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Tony Annese named new coach Tony Annese walked into the College Park Plaza early on the morning of Jan. 22 accompanied by his son Steven, 19 and GRCC Athletic Directors, Doug Wabeke and Jim Schulte. He was all smiles and glowing of confidence as he greeted the media, in his new opportunity as GRCC head football coach. Annese, 47, left the high school powerhouse Muskegon Big Reds and signed a one-year renewable contract to become the head football coach and wellness instructor. “It’s not just football with Tony”, said Wabeke. “His commitment to academics is will be great resource to these kids and his other goals to help these kids succeed and make it to the next level." GRCC is the only community college in Michigan that has a two-year football program. The GRCC screening committee had 47 applicants apply for the position, both internal and external. Annese has an astonishing overall record of 195-41 in 25 years of coaching high school football at Montrose, Ann Arbor Pioneer, Jenison, and Muskegon. In the past 9 seasons at Muskegon he compiled at 92-15 record, and won 3 state championships in 2004, 2006, and 2008. He ranks third in Muskegon school history for most wins behind Leo Redmond (156-29-13) and Dave Taylor (108-45-1). The team went 14-0 during those championship runs. “I’m excited for the new opportunity and the challenges that lie ahead,” said Annese. Annese said he attributes his success to players for their strong dedication in the off-season by lighting weights, conditioning, making themselves better student athletes. He hopes to bring this motivation to both coaching and the classroom. While at Muskegon, Annese ran a option offense, pilling up rushing yards against opponents and points on the scoreboard. Muskegon beat up on top ranked Rockford on their home turf, 34-6 last season. From a defensive standpoint, he was aggressive utilizing each player’s strength and stack the box to put pressure on the quarterback. There is no timetable for hiring his staff, but Annese assured whoever gets hired, they have their work cut out for them. “Developing relationships with the players is key”, said Annese. “Get everyone to buy into what your doing, have a sense of team responsibility, and create a good family environment." Aside from being a coach, Annese looks forward to the task of being a college instructor. “In college, you have more freedom to choose your classes”, said Annese. “I feel with that freedom students will have a greater interest in what you teach." Annese will be replacing Jim Schulte, 55, announced his retirement after this past season. Schulte has been head coach for the past 6 seasons, compiling a 39-22 record and 2-2 in bowl games. “Jim has been a great help in the process of making this transition”, said Wabeke. The transition has just been “another day in the office” according to Schulte, as he has taken on more administrative responsibilities as his position as co-athletic director. “There’s two things I wont be doing, that’s sitting around and I know I won’t be coaching next fall”, said Schulte. “ Is football out of the question? No. You never get out of your system.” Schulte eluded that if he were to coach again it would be sometime down the road at a lower high school level. This past Saturday, Annese got to work right away during a recruiting workout that was held in the Ford Fieldhouse. For more see related video, New Coach adresses new challenges, on The Collegiate Live Video web page. New Probation Policy? No problem At the beginning of January, 1,830 of students were placed on academic probation. Only one of them was a student-athlete, who was ineligible to play a spring sport. The National Junior College Athletic Association established its current rules regarding athlete eligibility based on academic success, requiring that student athletes receive a 1.75 GPA after their first semester of 12 credit hours, and a 2.0 GPA for every semester thereafter in order to continue playing. “The NJCAA rules have been in place for a long time now,” said co-athletic director Doug Wabeke. “They’ve been ongoing and more strict than the new school policy. They’re not catching us by surprise.” Every year, Wabeke and staff ensure that all the athletes and teams are in compliance with the NJCAA rules so that everyone is able to compete. The athletic department has always made athletes and their coaches aware of the standards to which they need to conform in order to be eligible. They are also trying to find ways to help athletes meet those standards. In Fall 2008, the athletic department piloted the Student-Athlete Academic Support Program. “Those students that took advantage of the program got a lot out of it,” Wabeke said. “We’re also trying to set in place attendance accountability and tracking.” In the 2009-10 school year, the athletic department is looking to increase the number of teams involved in the program , as well as provide support for those athletes who are not freshmen. Women's basketball on a roll The Raiders have been playing hard-nose, in your face defense and have won four of their last five games. After dropping a close game to Lake Michigan College, 57-56, the first game back since the new semester, the Raiders have stepped up the defense, winning their last three games. In a conference win against number 12 ranked Kalamazoo CC on Jan 14, the raiders trailed by five at halftime, 32-37 and had 14 turnovers. “They were getting easy baskets because we had a lot of turnovers and we weren’t putting pressure on them when they would cut into the lanes”, said Kelly McEwen, GRCC women’s head coach. “The second half we cut down their lanes and we only had six turnovers." The second half the raiders came out with a chip on their shoulder, looking to cut down on the turnovers. With a 2-1-2 half-court press, the raiders Kalamazoo CC clawed their way back to give themselves their first lead of the game, 53-52 with 9:43 remaining. After going on a 12-0 run, the Raiders lead 63-52 with under six minutes remaining, but Kalamazoo scored 10 points to rally within one. The game came down a defensive match-up; Courtney Stocking had two huge blocks down the stretch to give the Raiders opportunities to close out the game. It eventually came down to free throws and the Raiders snuck out a 69-62 win. Freshman, Courtney Stocking has been a block machine in the post down low. She finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven blocked shots, just blocks three shy of a triple-double. Stocking currently is ranked fourth in Division ll for blocks and ranks in the top 10 for rebounds. “She’s a wonderful kid and athlete”, said McEwen. “I think she’s underestimated at times, she prides herself on her defense." Since the big win, the Raiders have been playing with great confidence, winning their last three games. Playing three games this past week has caused McEwen to open his bench. “With the schedule, we need to make sure players are there mentally and physically," said McEwen. “Its great to see the depth and balance we have." The Raiders have seen solid production from Brittney Bueche and Debbie Nikodemski, during the streak. The Raiders beat Kellogg CC (67-54), Glen Oaks (68-48 ) and Muskegon CC (72-54 ). They currently have a 14-4 overall record and sit 7-2 in conference play. The Raiders have two home games this week, Wed. Jan 28 at Ancilla CC and home at the Ford Fieldhouse on Fri. Jan 30, against Jackson CC. Men win at home and away The GRCC men’s basketball team have been on a role, winning four of their last five games led by the stellar play of sophomore forward, Keithan Jackson. Jackson has averaged a double-double in rebounds and points since the new semester. The Raiders dropped their first two games after break to conference opponents, Jackson CC (62-81) and Lansing CC (68-70). Since then, they’ve won three out of their last four games. The Raiders hosted Kalamazoo Valley CC at Ford Fieldhouse at send them home with a bitter taste in their mouth with a 20 point win 64-44. James Thomas had a good game with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Keithan Jackson also contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds. The Raiders then traveled to Kellogg CC and squeaked out with a 94-88 win. Jackson had 31 points and 18 rebounds, 10 of them offensive. Brett Monroe chipped in 22, James Thomas had 19, and Cody Spielmaker added 10. The Raiders hosted top ranked Glen Oaks at the Ford Fieldhouse Jan. 21, but came up short, 81-91. They then bounced back with a 4-point win against Muskegon CC, 81-78. Jackson had 23 points and 13 rebounds. Thomas and Brett Monroe both added 14. Jaynce Payne had 9 points and 12 assists. The Raiders currently have an 11-5 record and sit at 4-3 in conference. The Raiders travel to Ancilla CC on Jan. 28 and host Jackson CC at the Ford Fieldhouse on Fri. Jan 30. Sports Briefs for January 28, 2009 UPCOMING EVENTS AT FORD FIELDHOUSE WOMENS BASKETBALL INTRAMURALS BEGIN FEBUARY CHECK OUT COLLEGIATE BLOGS AND OUR NEW WEBSITE WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Dana Finkler Christina Kim
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