A Legacy on the Court: The History of Ferris State University Basketball

Introduction

The Ferris State Bulldogs represent Ferris State University in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sporting competitions. While primarily known for its Division I men's ice hockey team, which competes in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), Ferris State has a rich athletic history across various sports. This article delves into the history of the Ferris State University basketball program, tracing its evolution from the early days of the institution through its recent successes.

Early Years and the Evolution of Athletics at Ferris

In the early days of Ferris Institute, athletics were not a high priority. Founder W.N. Ferris, focused on physical fitness and what was then called "culture," did not have time for games as a boy. Despite this initial lack of emphasis, athletics gradually found their place at Ferris. Football, in various forms, has been a part of Ferris since the late 1890s. While the founder Mr. Ferris had an aversion to football and would often look the other way.

The annual Field Day, held in June, was a significant event, and men participated in the Inter-scholastic meet held at the M.A.C. College (now Michigan State University). While a regular Ferris Institute football team was eventually abandoned, other sports like tennis and track emerged. Female athletes were also present on the Ferris campus as early as 1911.

Basketball's Emergence and Early Development

As the school evolved, so did its athletic offerings. A space next to Big Rapids' City Hall served as the school gym. The 1928 Commercial basketball team photo captures a moment in the program's developing years. Plans were underway for a large gymnasium (the Alumni Building), signaling a growing interest in athletics.

Growth and Change in the Mid-20th Century

By 1931, there was renewed optimism surrounding football. In 1947, the athletic programs began to grow. During this period, discussions arose about discontinuing scholarships in major schools, reflecting the changing landscape of collegiate athletics. Finding teams to compete against in the region posed a challenge, as Ferris sought opponents that matched its level of talent. The term "big" Ferris described a phenomenon where many students left campus on weekends.

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Key Figures and Facilities

Several individuals played crucial roles in shaping Ferris State athletics. E.M. Clark and W.T. Smith were instrumental in promoting athletic activity. Smith even played football at the Institute for three years before attending Michigan State. The football stadium, named after a Big Rapids lawyer, Grange, became a focal point for outdoor athletic competition. The golf course was subsidized by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Marvin L. Katke, providing a dedicated location for varsity golf matches that had previously been held at a private club. The Ferris Ice Arena and Sports Complex, featuring basketball courts, volleyball courts, a hockey rink, and a general ice-skating rink in the Ewigleben Arena, further enhanced the university's athletic facilities.

A Period of All-American Achievements

From 1963 to 1980, Ferris Bulldog teams produced 26 All-Americans. Notable athletes included track stars and Corey Bouyer, a two-time winner. Bouyer was the 1970 NAIA national champion in the 440-yard intermediate hurdles.

Recent Successes and National Recognition

The Ferris State Bulldogs have experienced significant success in recent years, particularly in men's basketball and football.

Basketball Triumphs

The 2015-16 season was a historic one for the men's basketball team. Led by Zach Hankins, who set a school single-season record with 130 blocks, the team won a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) regular-season and tournament title. They achieved a then-school record for wins with a 28-5 record and reached the second round of the 2017 NCAA Division II Tournament. Hankins' exceptional performance earned him multiple accolades, including GLIAC Player of the Year and National Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

The Ferris State men's basketball team completed its history-making season at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. It was a close game from start to finish. Northern State, running on fumes after a double overtime victory in the semifinals, was impressively able to keep up with the fast-paced Bulldogs offense for the entire game. The Wolves were fearless and went right at Ferris State, attacking the Bulldogs' 6-10 big man Zach Hankins all game. Northern State won the points-in-the-paint battle in the first half 28-24 thanks in large part to the energetic play of Logan Doyle and near-perfect shooting performance from Carter Evans.

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The two teams went blow for blow in the second half. Neither team relented and played to a 32-32 tie in the final 20 minutes of play. Northern State's Darin Peterka had a chance as time expired, but missed the long 3. It was a championship game that gave the standing room only crowd everything it could ask for and more. Hankins, the DII national player of the year, led all Bulldogs with 19 points. Markese Mayfield put in an incredible performance for Ferris State with a team-leading six rebounds, each one seeming bigger than the last. The Wolves' Carter Evans led all scorers with 20 points on an incredible 10-for-14 shooting. The two teams, despite playing different styles of basketball, were evenly matched. There were six lead changes and a near buzzer-beater. The Bulldogs tied a DII record with their 38th win of the season. The DII men's basketball season is in the books. Ferris State won its last 26 games of the season, including the 71-69 finale in Sioux Falls.

Football Dominance

Under coach Tony Annese, the football program has reached unprecedented heights, winning multiple GLIAC championships. Key moments include their first playoff win against Texas A&M Commerce in 2015 and a playoff victory over rival Grand Valley in 2016, which propelled the Bulldogs to the National Semifinals. In 2017, they advanced to the Regional Championship before falling to Harding. Annese led the team to its first national championship appearance in 2018 and ultimately secured their first national championship in school history in 2021, followed by a second consecutive title in 2022.

Ice Hockey Success

The 2011-12 season marked a significant milestone for the men's ice hockey team, as they reached the NCAA Division I Ice Hockey national championship finals for the first time. Although they lost to Boston College in the title contest, the season was a resounding success, with a 26-12-5 overall record and a national runner-up finish. Prior to this, the program's best performance was in the 2002/03 campaign, where they achieved a school-best 31-10-1 overall record and claimed their first-ever CCHA Regular-Season Championship title.

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