims and finals, it was exciting to compete among the best knowing that you had to be prepared for anything or you may not even get into the finals,” said Muir, a native of St. Albans in the United Kingdom. “To know where you stand in (Division II) is a great feeling and after working so hard and dedicating my life to the sport, I definitely feel it paid off.”

Coming toward the finish, in the 5,000 finals, Muir knew she had run a strong race. But, the results were better even than she had anticipated.

“As I crossed over the finish line I was convinced I had achieved fifth place and I was ecstatic with this result. But, when I was told that I came in fourth I was amazed,” Muir said. “A year ago, I did not even make the provisional time to qualify for nationals and just one short year later to come in fourth in the final is incredible. As Mikinzie (Stuart, her track and field teammate) had already achieved a fourth-place finish in the 1,500-meter run, the atmosphere between us and our coach (Steve Picucci) was electric.”

Muir, who has a bright running future ahead of her, will not soon forget that feeling.

“It is the best feeling in the world when you are able to achieve your goals and fuel that determination to set your goals even higher,” she said.

BLOG 11: Stuart finishes her Ferris career in style: as an All-American

2009-07-07T10:01:00.001-07:00

Ferris State University senior runner Mikinzie Stuart and head coach Steve Picucci share a moment during the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in San Angelo, Texas

BIG RAPIDS – More than a few times, Ferris senior runner Mikinzie Stuart wondered if she would get an opportunity to finish her college track and field career on the high note she often envisioned in her head.

In the end, Stuart had plenty to smile about as she advanced to the 2009 NCAA Division II Women’s Outdoor Track and Field National Championships and returned with an honor she so desperately coveted: All-American.

“I was thrilled that I had garnered another All-American,” said Stuart, a native of Saginaw, who earned All-American status thanks to a fourth-place finish in the 1,500-meter run (4:31.67). “Since it was my last race as a Ferris track athlete, I didn’t want to leave the national meet empty handed. It just made it that much better that I was able to get top five in the nation.”

It’s not the first time Stuart has been named an All-American (she was named an indoor All-American this past winter as she finished seventh in the mile run and as a member of the record-setting distance medley relay group in 2006, as a freshman), but this time it was particularly gratifying – a great cap to her college running career.

“It was my goal to get All-American in an individual running event. Being able to meet that goal not just once, but twice, put the cherry on the cake of my running career here at Ferris,” Stuart said.

Stuart and other runners battled the elements: the late-spring Texas heat. For Stuart, who worked hard to prepare for the anticipated warm weather, the battle was even a bit tougher than she anticipated.

“Prelims was tougher than I had expected because it was so warm and sunny (85 degrees),” Stuart said. “I let the heat get to me mentally and did not run as well as I had wanted to in prelims, but my body took over on the last lap and ignored how hot my mind was telling me it was, which allowed me to qualify for finals.”

Mental toughness paid off for Stuart, who caught a bit of a break from the weather when she finally had the opportunity to run in the finals.

“Finals ended up being on the coolest day (79 degrees). Therefore I was prepared both mentally and physically for finals,” she said. “It was a little intimidating knowing you have to race some of the best people in the country, but I just had to keep reminding myself that I am one of the best in the country too, or else I wouldn’t be there (at the meet).”

Stuart had a plan and, as the race commenced, she went to work.

“The race was more about strategy than speed,” she said. “The winner (Jessica Pixler of Seattle Pacific) only ran a 4:26, which was my personal best of the season. But most of my energy was spent trying to maintain position and not get boxed in, until the last lap, where I began to make my move towards the front.”

The Bulldog senior runner did not finish first, but she claimed fourth to earn All-American honors as she capped a great running career for Ferris.

BLOG 10: Specially-trained Bulldogs competing in national championships

2009-07-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University runners Mikinzie Stuart (left) and Tina Muir (right) are shown here practicing at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids in preparation for the 2009 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in San Angelo, Texas (Courtesy photo)

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Ferris State University runners Mikinzie Stuart and Tina Muir are true student-athletes – in all senses of the term.

Stuart and Muir, competing this week in Texas at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field National Championships (May 21-24), understood they needed an extra component to training for this all-important meet. Like good students, the two studied. Simulating the warmer and more humid Texas climate, while preparing in Michigan, was challenging. However, Stuart, Muir and head coach Steve Picucci went to work to developing a strategy to soften at least the initial physical and mental shock of competing in the Texas heat of May.

“Training for Texas has been pretty unique,” said Stuart, a senior from Saginaw, who earned All-American honors in March during indoor track and field season by finishing seventh in the mile run (4:58.59). “Since Texas weather consists of 90-to100-degree temperatures, and Michigan’s current highs have only been about 75 degrees, I’ve had to recreate that extra heat by wearing layers of long-sleeved shirts during workouts and runs.”

Running in her final season, as a Bulldog, Stuart hoped to wrap up her career where she is now: in the heart of Texas and competing against the nation’s best Division II track and field student-athletes.

“During the season, while most of the other girls were enjoying the nice weather in tank tops and shorts, I would wear tights, long sleeve shirts, fleeces and even jackets,” Stuart said. “I try to wear as many layers as long as possible during the workouts, but the heat makes you even more tired when you are running as hard as we do. By the end of practice, I end up shedding one or two of my layers ... especially on the warmer days.”

Ferris State University track and field student-athletes Mikinzie Stuart (left) and Tina Muir (right) are hoping to achieve All-American honors at the 2009 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in San Angelo, Texas (Courtesy photo)

Like Stuart, Muir had to train her mind and body to cope with the climate change of going from Michigan to Texas. The two runners traveled to Texas for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships, in Houston. However, that was in March and it was indoors. More than two months later, the two runners expect much more of a heat wave from Mother Nature this time.

“As the climate in Texas is very different to what we are used to, and knowing we wouldn’t be as lucky as we were (at the indoor national championships), when the weather was unusually cool, we tried to prepare ourselves by working out in long sleeves and winter clothing even as the temperature increased,” said Muir, a native of St. Albans in the United Kingdom. “This helped us to get used to pushing ourselves even when we were really hot.”

Muir, hoping to become a track and field All-American this week, covets the challenge, “I am very excited to be competing at the outdoor national championships as it has always been a dream of mine. It’s the meet that allows us to compete for a position rather than trying to hit a certain time. Outdoor track is also the competition that is most respected and comparable to others not only in America but around the world. So, being able to see where I stand, not only to people here but to those at home in England, will be exciting for me.”

For more on the two Bulldog runners competing in the outdoor national championships, visit:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/track/0809news/outdoornationals09.htm

BLOG 9: Bulldogs make strong decision hiring Picucci

2009-07-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

BIG RAPIDS – Steve Picucci has paid his dues and is being rewarded by Ferris State University.

Picucci was named the head coach for the Bulldog men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs after serving in 2008-09 as interim coach. It’s well-deserved recognition for Picucci, a former Bulldog student-athlete in cross country and track and field. The program is in good hands with a man who already has gained the trust and respect of the student-athletes and, perhaps most importantly of all, is a tireless worker (a much-needed characteristic or a college-level track and field coach).

“Steve brings to our track program a work ethic that is outstanding and (being an FSU alumnus) an understanding of what it will take to make our program successful,” said Ferris State University Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic said. “The accomplishments our women’s cross country program achieved in the fall under Steve’s direction is only the tip of the iceberg as to how he will lead us to great success. We are very excited to have Steve join the FSU family.”

Well said.

It will be exciting to see where Picucci takes Ferris as he begins to put his signature on these programs through recruiting and his training methods. If Picucci can win over recruits the way he has won over current Bulldogs, he should be in good shape and the programs should be in good hands in the years to come. It has been great to hear the good things the student-athletes have had to say about Picucci during the last year. There seems to be reason for optimism for the future of these programs.

For more on the official hiring of Picucci, visit the Ferris Athletics Web site:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/track/0809news/picucci-coach.htm

BLOG 8: Northwood Open proves good for Ferris

2009-07-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

BIG RAPIDS – The short trip to Midland, to compete in the Northwood Open, p

roved a worthwhile trip for several members of the Ferris State University’s men’s and women’s track and field teams.

On the men’s side, Matt Jozwiak, continuing the good things he started during indoor track and field season, won the 800 meter race impressively as he clocked a school outdoor record time of 1:51.53. In addition to rewriting the record book, Jozwiak met the national provisional qualifying time. It has been a fantastic season (indoor and outdoor) for Jozwiak.

Also earning a first-place finish was Greg Burns who won the pole vault

as he cleared 15-3.

On the women’s side, Krystle Wilson had a monster meet as she won the 200 (25.71) and the 400 (58.41). Wilson’s two firsts were only part of a great day of competition for the women’s track and field team as Mikinzie Stuart won the 800 in 2:12.71 (the fourth-fastest outdoor time in school history) to meet the provisional qualifying mark. Tina Muir, who continues her fantastic running (which began during cross country season in the fall), won the 1,500 in 4:33.27 as she clocked the third-fastest time in FSU history to also reach the provisional qualifying time.

BLOG 7: Track and Field Teams Hoping For Good Weather

2009-07-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

BIG RAPIDS – As we know, weather is not always reliable in Michigan, but the Ferris State University track and field teams are hoping Mother Nature will be cooperative.

The men’s and women’s track and field teams are scheduled to host the Bulldog Invitational Saturday (April 4) at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids. The traditional event begins at 11 a.m. with the beginning of the field events followed by the start of the running events at 12 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to come and check out college-level track and field competition outdoors at Top Taggart Field as Ferris student-athletes compete against quality opposition. Ferris is expecting competition from fellow Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rival schools as well as from smaller colleges around the state, including community colleges.

This weekend’s meet is an opportunity to watch some of our successful student-athletes including the three Bulldogs who qualified for the national indoor championships in Mikinzie Stuart and Tina Muir, from the women’s team, and Matt Jozwiak, of the men’s squad. Stuart and Jozwiak earned all All-American honors while Muir was an All-American during fall cross country season.

For more information on the meet, visit:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/track/
0809news/09invite.htm

BLOG 6: Two All-American Student-Athletes for Ferris

2009-07-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

BIG RAPIDS – Competing against the nation’s best, during the 2009 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships, two Ferris student-athletes returned to Michigan with All-American honors (March 14).

On the women’s side, Ferris senior distance runner Mikinzie Stuart claimed seventh to earn All-American honors with a time of 4:58.59 in the mile run (the top eight finishers are named All-Americans). For the men, senior Matt Jozwiak also earned All-America honors as he claimed seventh in the 800-meter run as he clocked a time of 1:54.75.

Stuart and Jozwiak were recognized as All-Americans on the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division II All-America Team.

It was a great showing by the two All-Americans and it is also noteworthy to salute Tina Muir who earned a trip to nationals and just missed out on earning All-America honors for indoor track and field (as she did during the fall in cross country as she finished 12th at the NCAA Division II National Cross Country Championships in Slipper Rock, Pa.). Look for Muir to be a factor on the national scene again … perhaps as soon as the upcoming outdoor season. Muir finished 12th in the 5,000 meters in 17:28.90. She will be back.

All in all, a solid indoor track and field season for Ferris with two student-athletes earning All-American honors.

FEATURE: Stuart Achieves a Dream at National Championships

2009-07-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

BIG RAPIDS – If Mikinzie Stuart was looking to end her final indoor track and field season with a bang then she could hardly have written a better script.

The senior Ferris distance runner Mikinzie Stuart placed seventh to earn All-American accolades as she timed in at 4:58.59 in the mile (the top eight finishers are named All-Americans). The senior native of Saginaw had high hopes for collecting some hardware during her trip to Texas for the indoor national championships. Those dreams turned into reality as she turned her dreams into reality in Houston.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my last season of indoor track,” said Stuart, who previously earned All-American honors in 2006 as a member of the distance medley team. “Breaking five minutes in the mile has been a dream of mine for the past six years. It was nice to be able to finally make that dream a reality.

Stuart realized she could not rely on the old fall back: There’s always next year. For her, as a senior, there is no next year for indoor track and field. That was part of the reason it was all the more special not only to earn All-American honors, but to do it while achieving another personal goal.

“As a senior, achieving my dream of breaking 5 minutes in the mile and being on the ticket for nationals is a great way to end my running career,” said Stuart, who cherishes this individual All-American honor in her final indoor try.

For more on Stuart earning All-American honors for indoor track and field season, visit:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/track/0809news/allamericans09.htm

FEATURE: Jozwiak looks forward to ‘biggest race’ of his life

2009-07-07T09:48:00.003-07:00

HOUSTON – Matt Jozwiak, no stranger to hard work, swelled with pride after he earned his opportunity to compete in this week’s 2009 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in Texas.

Excelling as a successful student-athlete takes strong commitment that includes balancing dual roles as a student and as an athlete. For the Bulldogs who are members of the indoor track and field team, an added challenge exists. Since Ferris does not have a true on-campus indoor facility for track and field, the dedication level it takes to be a success during indoor season is an added hurdle for Ferris student-athletes to clear. That hurdle was cleared by Jozwiak (and women’s team members Tina Muir and Mikinzie Stuart). The Berkley native is competing at nationals in the 800-meter run thanks to a qualifying run he clocked of 1:52.11 (sixth-best in the field).

“This indoor season has basically been a wish brought to reality,” said Jozwiak, who runs in the second of two heats on Friday (6:45 p.m.). The top three finishers from each section and the next three fastest times advance to Saturday’s final. “It’s my first national championships and also my largest steppingstone yet looking toward the future.”

Looking forward to testing against the best

Having an opportunity to test his abilities against the best of his peers – student-athletes competing at the highest level in Division II – has Jozwiak fired up.

“It’s very exciting to finally be able to showcase my abilities against a solid field of runners that can do exactly what I can, if not better,” he said. “I’ve already raced against a few of the guys I’ll be up against, but that only gives me a slight advantage. I know how to race against them and can look ahead to the other competitors.”

The mental game can be important for student-athletes as they begin to compete at the highest levels of athletic competition. At a time when most students were in preparation for mid-term exams, Jozwiak had to worry about that while also keeping his head on straight continuing competition and training for nationals.

It’s all about keeping focus in the face of challenges

“These past couple weeks have been very stressful with thoughts running through my head about what I am going to be up against,” Jozwiak said. “When I prepare for a race, I just like to relax and clear my mind. I don’t like to think about the race too much, so I don’t get all worked up about it. Also, with training, we’ve finally been able to taper off these past weeks by dropping our mileage and having long recovery in our track workouts. (That has been) very nice for recovering our tired legs from the season and going into the championship completely fresh.”

All eyes will be on Jozwiak and his competitors

He knows a lot of eyes will be on him and many of his competitors as the start time nears. Jozwiak wants to make every effort to keep more focused on the competition and less focused on the hype and magnitude of the atmosphere associated with competing at the national championships level in any sport.

“I never usually get very nervous days before the race because I like to relax as I said before,” he said. “But, this is the biggest race of my life so far, and there is no doubt that the day of the race I will be shaking with nerves waiting for the gun to go off. I have always run my best races while I have been the most nervous.”

Jozwiak hopes that positive trend continues.

For more on Ferris State University’s track and field athletes competing in the national championships, visit:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/track/0809news/indoornationals09.htm

FEATURE: Muir hopes for big things at national championships

2009-07-07T09:48:00.001-07:00

HOUSTON – Competing on the bright lights of the national stage will never get old for Ferris State University sophomore Tina Muir, who is back at work this week at the 2009 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Participating in the event, a part of the NCAA Division II Winter National Championships Festival, Muir boasts the ninth-best time (16:57.70) in a field of 16 runners destined to compete in the women's 5,000-meter run on Saturday. Muir, coming off an All-American fall season as a member of the national championships-qualifying women’s cross country team, has enjoyed a sense of pride with respect to her winter indoor season and looks forward to the challenge of battling the nation’s top runners.

“I am really happy with how the indoor season has gone. I have taken so much time off my PRs (personal records) the past few months while reaching times I never thought I would achieve,” said Muir, fueled by a strong competitive drive to succeed that is masked by a pleasant and easygoing personality. “And, the best part is I know I am not yet at my limit. There is more to come. It was exciting to not only reach the automatic qualifying time, but to exceed it.”

Bulldog student-athletes are Texas boun

Getting a trip to Texas out of it, and an opportunity to take part in the winter festival, is icing on the cake for Muir (who is at nationals this week with women’s teammate Mikinzie Stuart and men’s Ferris athlete Matt Jozwiak). The NCAA has been pushing the festival atmosphere which allows student-athletes from participating schools to mingle together in and out of actual competition. At the 2008 spring festival, the Ferris softball and women’s golf teams were participants in May. This week, the three Bulldog student-athletes representing track and field have a similar opportunity.

“I am very excited to go to Texas. It is somewhere I have always wanted to go. To combine this with the excitement of competing against the best runners in the country is bound to be an unforgettable experience,” Muir said. “Most of the preparation for nationals has been done in the months previous to (nationals). I feel I am ready to race and compete against the best in the country. So preparations for this week will just involve tapering down and preparing mentally.”

Preparation and experience can ease the nerves

Although the competition is the best of the best, the native of St. Albans in the United Kingdom is not feeling any particularly strong case of butterflies in the pit of her stomach. Having been a key member of the FSU cross country team that qualified for the 2008 Women’s Cross Country National Championships, back in the fall, Muir has a pretty good idea of what to expect in terms of the atmosphere and elevation in level of competition.

“I am not really nervous for the race, I feel more excitement than nervousness,” Muir said. “As I have competed in many national championships in the past, it is something I feel I am ready for and can only do my best. However, this is my first track nationals so I am not completely sure what to expect. But, I just plan to enjoy it and make the most of the opportunity I’ve been given.”

For more on Ferris State University’s track and field athletes competing in the national championships, visit:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/track/0809news/indoornationals09.htm

BLOG 5: Muir and Stuart represent Ferris well at GLIAC championships

2009-07-07T09:47:00.001-07:00

BIG RAPIDS – Success during fall cross country season has translated well to the indoor track and field campaign for a pair of Ferris student-athletes.

Sophomore Tina Muir and senior Mikinzie Stuart both put on terrific shows at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships hosted by Saginaw Valley State University in University Center.

Muir emerged with a pair of conference championships as she won the 3,000 (9:59.32) and the 5,000 (16:58.38). She was particularly brilliant in the 5,000 as she set the meet record and met the NCAA Division II national provisional qualifying mark.

Ferris also had a league championship won by Stuart, who claimed top honors in the mile run as she clocked a time of 4:57.94 (also meeting the national provisional qualifying mark). It had to be an especially gratifying meet for Stuart who is a Saginaw native and had an opportunity to return to near her home area (the Tri-Cities region) to compete in the indoor league championships.

Considering the Ferris indoor track and field team has to be road warriors, competing on the road in every indoor meet, this is quite an accomplishment. It’s a testament to their work ethic and success that they overcome such obstacles to achieve great things in athletic competition against some of the best student-athletes in the GLIAC. The student-athletes do it with a no-excuses mentality.

For a complete accounting of the 2009 GLIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships, visit:
http://www.gliac.org/sports/mtrack-ind/2008-09/news/MIT_Champ_09

For more on the performance of Ferris men’ and women’s athletes, at the meet, visit:
http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/sports/index/story.cfm?sport=M-W%20Indoor%20Track&id=2447

BLOG 4: The good times continue for FSU track and field teams

2009-07-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

ALLENDALE – The Ferris track and field teams enjoyed a pair of record-breaking performances during the GVSU Big Meet hosted by Grand Valley State University in the new Laker Turf Building.

As has been the case, so often during this indoor track and field season, the men’s and women’s track and field continue to pile up some strong performances. In this past weekend’s meet (one that included competitors from schools like Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Calvin, Cornerstone, Michigan State and others), Ferris had a record-breaking effort on the men’s side and one on the women’s side.

Representing the men’s team, junior middle-distance runner Matt Jozwiak continues to impress with his performances as he claimed a fourth-place finish in the 800 in 1:51.51 to break the previous Ferris indoor record of 1:53.49 that has been owned by Steve Matthews since 1991. It is great to see Jozwiak performing so well for the Bulldogs, a team that continues to work on improving its depth toward building the program.

On the women’s side, sophomore Tina Muir continues to excel (a runner for all seasons) as she had a second-place finish in 16:55.20 in a field of 24 runners for the 5,000 meters. The record, broken by Muir with time to spare, had been owned by Dawn VanBrocklin, who clocked a time of 17:50.14 in 1986.

BLOG 3: Inspired Bulldog track and field team reaching new heights

2009-07-07T09:45:00.002-07:00

BIG RAPIDS – The Ferris men’s and women’s track and field teams have been competing with new attitudes this season in the few opportunities they’ve had to compete thus far.

Last weekend, Ferris was in Allendale competing in the D2 Challenge hosted by Grand Valley State University. The Bulldogs had a number of strong performances that perhaps are indicative of a new feeling of inspiration among members of the team so far this winter.

Senior distance runner Mikinzie Stuart is one of the players running with a particularly high level of energy as she won the mile run in 4:57.22 (a number that broke the meet record and made the national provisional qualifying time). Additionally, Stuart’s effort will go down as the second-best time in school indoor meet history.

Not to be outdone, sophomore Tina Muir, an All-American during cross country season, had a strong showing as she won the 3,000 meter run (9:51.57) and broke the meet and school indoor record of 9:53.36 (held by Jenny Irwin, one of the greatest distance runners in Ferris history) set in 2006.

On the men’s side, another standout performance for the Bulldogs was turned in by junior Matt Jozwiak as he placed second in the 800 (1:53.79), but met the national provisional qualifying mark. It was the second-best time in Ferris indoor track and field history.

Track and field coach Steve Picucci, who really has enjoyed the opportunity to begin working with the cross country/track and field athletes, was particularly proud of the way his student-athletes performed and was especially proud of the efforts of Stuart, Muir and Jozwiak.

BLOG 2: Another good showing for Bulldogs during indoor track and field season

2009-07-07T09:45:00.001-07:00

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris will have no shortage of opportunities to compete during indoor track and field season in Grand Valley State University’s mammoth new Laker Turf Building (home to its indoor track and field programs … among other teams) in Allendale.

So far, that facility has been good for the Bulldogs – particularly two a few members of the women’s track and field team. Ferris senior Krystle Wilson had the top individual finish as she claimed third in the 400-meter race with a time of 58.63 during the final round.

Tina Muir, coming off an outstanding All-American effort during cross country season, is running well so far during the indoor campaign as she reached the NCAA Division II National Provisional Qualification standard with her fifth-place finish in the mile run (5:01.30). Muir, who had a chance to return home to visit with friends and family in the United Kingdom, is back and reenergized.

Junior Emily Cross had a fifth-place effort in the high jump (1.56 meters) and senior Mikinzie Stuart, who already has had several impressive races early in this indoor season, placed sixth in the 3,000 (10:10.60).

During cross country season, interim first-year head coach Steve Picucci emphasized the importance of his athletes being ready to peak at the right time of the season. Picucci, who has been a fantastic find for the cross country and track and field programs, is trying to bring some of the magic he had during cross country season into the indoor track and field campaign.

The challenge this season will be substantial for the Bulldogs with strong nearby programs to compete against (including Grand Valley).

BLOG 1: Indoor track and field season off and running

2009-07-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

BIG RAPIDS – The snow is falling outdoors and, even though some people tend to associate track and field season with the spring, there is plenty of track and field competition taking place during the winter season.

The Bulldogs began their indoor season on Friday at the Saginaw Valley State Collegiate Open in University Center. Next up, (Jan. 23) the team is in Allendale for the Grand Valley State Bob Eubanks Open before returning one week after that to SVSU for the Saginaw Valley State Collegiate Classic (Jan. 30).

This past Friday, the Bulldogs had a couple of strong highlights as standout runner Tina Muir finished first in the mile run in 5:14.03. She was followed by some teammates who were not too far off her pace as Mikinzie Stuart finished second in 5:19.74 while Paige Onweller was third in 5:26.16. Fellow Bulldogs were in the top seven as Nikki Wiers was fifth, Megan Josey was sixth and Sarah Creed was seventh.

Stuart finished first in the 3,000 meter run as she clocked a time of 10:20.68 while Muir placed second in 10:21.03. Paige Onweller was third and Megan Josey fourth.

On the men’s side, Matt Jozwiak had a second-place finish in the 800 as he clocked a time of 1:59.42, Mike Mangieri was second in the mile run (4:24.33) and third in the 3,000 (9:02.73).

For complete results of the SVSU Collegiate Open in University Center on Friday (Jan. 16), visit:
http://www.svsu.edu/athletics/stats/
tk0809/collegiate2.htm