Permanent link for Rifle Club Wins International University Air Rifle Match on December 14, 2020

WYOMING, MICHIGAN – The Grand Valley State University Rifle Club participated in the 10^th Annual International University Air Rifle Match in early November. The match was a postal match. A postal match is a competition in which competitors fire separately on their home ranges and exchange scores. The match consisted of 40 total shots fired from the standing position at 10 meters. In total, Lakers made up six of the 21 individual entries and one of the four-team entries. COVID-19 likely limited entries, which were 59 individuals and 12 teams in 2019. Competitors hailed from multiple states and Switzerland.

Aliah Lloyd (Kalamazoo, Michigan) led all Lakers with a score of 374 (out of 400). She posted target scores of 96 (out of 100), 95, 92, and 91. Her efforts resulted in a first-place finish overall. Lloyd finished second in 2019 with a score of 381.

Lloyd was joined by Cassie Coulston-Gerigk (Livonia, Michigan), Collin Fox (Grand Ledge, Michigan), and Alexander Straith (Birmingham, Michigan) in posting a team score of 1476 (out of 1600). The score was best among all entries for the second consecutive season. The State University of New York at Plattsburgh finished in second, 116 points behind. The University of Fribourg (Switzerland) was third. 

All Lakers landed in the top 10. Coulston-Gerigk was second with 368, Fox was third with 367, Straith was fourth with 367, Mark VanEvery (White Lake, Michigan) with seventh with 350, and John Martin (Holly, Michigan) was ninth with 338. 

The mission of the GVSU Rifle Club is to provide students with the opportunity to participate in shooting sports, with an emphasis in smallbore rifle and precision air rifle. Students with all levels of skill are able to have a safe and enjoyable time at the shooting range while interacting with other students and shooting. All equipment, including rifles and ammunition, is provided. The club will resume in-person meetings at the Grand Rapids Rifle & Pistol Club (1331 Nagel Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509) on February 2, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. New members are welcome year-round.

Categories: Coed Sports Rifle
Posted on Permanent link for Rifle Club Wins International University Air Rifle Match on December 14, 2020.

Permanent link for November Orion Monthly Virtual Matches Recap on November 30, 2020

WYOMING, MI – In a month shortened by COVID-19 restrictions, athletes from the Grand Valley State University Rifle Club participated in three Orion Scoring System Monthly Virtual Matches in November. Orion's Monthly Virtual Matches are a fun way for users to compare scores with other teams and shooters from across the country. The air rifle competition consisted of 60 shots fired from the standing position at 10 meters. The smallbore competition consisted of 60 shots fired in prone, standing, and kneeling position at 50 feet. The air pistol competition consisted of 40 shots fired in the international standing position at 10 meters.

Leading the way in the air rifle event was senior Alexander Straith (Birmingham, Michigan). He posted a score of 573.1 (out of 654), good for tenth place overall. Straith was joined by senior Collin Fox (Grand Ledge, Michigan) in posting a team score of 1145.4, good for seventh place overall, despite being down a team member. Fox's 572.3 was good for 11^th place overall. 

Full Air Rifle Results

In smallbore, Straith led the Lakers with a score of 535 (out of 600). The score was good for first place. Fox finished third, with a score of 532. Together, they held on for a first-place team finish, besting Grand Rapids Rifle and Pistol Club 1067-978. 

Full Smallbore Results

Fox was one of only three competitors, and the only Laker, to shoot in the air pistol event. He posted a personal-best 263 (out of 400). 

Full Air Pistol Results

The mission of the GVSU Rifle Club is to provide students with the opportunity to participate in shooting sports, with an emphasis in smallbore rifle and precision air rifle. Students with all levels of skill are able to have a safe and enjoyable time at the shooting range while interacting with other students and shooting. All equipment, including rifles and ammunition, is provided. The club will resume in-person meetings at the Grand Rapids Rifle & Pistol Club (1331 Nagel Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509) on February 2, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. New members are welcome year-round.

Categories: Coed Sports Rifle
Posted on Permanent link for November Orion Monthly Virtual Matches Recap on November 30, 2020.

Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Quidditch on November 6, 2020

The Club Sports program at Grand Valley consists of a very diverse selection of sports, ranging from the most well-known sports to some hidden gems that you may have never heard of. One of these lesser-known sports provides one of the most unique experiences that Grand Valley can offer. Based on the fictional game created by J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, the sport of Quidditch blends elements of Rugby, Dodgeball, and Tag to create an increasingly popular sport being played around the world.

Quidditch is a mixed-gender sport that involves teams of seven members, with brooms between their legs, tasked with certain roles trying to outscore the opposing team. The roles on the team are one Seeker, three Chasers, two Beaters, and one Keeper. The Seeker is attempting to grab the Snitch, a valuable task worth 30 points that also signals the end of the game. The Chasers are attempting to score goals worth 10 points by sending the quaffle through any of the three hoops on the opposing team's side. On the defensive side, the Beaters are attempting to use balls called bludgers to disrupt the other team. Finally, the Keeper is defending the hoops, trying to deter the Chasers from scoring. Quidditch is a contact sport, bringing aggressive and exciting play throughout each game, making it equally thrilling to play and to watch.

The club at Grand Valley has been growing throughout the past few years. In the 2018-2019 season, they were the last remaining Great Lakes team at Nationals, showing the significant improvements the club has been making. The club continues to strive to improve, with the goal of making it to Nationals every year. The Quidditch club also has a growing reputation of being one of the most friendly and welcoming teams. 

The president of the club said that "the sport might be based on Harry Potter, but we are so much more than that. This is a legitimate full-time commitment with an incredibly welcoming environment where you can make friends across the Great Lakes region." The Quidditch club is very welcoming, offering tryouts for people of any skill level, making it a sport that anyone can be a part of. 

Quidditch is not a one size fits all sport. Whether you are looking for people with a similar interest to you, a new sport to try, or just want to be part of something new and unique, Quidditch will have something to offer you. 

Written by Trent Barker, GVSU Student

Categories: Club Sport Feature Coed Sports Quidditch
Posted on Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Quidditch on November 6, 2020.

Permanent link for Rifle Wins Pair of Orion Monthly Virtual Matches on November 4, 2020

WYOMING, MI – The Grand Valley State University Rifle Club participated in two Orion Scoring System Monthly Virtual Matches in October. Orion's Monthly Virtual Matches are a fun way for users to compare scores with other teams and shooters from across the country. The air rifle competition consisted of 60 shots fired from the standing position at 10 meters. The smallbore competition consisted of 60 shots fired in prone, standing, and kneeling position at 50 feet. 

Leading the way in the air rifle event was junior Aliah Lloyd (Kalamazoo, Michigan). She posted a score of 591.3 (out of 654), good for second place overall. Lloyd was joined by senior Alexander Straith (Birmingham, Michigan), and junior Cassie Coulston-Gerigk (Livonia, Michigan), in posting a team score of 1759.6, good for first place overall.  Straith finished fourth with a score of 588.8 and Coulston-Gerigk posted a score of 579.5 good for fifth place. 

Full Air Rifle Results

In smallbore, Lloyd led the Lakers with a score of 542 (out of 600). The score was good for first place. Straith finished second, with a score of 534. Collin Fox (Grand Ledge, Michigan) posted a score of 533, finishing third. Together, they finished first place as a team with 1609 (out of 1800).

Full Smallbore Results

The mission of the GVSU Rifle Club is to provide students with the opportunity to participate in shooting sports, with an emphasis in smallbore rifle and precision air rifle. Students with all levels of skill are able to have a safe and enjoyable time at the shooting range while interacting with other students and shooting. All equipment, including rifles and ammunition, is provided. The club meets Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. and Thursdays 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. this semester at the Grand Rapids Rifle & Pistol Club (1331 Nagel Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509). New members are welcome year-round.

Up next, Laker shooters will be shooting in the Snow Country English Match Series postal match on November 5^th.

Categories: Coed Sports Rifle
Posted on Permanent link for Rifle Wins Pair of Orion Monthly Virtual Matches on November 4, 2020.

Permanent link for Western Intercollegiate Rifle Conference October Recap on November 2, 2020

WYOMING, MICHIGAN – The GVSU Rifle Club began the five-month Western Intercollegiate Rifle Conference season in October. The conference is currently composed of 14 teams from the Midwest and East Coast. Member schools include Bowling Green State University, Clemson University, Georgia Military College, Grand Valley State University, Hillsdale College, Liberty University, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, North Dakota State University, Purdue University, University of Akron, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin-Superior, and Wabash College. In the regular season, the schools compete in monthly postal matches in three-position smallbore rifle and precision air rifle. A postal match is a competition in which competitors fire separately on their home ranges and exchange scores. Four predesignated shooters contribute towards the overall team score. 

Air Rifle Individual:

11. Aliah Lloyd                                      563 (out of 600)

16. Alexander Straith                             557

18. Cassie Coulston-Gerigk                    555

20. Collin Fox                                        548

28. Mark VanEvery                                525

34. John Martin                                     505

Air Rifle Team:

1.North Dakota State University          2285 (out of 2400)

2.University of Akron                         2267

3.University of Michigan                     2227

4.Grand Valley State University           2223

5.Liberty University                            2147

6.Georgia Military College                  2084

7.Hillsdale College                              1634

T-8. Bowling Green State University       DNF

T-8. Clemson University                         DNF

T-8. Michigan State University               DNF

T-8. Michigan Technological University   DNF

T-8. Purdue University                           DNF

T-8. University of Wisconsin-Superior     DNF

T-8. Wabash College                              DNF

Smallbore Individual:

7.  Alexander Striath                              553 (out of 600)

10. Collin Fox                                        543

11. Aliah Lloyd                                      543

23. Cassie Coulston-Gerigk                    506

25. John Martin                                     498

32. Mark VanEvery                                441

Smallbore Team: 

1.North Dakota State University          2222 (out of 2400)

2.Liberty University                            2175

3.University of Akron                        2167

4.Grand Valley State University           2145

5.University of Michigan                    2106

6.Georgia Military College                  1824

T-7. Bowling Green State University       DNF

T-7. Clemson University                         DNF

T-7. Hillsdale College                             DNF

T-7. Michigan State University               DNF

T-7. Michigan Technological University   DNF

T-7. Purdue University                           DNF

T-7. University of Wisconsin-Superior     DNF

T-7. Wabash College                              DNF

Full GVSU Smallbore Results

The mission of the GVSU Rifle Club is to provide students with the opportunity to participate in shooting sports, with an emphasis in smallbore rifle and precision air rifle. Students with all levels of skill are able to have a safe and enjoyable time at the shooting range while interacting with other students and shooting. All equipment, including rifles and ammunition, is provided. The club will resume in-person activities on February 1, 2021. New members will be accepted at that time. 

Categories: Coed Sports Rifle
Posted on Permanent link for Western Intercollegiate Rifle Conference October Recap on November 2, 2020.

Permanent link for GVSU Sweeps Suny Plattsburgh in Pair of Virtual Rifle Matches on October 28, 2020

WYOMING, MI – The Grand Valley State University Rifle Club participated in a postal match against the State University of New York at Plattsburgh Marksmanship Club in the month of October. A postal match is a competition in which the competitors fire separately on their home range and exchange scores. The teams faced off in three-position smallbore rifle (60 shots fired in the prone, standing, and kneeling positions) and precision air rifle (60 shots fired in the standing position). 

In the smallbore team competition, the Lakers defeated the Cardinals by 196 points, 2131 to 1935 (out of 2400). In the air rifle team competition, the Lakers prevailed 2184 to 1963 (out of 2400). The aggregate team scores were calculated by the top four individual scores on each roster. Combined, the Lakers defeated the Cardinals by 387 points.  

In the smallbore individual competition, the Lakers occupied the top two spots. The top shooter, Aliah Lloyd (Kalamazoo, Michigan), posted a score of 564 (out of 600), a personal best. Alexander Straith (Birmingham, Michigan) was the runner-up with a score of 538. Collin Fox (Grand Ledge, Michigan) finished fourth with a score of 519. Cassie Coulston-Gerigk (Livonia, Michigan) shot a 510 for fifth place. The top Cardinal shooter, Peter O'Donnell (Newcomb, New York), finished third with a score of 521.

Straith led all competitors in air rifle with a score of 558 (out of 600). Coulston-Gerigk finished second with a score of 556. Fox shot a 546 for third place. Rounded out the Laker team, John Martin (Howell, Michigan) shot a 524 for fourth place. The top Cardinal shooter, O'Donnell, finished fifth with a score of 518.

The Lakers are coached by Head Coach Cameron Zwart and Assistant Coach Timothy Schmeltzer. The Cardinals are coached by Head Coach Peter Visconti.  

Full GVSU Results

The mission of the GVSU Rifle Club is to provide students with the opportunity to participate in shooting sports, with an emphasis in smallbore rifle and precision air rifle. Students with all levels of skill are able to have a safe and enjoyable time at the shooting range while interacting with other students and shooting. All equipment, including rifles and ammunition, is provided. The club meets Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Thursdays 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. this semester at the Grand Rapids Rifle & Pistol Club (1331 Nagel Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509). New members are welcome year-round.

Up next, the Lakers will be wrapping up the Western Intercollegiate Rifle Conference October postal matches.  

Categories: Coed Sports Rifle
Posted on Permanent link for GVSU Sweeps Suny Plattsburgh in Pair of Virtual Rifle Matches on October 28, 2020.

Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Women's Lacrosse on October 27, 2020

GVSU's Club Sports program has a long history of athletic and academic excellence. This is shown in no better way than by the Women's Lacrosse Club. The club holds a strong reputation among the club sports at Grand Valley and looks to continue its success in the 2020-2021 season. 

The Women's Lacrosse team won the WCLL league for three straight years in 2017, 2018, and 2019 and also had 7 All-American/All-Academic players in the 2019 season. The club certainly sets the bar high when it comes to competing on the field and in the classroom. Club president, Beth Weizeorick, has impressive expectations coming into this season. "Our goal for the future is to place in the top 5 at nationals," said Beth. After placing 8th and 5th in 2018 and 2019 respectively, this goal is next on the list for the club.

While the Women's Lacrosse team remains successful competitively and academically, they still like to keep things fun throughout the season as a team. Beth Weizeorick says that she joined the team because of "the competitive atmosphere while making new friends who have a common interest" and practice also acts as a "stress reliever" at the end of the day. The culture that the club exudes is that it is a family away from home. 

With a comfortable culture and a family-like bond, the Women's Lacrosse Club is a perfect example of what it is like to be involved with club sports at GVSU. As a bridge between intramural and varsity sports, club sports allow students to participate in something they love as well as stay active and meet lifelong friends while maintaining a perfect balance between school and social life. 

Written by Tristen Szafranski, GVSU Student

Categories: Club Sport Feature Women's Lacrosse Women's Sports
Posted on Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Women's Lacrosse on October 27, 2020.

Permanent link for Semester Recap: Rifle Fall 2020 on October 19, 2020

WYOMING, MI – The Grand Valley State University Rifle Club participated in four virtual (postal) matches during the month of September. A virtual match is a competition in which competitors fire on their home ranges and exchange scores online. 

Orion Scoring System Monthly Virtual Matches

Air Rifle: The air rifle competition consisted of 60 shots fired from the standing position at 10 meters. In total, there were 64 individual and 24 team entries, including three individuals and one team from GVSU. Leading the way was Cassie Coulston-Gerigk (Livonia, Michigan) with a score of 580.0 (out of 654), good for 14^th place. Close behind was Collin Fox (Dimondale, Michigan) at 16^th place with a score of 573.2. John Martin (Howell, Michigan) was 24^thwith 536.2. The trio combined to finish sixth in the team match with a total of 1689.4.

Orion Air Rifle Full Results

Air Pistol: The air pistol consisted of 40 shots fired from 10 meters. John Martin was the lone Laker participant. He finished 15^th with a score of 270 (out of 400). He bested his previous high score by 13 points.

Orion Air Pistol Full Results

Smallbore: The smallbore competition consisted of 60 shots fired in kneeling, prone, and standing positions at 50 feet. Lakers were four of the 13 individual entries. Collin Fox shot a 500 (out of 600) for fifth place. Cassie Coulston-Gerigk was sixth with 498. John Martin shot 491 for seventh place. Combined, the trio finished second in the team event with a combined score of 1489. Mark VanEvery (White Lake, Michigan) shot a personal best 423 in his first air rifle match.

Orion Smallbore Full Results

Pandemic Postal

Air Rifle: Hosted by the Rio Salado Sportsman's Club (Mesa, Arizona), the match consisted of 60 shots fired from the standing position at 10 meters. In total, there were 96 competitors. The lone Laker entry was Collin Fox. He shot a 551 (out of 600) good for fourth in the open (21 and over) class and 46^th overall.

Air Rifle Full Results

The mission of the GVSU Rifle Club is to provide students with the opportunity to participate in shooting sports, with an emphasis in smallbore rifle and precision air rifle. Students with all levels of skill are able to have a safe and enjoyable time at the shooting range while interacting with other students and shooting. All equipment, including rifles and ammunition, is provided. The club meets Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Thursdays 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. this semester at the Grand Rapids Rifle & Pistol Club (1331 Nagel Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509). New members are welcome year-round.

Up next, the Lakers will be competing in a non-conference virtual match against SUNY Plattsburgh. 

Categories: Coed Sports Rifle
Posted on Permanent link for Semester Recap: Rifle Fall 2020 on October 19, 2020.

Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Men's Ice Hockey on October 7, 2020

The Men's Hockey Club team has had great success in the past. With eight Final Four appearances, finalist finishes in 2012, 2013, and 2018 with a National Championship in 2011, the team's ability to compete at the highest level is a staple of the program. Success is never met without challenge though. Earlier this year, it was announced that the Men's Hockey Club would be making the move up from ACHA Division 2 to ACHA Division 1 while continuing the ACHA Division 3 team as well. This challenge, however, is being met with open arms thanks to the team's commitment to building a great culture.

Coach Trosien believes that "you need great culture to get to the level our guys want to be at," which is why it has been such a big focus for the team. With goals of winning the conference, being regulars in the national tournament, and advancing in the tournament, work ethic has been a top priority. A dedication to working hard from each member of the team has been vital in the building of their culture. The team has built a sense of accountability between each other. The athletes work hard not only for their own success but for the good of each other and the whole team. That selfless commitment leads to everyone buying in, creating a culture that athletes dream of being a part of on such a high level. 

The determination being shown in training is instrumental to building their chemistry, but a second factor contributing to their growth is being shown off the ice. In recent years, the club has placed an emphasis on being engaged with local youth hockey by working in tournaments and coaching. It is a way for them to continue giving back to the game that they love. It is also helping the GV Hockey brand to grow into the community as they build up the program. The players and coaches have taken this opportunity to use their skills and platform to continue to try and build up the local hockey scene so that it will continue to grow for many years to come. 

Grand Valley's Men's Hockey Club is growing into something special. The commitment to culture within the team is showing huge dividends and will continue to do so. As the team continues to find new ways to improve themselves and the hockey community, the club will strive to set the bar higher and higher. With using their illustrious past to help them build a bright future in Division 1 and continuing the success of the Division 3 team, the Men's Hockey Club is the team collegiate hockey players should want to be on.

Written by Trent Barker, GVSU Student

This article has been edited. It was previously stated that they had gone to the national finals in 2019 when it was 2018. Our apologies for any confusion. 

Categories: Club Sport Feature Men's Ice Hockey Men's Sports
Posted on Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Men's Ice Hockey on October 7, 2020.

Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Rowing on September 29, 2020

Grand Valley State University's Club Sports teams have a long history of excellence. With a streak of at least one National Championship every year dating all the way back to 2004, winning has become a staple of the programs, but that is far from all they have to offer. 

Take for example the Rowing team. When asked what the team culture is like, the team's President said "Our team really is like a family, I have met all of my close friends in college through the club. We are a very upbeat and driven group of individuals, who strive to be not only the best athletes but the best teammates." That culture is what drives this multi-time National Championship program. The strong bonds of the team are a huge draw for people of any background. The team prides itself on welcoming anyone with open arms, striving to find a place for anyone who is interested whether they have experience or not. With this strong culture, they have also been able to experience one of the most unique opportunities Club Sports has to offer, with goals of reaching it again.

One of the main goals of the team is to get back to the Henley Royal Regatta. When they achieve this goal, members of the team embark on a trip to England to compete in the regatta, where they face off against some of the best teams in the world. The Henley Royal Regatta is the most well-known regatta in the world, making it an incredible event to be a part of. The team also strives to continue expanding its alumni network to open up more incredible and unique opportunities.

Along with the team's goals of reaching England again, they also get to experience some of the best areas West Michigan has to offer. With practice taking place on the Grand River, rowers get to explore incredible scenery and uncover some of the best-hidden gems the environment has to offer.

With over 40 sports available in total, Club Sports has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are looking to scratch that competitive itch, find a team with a rich background of success, create memories that last a lifetime, or anything in between, Grand Valley's Club Sports is the perfect place to look.

Written by Trent Barker, GVSU Student

Categories: Club Sport Feature Coed Sports Men's Sports Rowing Women's Sports
Posted on Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Rowing on September 29, 2020.