Grand Rapids Reporter

Ferris State University's 42nd annual Football Golf Outing, held on June 22 at Clear Lake Golf Club near Big Rapids, was once again a major success, attracting a sellout crowd. The four-person shotgun scramble, sponsored by the FSU Gridiron Club in conjunction with the Bulldog Athletic Association (BAA), is one of the primary fundraising events for the Ferris State football program.

Returning to Clear Lake for the 11th consecutive year, the event saw a strong turnout with a full course. It has played a significant role in supporting FSU's nine consecutive NCAA postseason playoff appearances.

The event featured pregame speeches from FSU President Dr. Bill Pink, Athletics Director Steve Brockelbank, and head coach Tony Annese. Despite drizzly and rainy conditions during parts of the day, participants completed their rounds of golf. Former head coaches Keith Otterbein and Jeff Pierce also attended, representing 38 consecutive years of Bulldog head coaches along with Annese. The day concluded with a cocktail hour, dinner, and an awards ceremony.

Looking ahead to their 115th season of varsity competition this fall, Ferris State aims for its 10th consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II Playoffs. The Bulldogs have made five national semifinal appearances and three trips to the national championship game in recent years, securing back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. They are ranked fourth nationally in Lindy's Sports Division II Football Preseason National Rankings for 2024.

Over the past three seasons, Ferris State boasts a 36-4 overall record and has reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs nine times consecutively. They have also advanced to the NCAA Division II National Semifinals five times in seven seasons and hold an impressive overall record of 63-6 over the last four seasons.

Under head coach Tony Annese since 2012, Ferris State holds the best mark in GLIAC and Michigan collegiate programs with an overall record of 123-20 (.860). The Bulldogs will open their 2024 season at Pittsburg State on August 31 and will host their home opener against Lake Erie on September 7 at Top Taggart Field.