Photo by Eric Gray/Collegiate
Members of the 68’ Wool Bowl team gather for a photo at the third annual “Return of the Raider’s Bash” reunion. They re-connected Sept.13 at the Radisson.

Bash at the Radisson reunites Raiders
By Dana Finkler
Sports Editor

Alumni, coaches, players, and fans past and present gathered at the Radisson Hotel for the 3rd annual
“Return of the Raider’s Bash” reunion.

“The focus is to re-connect all the alumni, coaches, players, and fans,” said GRCC Athletic Director Doug Wabeke. “We also want to focus on getting the staff more involved so we can help continue this tradition.”

It was a wet and rainy day, but it did not seem to put a damper on the spirits of those who attended. They were greeted with tables full of trophies, plaques, medals, photographs, and other awards. They also enjoyed a buffet, an armament of cocktails, live music from John Brown, the Michigan-Notre Dame game, and reminiscent conversation.

“It’s great to see all of the GRCC sports represented,” said GRCC baseball coach Michael Cupples. “Tonight is about being a Raider.”

In attendance was former GRCC Head Coach of the 1968 Wool Bowl champions, Gordon Hunsburger and 13 members of that Raider football team. Much of the team gathered throughout the hallways reminiscing about the bowl game.

“It brings chills back,” said Jon Galloway, former running-back. “We played with confidence and will power, that’s what won us that game.”

Jon Price former outside linebacker, looked over old team photos and press clippings and couldn’t help but be proud.

“Our defense held them to a total of 34 yards,” Price said. “I’ve always felt I got robbed of the M.V.P. award; I had a great game.”

Even GRCC alum Robert Schmidt, who played football from 1982-1983, praised Hunsburger and the opportunity GRCC gave him.

“I had a rough life. Gordon gave me an opportunity,” Schmidt said. “Everyone here tonight has been affected by GRCC in a positive way.”

For some former players it was their second or third time attending; for others this was their first year.

“This is my first time doing this; I think it’s a blast,” said Ben Knuth GRCC baseball alum, “We won a
championship in 2005 and I haven’t seen some of the guys since then, It’s great to re-connect.”

Even hotel owner Bob Sullivan joined in on the fun.

“It’s always great to help out because I’m close to so many of the people who are here,” Sullivan said.

The GRCC Athletic Department was pleased with the turnout and looks forward to continuing the tradition with the alumni and staff in the years to come.

Schulte, Raiders not worried about slow start
By Andy Dicks
Collegiate Staff Writer

Returning for his sixth season as the Raiders Head Football Coach, Jim Schulte and his young team are dealing with numerous obstacles early in the season.

Sitting at 0-4, Schulte attests that a winning season is still possible. With most of the team freshmen players and his top offensive linemen, Chris Holmes, out with a broken foot, the Raiders are going to have to work hard to compete.

“You’re going to strap it up and prepare the best way you can and compete” Schulte said.

Aug. 30, the Raiders invited Georgia Military College, ranked fifth in the NJCAA, as their lone non-conference game.

“We had the opportunity to bring Georgia Military here, who is a very recognizable, and tough team,” Schulte said. “When you have that opportunity, you’re going to play them”

What the Raiders are relying on the most this season is team chemistry.

“Last season the team lacked chemistry, and we are playing on it this season,” Schulte said.

With only 12 returning players, Schulte is expecting a lot from them, especially from his returning quarterback Austin Cole. Schulte is very pleased with what the other sophomores have been showing, such as Tory Garrett, who has made a successful transition from wide receiver to defensive back and who leads the team in tackles with 12 in the first four games.

Schulte is also very pleased with hisfreshmen class, which includes a talented trio of tightends: Mark L o m a s ney, Tyler Kramer, and Paul Bengel. R u n n i n g back Martez Dykes h a s a l s o impressed coaches wtih his play.

“The freshmen are starting to merge,” Schulte said.

With a 1-4 start, GRCC has dug themselves in hole for shot at a national championship, but that doesn’t change expectations. With the 3-43 thumping at the hands of Georgia Military, and the 14-34 loss to Harper, Schulte still expects his team to compete and keep that bar raised high.

In the last two games since Harper, they have been closing the gap in scores and improving as a unit.

“I hope these losses prepare us for the long haul,” Schulte said.

GRCC has been here before, but a bowl appearance is still in reach.

“Pardon the Interruption”
By Dana Finkler
Sports Editor

Wednesday Sep. 24 a prayer was answered.

Detroit Lions President and CEO, Matt Millen was relieved of his position with the team after posting a 31-84 record during his seven plus year reign. Many fans had called for his job in the previous years, but for some reason, William Clay Ford Sr. felt Millen was the man for the job, giving him a five year extension in 2005, despite still posting a below .500 record making him one of the top paid general managers in the league. Before accepting the position with Detroit, Millen had a 12-year career in the league as a linebacker and moved to the broadcasting booth after his playing days. The Lions hired him with no prior management experience in 2001.

All I have to say it’s about time!

Not all the blame can be put on Millen though; it is up to the players and coaches to put the team in a position to win games. Nevertheless, with Joey Harrington under center your chances are not the greatest. When your offensive line allows the second most sacks in three-year period, why don’t you draft or attempt to bring in lineman from free agency to make the team better. This was part of the reason why Barry Sanders decided to retire early.

The Lions front of- fice stated they would make decisions regarding the vacant general manager position and other positions in the off-season. Coach Rod Marinelli may be the next to go according to sources in Detroit. Right now, the team is focused on figuring out how to correct their 0-3 start to the season. Last season the team jumped out to a 6-2 start and finished 2-8.

This off-season, make an offer to Bill Cowher as a coach or general manager. If he does not accept, find somebody with experience like a Floyd Reese. Evaluate the talent on the team with a fine toothcomb, look at statistics and game situations and see how players have performed. The talk in Detroit is Roy Williams is becoming frustrated. We cannot afford to lose one of our top receivers, start throwing him the ball. If Cowher or Reese is not available, Cornerstone Assistant Basketball coach, Lance Roark would be asolid hire.

Follow the leader: Garrett accepts Schulte’s challenge
By Matt Bultman
Collegiate Staff Writer

With only twelve sophomores returning to the football team this fall, defensive back Tory Garrett knows his role as a leader will change dramatically.

Coming into this year, GRCC Head Football Coach, Jim Schulte, said that his team’s success depends on Garrett’s leadership.

“If he can show leadership and lead the younger guys in the right direction, we’re going to be all right,” Schulte said.

Garrett has taken his coach’s words to heart. He knows that it’s up to him, as well as the other second year players, to take control of the team.

“It’s my job to get the freshman ready to play,” Garrett said. “I definitely feel like I have to step up more than I did last year.”

Two years ago, Garrett had no intention of coming to GRCC to play football. Coming from Flint Central High School he didn’t know much about the Raider’s or their history as a football team.

“I wanted to go to California and play at a community college there, but my high school coach (James Hurd) told me about the great program they’ve built here,” Garrett said.

Hurd convinced him to send a highlight tape to Schulte. The GRCC coaching staff was impressed and invited Garrett to come to a workout later that year.

“I tried out and was fortunate enough to make the team,” Garrett said.

Since Garrett has arrived in Grand Rapids, he has continued to impress the Raider’s c o a c h i n g staff. L a s t season Garrett played w i d e receiver, and this season has successfully made the transition to defe n s i v e back.

So far this season Garrett has 12 tackles in the, with a tackle for loss and 3 pass break ups.

“Tory is a good kid and played great so far this season,” Schulte said.

Despite their effort the team is currently struggling, losing their first four games and winning their fifth game. The team remains positive and has not given up on the season yet.

“We’re having our ups and downs right now but we are learning,” Garrett said. “We just need to stop making mental errors and execute better as a team.”

Garrett is very passionate about the game of football, but he is aware that academics will determine where he goes in the future.

“Right now my main focus is graduating,” Garrett said. “I would like to eventually study computer engineering and make a career out of that.”

Garrett plans on leaving GRCC after this year to attend a four year university, pursuing his dream of playing football at the Division I level.

“I don’t care where I go,” Garrett said. “I just want to play.”

Raiders volleyball digs in for success
By Andy Dicks
Collegiate Staff Writer

The GRCC Raiders volleyball team has it all: experience, leadership, solid freshmen and positive attitudes, all of which have resulted in a 15-3 match record.

With six returning sophomores, and Sara Lowe, a transfer from Grand Valley State University, the veteran Raiders are doing what it takes to help the team succeed.

With mentor, team captain, and 4.0 student Elise Thompson, freshmen who are far away from home are learning to adapt from her.

“All the returning players have done a great job with the freshmen by helping them adapt to college
life and athletics,” said Head Coach Chip Will. “They aren’t only making themselves better, but the
whole team better as well.”

Another element of the Raiders success this season was the trip to the Scottsdale CC Tournament. Going against three top 20 teams in the nation, the Raiders went 1-2 and 4-3 overall in the tournament, one of those wins coming.against then ranked number four Glendale CC in two close sets.

“Going through the ups and downs was great for team building,” Will said. “It taught us a lot, we picked up on things you don’t learn in practice. Learning from our loses helped us.”

Building off their mistakes, the Raiders have compiled a 3-0 (6-0 overall) conference record since then, losing only two sets.

“It’s hard to point out a single player who has been most impressive for us because what we do here is focus on the team,” Will said.

However, freshmen Katie Horling has the ability to stand out and take over a game with her Division I like blocking and serving skills according to Will. Sophomore outside hitter Sami Hausmann has also added some superb contributions to the team.

Freshmen are in abundance for the Raiders. Lead by defensive specialist Megan Kulak, who helped
GRCC beat a very tough, top ranked Kalamazoo Valley team on the road, have taken some of the
pressure off the sophomores.

“All these young girls have been coming in and pushing all the starters for our spots which is great because they have made our entire team better,” said sophomore setter Nicole Peter.

Expectations are very high this season for the lady Raiders. Last seasons District F championship only sets the bar higher for the national championship run.

“We came in last year as all freshmen and set a really high standard for ourselves,” Peter said. “This season, we can do even better. A national championship is not unrealistic, we have learned from our mistakes, and we can beat those teams come November.”

Sports Briefs for October 1, 2008

At tent ion Basketball Players! Tryouts Today

Womens: Oct. 1, 4 p.m.
Contact Coach McEwan 234-3995

Mens: Oct. 1, 3 p.m.
Contact Coach Roche 234-4260l.

Student Congress offers intramurals
This year, Student Congress will offer intramural sports and tournaments to students and employees.
They will offer three types of play; recreational, tournament, and league. Students must sign up online at grcc.edu/intramurals by Oct. 6.

Water Polo – Meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Ford Fieldhouse Pool. This event has already begun and lasts until Dec. 18, 2008. Contact Joey Sutherlin with questions and concerns, 234-4266.

Dodge Ball – Meet on Fridays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the Ford Fieldhouse Gym on the dates of: Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, & 30.

Indoor Soccer – Meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. in the Ford Fieldhouse Gym.
This event has already begun and runs until Oct. 30. Please contact Curtis Andrews 234-3997 or candrews@grcc.edu for more information.

Madden NFL 2009 & Wii Sports Tournament: Meet on Fridays, 1:00 - 3:00p.m., Oct. 10, 17, and 24.
The Locations will be announced. The program will have new activities for students and employees to compete in the winter. For more information, please visit grcc.edu/intramurals or e-mail: intramurals@grcc.edu, for any questions or concerns.

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Current Edition:
October 1, 2008

Next Edition:
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