GRCC In the News, 9-11-19

GRCC now charging admission for basketball, volleyball games for scholarships

Sept. 10, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is now charging admission to volleyball and basketball games to raise funds for additional athletic scholarships.

How quitting helped Jordyn Gates become a Miss Volleyball finalist

Sept. 11, 2019; MLive

Grand Rapids Christian senior setter Jordyn Gates committed to play volleyball at the University of Arkansas when she was 14 years old.

… Gates will be the third daughter in her family to play college volleyball. Her oldest sister Taylor played at Grand Rapids Community College, and Maddy is now playing at Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne. Her brother Brent Gates Jr. played hockey at the University of Minnesota and her brother Brady, 10, is pursuing baseball.

GRCC In the News, 8-30-19

Morning News

Aug. 30, 2019; FOX 17

If you’re going to watch a sports game at Grand Rapids Community College, you’ll have to pay to get in. GRCC is now charging admission to volleyball and basketball games held at Ford Fieldhouse. It’ll cost $3 to get in for anyone 10 years old and up. But students and staff will still get in for free when they show their RaiderCard. You can also purchase season passes. Proceeds will help create additional athletic scholarships.

New Higher Education Programs Of 2019

Aug. 29, 2019; digitalmediasolutions.com

The downturn in undergraduate student enrollment at many universities is putting pressure on marketers to deliver. In this environment, higher education institutions are developing their programs to cater to the various needs of students and employers. Higher education marketers can reference the New Higher Education Programs of 2019 list to better understand their competition and focus on streamlining and improving their school’s programs.

… Precision Production

Welding Skills Certificate Program (CIP Code: 48.0508) – Grand Rapids Community College

This program will prepare students for entry-level positions over two semesters so they can enter jobs in the manufacturing, petroleum, aerospace, automation and medical fields.

GRCC In the News, 8-28-19

Heavy-metal ready

Aug. 27, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

Uniqua Sparks’ last name is fitting. While she’s welding heavy metal — mask on and fire blazing — the sparks fly.

… Sparks is a student in the first cohort of Metallica Scholars Introduction to Welding at Grand Rapids Community College. Fourteen students graduated Aug. 12 from the eight-week course held at the Tassell M-TEC, 622 Godfrey Ave. SW.

Dr. Bill Pink: Leading GRCC to be the Most Affordable, Quality Educational Option in the City

Aug. 28, 2019; Grander magazine

Dr. Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), grew up in Texas and lived in Oklahoma for 20 years before moving to Grand Rapids over four years ago. He describes this transition from the warmth of the south to the colder Michigan weather as one that has been mostly enjoyable for him, his wife, and teenage daughter, as they become a part of the West Michigan family.

Kathleen L. Bruinsma: Committed to Serving and Making Grand Rapids Truly Welcoming for All

Aug. 28, 2019; Grander magazine

Upon meeting Kathleen L. Bruinsma, local lawyer and member of the Board of Trustees at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), she was excited about sitting down with Grander Magazine for this Back to School edition. Discussing her background in law, Bruinsma’s passion for education and inclusion showed even more, as she spoke on both, particularly inclusion, relating it to the power structure in Grand Rapids, as well as the work and representation that needs to be achieved.

First Look Frenzy: Jefferson J-Hawks

Aug. 27, 2019; WIFR

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) — The hurdle is pretty high if you are the head coach of Jefferson football. Jake Arnold is getting his first chance to leap over it this season as he begins his stint as head coach of a program which has not had a winning season since 1993.

It’s been 25 seasons of losing football for the J-Hawks, who now have a winner on their side. While Arnold has been in the building for the last five years, the Plainfield North alum brings a positive mentality, after winning a national championship with Grand Rapids Community College. Arnold believes the talent is here to turn things around, especially with a team that was within one score in three of its 2018 losses.

Grand Valley State football addresses its Ferris State problem

Aug. 27, 2019; MLive

ALLENDALE – Grand Valley State has a distinguished football history in NCAA Division II, including four national championships, six title games, 19 NCAA playoff appearances and 17 conference titles.

… Before 2012, the Lakers had won 11 in a row and 14 of 15 against the Bulldogs, who weren’t even their top rival. That was Saginaw Valley State. But that changed quickly when Ferris State hired Tony Annese. He had success at high school (three state titles in 22 years) and junior college (two national titles in three years at Grand Rapids Community College), but he had never coached at the NCAA level.

GRCC In the News, 8-26-19

News 8 Daybreak

Aug. 26, 2019; WOOD TV

Prepare for a full morning commute as most schools are back in session as well as GVSU and GRCC today.

Change Ups: Hon to oversee F&V’s source water protection staff

Aug. 23, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College tapped Brian Knetl, interim provost at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, as provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs.

NJCAA: Southern Idaho, Coffeyville, Owens try to repeat as national champs

Aug. 25, 2019; volleyballmag.com

National Junior College Athletic Association volleyball is under way.

… NJCAA DIVISION 2

National champion — Coffeyville (1, 40-3): Coffeyville dispatched a second straight title game opponent with ease in 2018, but graduate the kids who fueled the title runs, including Adianez Reyes Rivera (5.75/kps, .384, 436 digs). The question will be whether returning libero Danielle Dodge (3.34/dpg) and middle Erianna Murray (175 kills, .359) can withstand what’s become a top-heavy Jayhawk Conference and rivals Johnson, Cowley, and Highland. Still, it’s a light early schedule with only two ranked teams on the docket for the first month, Highland and Lincoln Land.

… 6 — Grand Rapids (9, 31-8): 2018 is hard to judge for the Raiders, mostly because of coach Chip Will’s late-October health concern which sidelined him for a spell (though thankfully he has now recovered). The players to watch will be Lauren Jonker (MH, 124 kills, 95 blocks) and pin-hitter Danielle Johnston (322 kills, 247 digs). Expect entering setters Kailey Carmean and Tori Wolcott to press for playing time immediately. GRCC will face Kirkwood in their third match of the year and Parkland a week later, which should give a good indicator of whether the Raiders return to nationals this season.

LMU picked third in SAC preseason volleyball poll

Aug. 23, 2019; The Middlesboro Daily News

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The South Atlantic Conference announced its 2019 Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll Friday morning and the Lady Railsplitters of Lincoln Memorial University have been picked in a tie with Carson-Newman to finish third in the 12-team league.

… A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Northview HS), (Rylee) Storms returns for her senior campaign after capturing All-SAC Second Team accolades a season ago. Finishing the year with 311 kills (2.88/set), which ranked fifth in the league, the 6-foot hitter was named 2018 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division II Southeast All-Region honorable mention and collected SAC All-Tournament Team plaudits. Tallying 25 service aces to go along with her team-leading kills, Storms will begin the fall as LMU’s returning blocks leader after making 80 total in 2018. She also contributed 203 digs (1.88/set) a season ago and has racked up 544 kills (2.55/set) across the last two seasons of play after transferring to Harrogate from Grand Rapids Community College.

Coach Marcus Cribbs joins huddle at Mount Clemens High

Aug. 23, 2019; The Macomb Daily

Don Williams loves football.

… (Marcus) Cribbs starred at Lake Shore, was a junior college All American at Grand Rapids Community College and then went out to have two outstanding seasons at Ferris State University. A defensive lineman, he was invited to a rookie mini-camp tryout by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival in Grand Rapids Features Music, Food and Demos This Weekend

Aug. 23, 2019; therapidian.org

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of its annual Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival, the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids has turbocharged the free event this upcoming weekend with top notch entertainment and demonstrations of Polish cooking, dance and crafts.

… The Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival is the major fundraiser for the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, a non-profit organization founded in 1963 to perpetuate and advance the Polish culture that has been so integral to metro Grand Rapids. Among a number of its activities, the society awards scholarships annually to students of Polish descent who attend Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Davenport University.

Fall athletics competition begins at Kellogg Community College

Aug. 23, 2019; WBCK

Kellogg Community College has brought back one sport this fall that will be a welcome addition to the two other sports set to begin their fall schedules this weekend.

… The Volleyball squad is looking to improve on an 8-16 record last season, where the Lady Bruins won seven straight matches over a two-week stretch. Former Pennfieldhead coach Tom VanWienen returns to the sidelines for his third year at Kellogg, and brings in a young group of just four sophomores and eight freshman. The returning players include Jackie Mason and Madison Ducheney (Marshall), Abigail Howard (Delton) and Madison Jones (Hillsdale). Other local talents include Haidyn Markos (Lakeview), Gabby Costello (Bellevue) and Grace Hall (Pennfield). Their schedule begins August 29th with their second season in the new Miller Gymnasium.

… Thursday, September 12th – *Grand Rapids Community College – 6:30pm

… The second season of Cross Country begins for the Bruins, coming from a successful debut in the MCCAA. The two squads will look to keep their momentum after both squads reached the last season’s National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Championships. The largest individual success came from Maggie Wood (Lakeview), who was named NJCAA Division III Second Team All-American, and Kyle Strong (Vicksburg) earning NJCAA Division III All-American Honorable Mention honors. Erin Lane returns as head coach for the Bruins, who begin their season August 30th.

… Friday, September 20th – *Grand Rapids Community College Meet – TBA

New Lothrop graduate competes at GRCC

Autumn Severn

Sophomore Autumn Severn competed in her second season for Grand Rapids Community College. Severn played and started in all 39 matches for the Raiders this season. Severn led the Raiders in assists (1,0001), 3rd on the team in digs (313) and 5th on the team in service aces (26). Severn helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships and an overall finish of 31-8. In addition to excelling on the court, Severn excelled in the classroom. She was named a 2nd Team NJCAA Academic All-Academic as well as academic All-MCCAA and academic All-Conference.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

GRCC In the News, 8-19-19

First GRCC Students to Receive Metallica Scholarship Graduate

Aug. 18, 2019; WGRD

More than a dozen students got recently graduated from Grand Rapids Community College, and it’s thanks in part to Metallica.

Greta Van Fleet to join Metallica on South American tour

8/17/19 WZZM

Michigan rock band Greta Van Fleet are joining a legendary metal band on a South American tour.

… GRCC was one of 10 colleges selected nationwide for the Metallica Scholars grant. The first class to benefit from the grant graduated on Monday.

1,000 expected to gather Sunday for annual Blessing of the Students

Aug. 17, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – More than a thousand people are expected to attend the annual Blessing of the Students on Sunday, Aug. 18, at Grand Rapids Christian High School Eagles Stadium.

… Event speakers include: Interim Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Ronald Gorman, Grand Rapids Christians Schools Superintendent Tom DeJonge, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne, Catholic Schools Superintendent David Faber, Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink, and Kuyper College President Patricia Harris.

Bay College announces nine Men’s Basketball recruits

Aug. 16, 2019; uppermichiganssource.com

ESCANABA, Mi. — Bay College has announced a nine-player recruiting class for the 2019-2020 Men’s Basketball Team. Six of the nine players are from the U.P. or surrounding area.

… The Norse return 5 letter winners from last season’s roster and open the 2019-20 regular season at Grand Rapids Community College on Friday, November 1, while their first home contest will be on Monday, November 18 when they host UW-Marinette at 8pm.

GRCC In the News, 8-15-19

First Grand Rapids Community College Students to Receive Metallica Scholarship Graduate

Aug. 14, 2019; Yahoo News

From heavy metal to welding metal Grand Rapids Community College graduated more than a dozen people Monday thanks to Metallica.

Transitions: Tarleton State U. Names Finalist for President, Millersville U. Selects Chief Diversity Officer

Aug. 14, 2019; The Chronicle of Higher Education

… CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICERS

Appointments

… Brian Knetl, interim provost at Harper College, has been named provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College.

Football Position Breakdown: Pass Catchers

Aug. 15, 2019; The Eastern Echo (Eastern Michigan University’s student newspaper)

The wide receiving group for the Eagles is one of the most talented in the MAC as EMU has 16 receivers on the depth chart. The collective is as follows: Line Latu, Isaac Holder, Hassan Beydoun, Michael Thompson, Keyan Marshall, Tanner Knue, De’Anthony Ball, Amir Spivey, Joe Nowden, Eddie Daugherty IV, Noah Cameron, Dylan Drummond, Quian Williams, Logan Giordano, Matthew Sexton and Arthur Jackson III.

… Gunnar Oakes is also returning at the tight end position. He caught 11 passes, compiled 143 yards and scored one touchdown in 11 games. He started three games. The other three tight ends are Tre’Shown Fields, Bryson Cannon and Bryce Kemp. Fields is a senior out of Grand Rapids Community College. Cannon and Kemp are from South Carolina and Iowa, respectively, and will look to carve out time on the field.

The Ticker

Aug. 15, 2019; uni-watch.com (uniform blog)

… NBA News: Embarrassing move by the Bulls — it appears the ad patch on their jerseys will no longer be in a matching team color. Awful (from Ryan Cotter). … Pariah Brewing Company in San Diego has a beer named after LeBron James (from Andrew Cosentino). … New uniforms for Grand Rapids Community College. … Andy Bronson, a alumni from Plattsburgh State in New York, saw a post from his alma mater that showed a lacrosse team mostly made up of Plattsburgh alums wearing jerseys inspired by the 1990s Utah Jazz.

GRCC In the News, 8-14-19

GRCC graduates first Metallica Scholars from its welding program

Aug. 13, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Krista Steffens says that the heavy metal band Metallica has changed the trajectory of her life.

Steffens, 28, a married mother of two, graduated Monday, Aug. 12, from a Grand Rapids Community College welding program as a Metallica Scholar. She said she has a new, higher paying job with benefits as a welding fabricator.

First Metallica Scholars grads

Aug. 9, 2019; Community College Daily

Edwin Ponce Juarez went to work in a distribution center warehouse after graduating from high school, but he knew there were opportunities for better-paying jobs in the professional trades.

He became a “Metallica Scholar,” gaining in-demand skills through the welding program at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in Michigan.

GRCC receives national grant initiative to increase registered apprenticeship opportunities, help students gain an education, on-the-job training

Aug. 13, 2019; La Prensa

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, August 6, 2019:  Grand Rapids Community College has been awarded a $140,000 grant to participate in a national effort to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities, helping students gain a quality education in addition to on-the-job training in a rewarding career.

Jets Sign Veteran CB Marcus Cooper, Waive TE Nick Truesdell

Aug. 13, 2019; newyorkjets.com

The Jets have signed seventh-year cornerback Marcus Cooper and waived TE Nick Truesdell.

… The well-traveled Truesdell, who played collegiately at Cincinnati and also attended Grand Rapids Community College, most recently signed with the Jets on Aug. 10. He previously signed with the Jets on Aug. 4 before being released two days later. Truesdell had a couple of stints in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and multiple stops in the Arena Football League (AFL) and had brief stays with the Colts and the Vikings and most recently played with the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance for American Football.

Warner’ Rodney Martin honored on distinguished roster of ’16 Over 60’

Aug. 14, 2019; legalnews.com

A model of excellence, Warner Norcross + Judd attorney Rodney D. Martin is well-suited to be in the class of 16 Over 60 honorees.

… Over and above that, Martin’s work on diversity and inclusion has resulted in receiving the Grand Rapids Bar Association President’s Award and, as part of the Rosa Parks Sculpture Committee, the 2012 William Glenn Trailblazer Award, part of the Grand Rapids Community College Giants Awards.

GRCC In the News, 8-13-19

First GRCC students to receive Metallica scholarship graduate

Aug. 12, 2019; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College sent more than a dozen people out into the world of work Monday, and it’s all thanks to Metallica.

Metallica Scholars celebrate their graduation from GRCC

Aug. 12, 2019; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — “I was actually in housekeeping at a hotel and I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” says Uniqua Sparks.

That’s when the mother of three heard about the Metallica Scholars program at Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC welding graduates: ‘Thank you, Metallica’

Aug. 12, 2019; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The first students whose welding education at Grand Rapids Community College was made possible by heavy metal band Metallica graduated Monday night.

Newsmakers

Aug. 12, 2019; Community College Daily

… Appointments

… Brian Knetl is the next provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College (Michigan). He is currently interim provost at Harper College in Illinois. Knetl previously was Harper College’s associate provost for academic affairs, dean of liberal arts and founding associate dean of the Center for Adjunct Faculty Engagement.

Faces of Ferris: Ryan Hodges

Aug. 12, 2019; ferris.edu

The excellent level of success offered by Ferris State University’s football team in the last seven seasons has made other college programs watchful, and active in their attempts to emulate those achievements.

… “Coach Brady and I had a decade of working together with Coach Annese from our days at Grand Rapids Community College then on to Ferris,” (Ryan) Hodges said. “For four of the previous five seasons, we shared the coordinator’s duties on defense and divided up administrative roles and other behind-the-scenes work for the program. After combining much of my effort with Ryan, it called for some quick adjustment, since I now have more responsibilities.”

GRCC In the News, 8-12-19

New Provost Named at Grand Rapids Community College

Aug. 9, 2019; ccnewsnow.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Brian Knetl will be Grand Rapids Community College’s next provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs, President Bill Pink announced Thursday, Aug. 8.

Street Talk: Patriotic partners prosper

Aug. 9, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… On the job

Grand Rapids Community College has been awarded a $140,000 grant to participate in a national effort to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities.

Northview unveils alternative schooling program

Aug. 9, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Northview Public Schools is launching an alternative high school program to expand career pathways and flexible learning options.

… Some students will spend time at Leslie E. Tassell M-Tech at Grand Rapids Community College. Others will spend their time with companies or other organizations.

Jets Sign TE Nick Truesdell, Waive CB Derrick Jones

Aug. 10, 2019; newyorkjets.com

The Jets have signed tight end Nick Truesdell and waived cornerback Derrick Jones.

The well-traveled Truesdell, who played collegiately at Cincinnati and also attended Grand Rapids Community College, first signed with the Jets Aug. 4 before he was released two days after. He had a couple of stints in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and multiple stops in the Arena Football League (AFL) and had brief stays with the Colts and the Vikings and most recently played with the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance for American Football. The 6’5”, 246-pounder combined to catch 127 balls for 1,527 yards with 38 touchdowns in the AFL.

New J-Hawks coach treating Jefferson like a ‘startup’

Aug. 11, 2019; Rockford Register Star (Ill.)

ROCKFORD – In November 1993, Jefferson was finishing up its eighth playoff season in the previous nine years under football coach Joe Blume.

… “I don’t care about the history. (Winning) has to happen sooner or later,” said (Jacob) Arnold, a Plainfield North graduate who played football at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan and the College of DuPage before finishing up at Rockford University.

GRCC In the News, 8-7-19

GRCC earns grant to grow apprenticeships as part of federal push

Aug. 6, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College received a three-year, $140,000 grant to grow registered apprenticeships for students and support the local workforce, as part of a federal effort to expand apprenticeships.

Muskegon semi-pro football player is heart and soul, just like in Big Reds days

Aug. 7, 2019; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI – Even though his Muskegon High School football-playing days concluded more than 10 years ago, some things have not changed about Jason Hannett.

… Hannett has emerged as one of the leaders for the Mustangs. After his Big Reds career ended, Hannett played one season at Grand Rapids Community College under Annese. He spent a stint playing semi-pro ball for the Grand Rapids Force. Last year, while living in Texas, he played for the Dallas Bulldogs. His mother moved to Texas when Hannett was in 10th grade, and he went down there for a bit to broaden his horizons.

Lowell High School graduates compete at GRCC

Jacob Wosinski

Mackenzie North

Sophomore Jacob Wosinski finished his second season playing baseball for the GRCC Raiders. Wosinski played in 11 games recording 80 strikeouts, 53 innings, and 4.62 ERA. At the conclusion of the season, Wosinski was named 2nd team All-Western Conference. In addition to excelling on the field, Wosinski excelled in the classroom where he was named Academic All-Western Conference. Wosinski has committed to play baseball at the University of Akron.

Freshman Mackenzie North finished her first season playing softball for the GRCC Raiders. North placed in 18 games making 17 starts this season. During those games, North recorded 15 hits, 5 rbi, 2 doubles, 1 triple and 1 home run, while recording a .300 batting percentage.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

East Grand Rapids graduate competes for GRCC

Cooper Bell

Freshman Cooper Bell finished his first season competing for the GRCC Raiders golf team. Bell helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Regional Championship, where the Raiders qualified and competed in the NJCAA Division II National Championship and finished 14th overall. Bell received many post season awards, following his freshman season. He was named MCCAA Western Conference All-Freshman Team, MCCAA Western Conference Freshman of the Year, All-Conference, a conference medalist, All MCCAA, All Region, All-Region Medalist and PING all-region. In addition to excelling on the golf course, Bell excelled in the classroom as he was named Academic All-Western Conference.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

GRCC In the News, 8-5-19

Change Ups: Wierich appointed to separate art positions

Aug. 2, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College launched a new degree in pre-sports management. Students who complete the associate program can then transfer to complete a Bachelor of Science in sports management at Grand Valley State University.

Jets Sign TE Nick Truesdell, Waive OL Tyler Jones

Aug. 4, 2019; newyorkjets.com

The Jets made a pair of moves Sunday, signing TE Nick Truesdell and waiving OL Tyler Jones.

The well-traveled Truesdell, who played collegiately at Cincinnati and also attended Grand Rapids Community College, had a couple of stints in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and multiple stops in the Arena Football League (AFL). He also had brief stays with the Colts and the Vikings and most recently played with the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance for American Football. The 6’5”, 246-pounder combined to catch 127 balls for 1,527 yards with 38 touchdowns in the AFL.

Tough spring took a toll, but mid-Michigan generational farmer hopeful

Aug. 4, 2019; The Hastings Banner

Tim Stuart is a 36-year-old farmer who manages approximately 750 acres that he shares with his dad.

… Stuart attended Grand Rapids Community College and earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology, but he returned to the farm with his father.

Memorial tourney going strong in 14th year

Aug, 4, 2019; The Hastings Banner

It has been long enough now that the young men and women chosen to receive the Emily Duits Memorial Scholarship Award, for a graduating senior at Lakewood High School each spring, don’t have their own memories of Duits.

… She’ll (Savannah Stoepker) use the award towards her coming years at Grand Rapids Community College, where she will be a member of the women’s softball team. She has plans right now to study towards a degree in secondary education, eventually moving on to a school like Grand Valley State University.

Greenville High School graduates compete at GRCC

Mackenzie Larsen

Calvin Syrjala

Sophomore Calvin Syrjala competed in his second season for the GRCC Raiders baseball team. This season Syrjala started in 42 of the Raiders 43 games, while batting .328 with 41 hits, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 6 home runs and 35 rbi’s. Syrjala was named 2nd team all conference and was also named NJCAA Region XII DII Golden Glove team. In addition to excelling on the field, Syrjala was named academic All-MCCAA and academic All-Conference. Calvin has committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Concordia University.

Sophomore Mackenzie Larsen competed in her second season for the GRCC Raiders baseball team. Larsen played in 38 games, making 37 starts. Recorded a .907 fielding %. Larsen also recorded a 2.06 batting percentage, recording 21 hits, and 3 doubles.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com