Big Rapids celebrates the Ferris National Soccer Championship
BIG RAPIDS – Despite the heavy lake-effect snow, downtown Big Rapids was bustling with activity Saturday afternoon to celebrate the Ferris State Football Team’s second straight national title.
Despite cold winds and intermittent heavy snowfall, several Ferris teams highlighted by the two-time defending champions were celebrated Saturday, March 18 in downtown Big Rapids with speeches from Mayor Fred Guenther, head football coach Tony Annese. Ferris State President Bill Pink, athletic director Steve Brockelbank and starting quarterback Mylik Mitchell.
Mayor Guenther delivered a statement of appreciation for the team’s successful season and national title win through the Colorado School of Mines.
“We have to thank this football team for putting us back on the map,” said Mayor Fred Günther.
Head Coach Tony Annese thanked several people on stage, from his many other staff coaches, to the mayor for the parade, to Rob Bentley, Ferris’ director of media information, for his help in coordinating this celebration.
“You probably didn’t expect to be celebrating a national championship in March and making it snow, but I think it’s a classic for Ferris State and the brave people who come out here and support us to come to this parade ‘ said Annese.
University President Bill Pink was also in attendance and during this speech he explained that both the success of this program and the things that are happening in the community are helping to put Big Rapids on the map.
“This is us, Big Rapids, Michigan. If you watch the national championship game and they talk about Ferris State,” Pink said. “They talk about history and tradition. Then they talk about Big Rapids and they say it’s up there in Big Rapids, Michigan. Three quarters of people said they have no idea where it is. And that’s okay because of programs like this, programs at our university, things that have happened in this community that have always helped put this city on the map. And with what the city is doing for this region, it puts itself on the map.”
Quarterback Mylik Mitchell thanked all supporters in his speech and said he’s looking forward to playing a third season for the Bulldogs in 2023.
“It felt cold for one, but it felt great to see all the faces. All the kids, that’s the coolest thing about talking to them, learning about them, and some of them want to play football like us, so it’s just cool to come out and see the fans that support us day to day. ” Mitchel said. “It’s one of the dreams of playing a sport like this, to have these fans.”
Shops throughout the community were open throughout the day to celebrate Ferris State’s achievements.
