Falcon Insider with Derek van der Merwe: September 12
9/12/2024
Important news happening in and around Bowling Green Athletics compiled by Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe. This Falcon Insider shares upcoming dates to remember and news to be aware of in regards to Bowling Green State University Athletics.
Dear Falcon Family,
What an exciting start to the 2024-2025 academic year! The most important story is the unbelievable momentum Bowling Green State University is experiencing in admissions and retention. First-time student enrollment has increased by 22 percent over the past two years. Nearly 3,950 students entered this fall, boasting the highest grade point average in school history with a 3.69 GPA and a median ACT score of 25.1. This is one of the largest freshman classes in our institution’s history. The University is also experiencing a second consecutive year of record-high retention. Recently, the Wall Street Journal honored BGSU as the No. 3 public university overall in the U.S. that students would choose again for their education. The same publication ranked BGSU as the No. 1 public university in Ohio for the student experience. Click here to read more about these honors.
This momentum is also propelling BGSU athletics forward. BGSU Athletics continues to clearly define its role in supporting the growth and success of this great University. Last weekend, our Falcon football team took the No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions late into the fourth quarter before the game was decided. An estimated 1 million households of future Falcon students, alumni, fans, and donors around the country witnessed what we in Bowling Green, Ohio, already know and appreciate: we can compete in sports, academics, student success, job placement, and student engagement with the best universities across the country.
Just a week before, the Falcons told the BGSU story on the national stage when Justin Pegues ran past a sea of 4,000 students and 440 band members to return the opening kickoff of the 2024 season for a school-record 100 yards. The story may have been about the big kick return, but everyone noticed the stands filled with students, band members, and fans, showing that BGSU is thriving. In addition to earning an ESPN Top 10 Play of the Day and the “Best Thing” ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt saw, this play received national media attention from industry analysts and commentators across the country, generating over 5.4 million media impressions from this single play in a great win over Fordham.
Each day, BGSU Athletics plays an important part in the story of why being a Falcon is so special—from the big games and plays to the emotional moments that transcend sports. On August 30, the BGSU volleyball team opened its 2024 season on the new Mo and Jon Stansbery Court in the Stroh Center with a win against Chicago State. Donated by the Stansbery family, the new state-of-the-art Taraflex volleyball court represents a significant step forward for our nationally competitive program. This program has created a culture of excellence, propelled by fans, donors, alumni, and supporters who expect and support success. Head Coach Danijela Tomic continues to be the catalyst for these expectations and outcomes. While winning this game was rewarding, the best part of the weekend was witnessing the special bond between the coaches, team, and the Stansbery family. In the pursuit of championships and wins, we never lose sight of the profound impact we have on the community we serve.
Another memorable celebration this past month was the dedication of 13 granite distance markers at our Mel Brodt Cross Country Course. Bowling Green State University boasts one of the best cross-country courses in the region, and one of the few located on a university campus. The markers indicate both mile and kilometer distances throughout the course, and we couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our tremendous donors, including Sid Sink, Dave Wottle, Larry Couchot, Amanda Decker, Dick Elsasser, Bob McOmber, and Jodi and Scot Smith. The dedication ceremony took place during the Mel Brodt High School Cross Country Meet, which featured over 1,000 high school athletes and attracted several thousand spectators. These markers are part of a continued investment from our alumni, which has also included the finish line project and the Mel Brodt plaque. Naming opportunities for markers still exists and you can contact Dan Meyer, our Senior Associate AD for Resource Development, by emailing him at dbmeyer@bgsu.edu for more information.
Another example of this profound community impact is our men’s soccer program. Entering last Saturday’s match against nationally ranked Butler University, the team had lost only one game. They earned an important victory, building momentum. However, the story is about the community of students, fans, youth, faculty, and staff who rally to support this program at every game. Head Coach Eric Nichols has worked tirelessly with his teams, staff, alumni, supporters, and family to build a soccer community in Bowling Green through camps, clinics, volunteerism, and other engagements. After each win, individuals flood the field to celebrate with the student-athletes, demonstrating the bond between our players and the community that values and appreciates these personal relationships that have been forged.
We have also seen the women’s golf team start with momentum, placing second at Central Michigan’s A-Ga-Ming Invitational to open the season, followed by a fifth place finish out of 16 teams at Kansas State’s Powercat Invitational this past weekend. This is the first time since the 2018-19 season that the Falcons have finished in the Top 5 in consecutive tournaments to start a season. Sammie Dolce finished in seventh place at CMU’s tournament, and Ava O’Sullivan did the same at Kansas State’s tournament to lead the Falcons.
Since my last communication, BGSU Athletics has introduced the newest member of our coaching staff: Head Gymnastics Coach Brittney Emmons. Emmons, who joins us from William & Mary, where she was the ECAC Assistant Coach of the Year, is no stranger to the Mid-American Conference. As a gymnast at Ball State, Emmons was named MAC Senior Gymnast of the Year in 2013 and earned trips to three NCAA Regionals as an all-arounder. As a teammate, leader, and coach, she has effectively supported the building and sustaining of a winning culture. I am excited to partner with her in building a successful program at BGSU.
Looking ahead, we are excited to tell many more remarkable stories this season. This will be a notable year for BGSU Athletics! There are so many reasons to return to campus and experience the great momentum shaping and pushing this University.
As part of our 2024 Homecoming celebration, BGSU invites the community to enjoy a free pre-game concert featuring country music star Phil Vassar, with local saxophonist and BGSU alum Michael Williams opening at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Doyt Perry Stadium. Phil Vassar’s reign of signature songs includes 10 No. 1 singles and 27 Top 40 hits.
The free 90-minute concert in Tailgate Park, just south of The Doyt, will lead to the Homecoming football matchup against Old Dominion. After the concert, the community is invited to watch the Falcons take on the Monarchs, with a kickoff set for 5 p.m. and a free fireworks show following the game.
Vassar, who made his name as a chart-topping songwriter before landing a record deal and becoming a hit-making artist, headlines an exciting Homecoming week that will celebrate “One University, Countless Experiences” for alumni and community members alike. For more information on the 2024 BGSU Homecoming, visit BGSU.edu/homecoming.
We have kicked off Homecoming week in recent years with our annual Falcon Club Fall Sports Luncheon, and this year we are keeping that tradition alive. The luncheon will be held at Stone Ridge Golf Club (1553 Muirfield Drive, Bowling Green) on Monday, September 23rd, with doors opening at 11:45 a.m. and the program starting at noon. Our speakers include head coaches from Football (Scot Loeffler), Volleyball (Danijela Tomic), Men’s Soccer (Eric Nichols), Women’s Soccer (Chris Fox), and Cross Country (Lou Snelling). We will also have a panel of student-athletes who will share their stories and insights from their experiences at BGSU. RSVPs are already at a record pace, so please register and join us for this afternoon of fellowship and a great lunch as a Falcon community! Please click here to register.
Many of you are also aware that our hockey program is set to start its season in early October. The renovations to the Slater Family Ice Arena are nearly complete, and I know many of you are eager to experience the upgrades. On Wednesday, October 2, at 6 p.m., we are inviting all Falcon hockey fans to an “Open House” at the arena to see the improvements firsthand. We will provide guided group tours and offer the opportunity to interact with coaches, staff, and student-athletes. Following the “Open House,” we will host a private reception in the Center Ice Lounge for season ticket holders. Click here for more information.
Please join us this year for the many events and activities we have planned across the country to celebrate the success of BGSU and our athletics program. You are a crucial part of what we are building at BGSU and an essential part of the success of our strategic plan, “Forward Falcons!”
Ay Ziggy,
Derek van der Merwe
Join us for the Phil Vassar Homecoming Concert on Saturday, September 28 at 2:30 p.m.
— BGSU Athletics (@BGSU_Athletics) September 10, 2024
??Tailgate Park
???Admission is free for all
??@mikewilliamssax opens the show at 1:45 p.m. pic.twitter.com/3Em2b5k2MO
"It was catchy, I enjoyed it immensely." - @notthefakeSVP
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) August 30, 2024
Justin Pegues opens the 2024 season with a school-record 100-yard kickoff return, and it was the best thing ESPN's Scott Van Pelt saw yesterday ??#ToTheMoon ???? pic.twitter.com/2KTd6u81NM
SEE YOU SATURDAY @ RALLY BG ??
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) September 10, 2024
Join the City of Bowling Green and #BGSU for Rally BG on Main, an event filled with music, food, free activities & tons of fun in the heart of downtown Bowling Green!
?? Saturday, Sept. 14
? 2-8 p.m.
For a full list of activities,… pic.twitter.com/94Xha2TLF1
Saturday night was fun -- let's do it again this coming Friday!#AyZiggy | ?????? pic.twitter.com/sBI5yvR5PO
— BGSU Men's Soccer (@BGSUMSoccer) September 9, 2024
5 years in a row, we're #1. #AlwaysBG pic.twitter.com/Uf87xDekDf
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) September 10, 2024
Friday Falcon Four!
— Falcon Media Sports Network (@BG_FMSN) September 6, 2024
Let's hear @BGSU_WSoccer's Lauren Mahoney Falcon Four favorite summer activities! ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/NCwKGd8VRf
Beats By Tunde Part ??
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) August 24, 2024
??????#ToTheMoon ???? pic.twitter.com/mYEYZEvlT4
A new Orange and Brown Era for BGVB!
— BGSU Volleyball (@BGSUVolleyball) August 29, 2024
Join us for the official dedication of the court prior to Friday's match!
???: https://t.co/bpd43IdMU2#AyZiggy || #BGVB24 || #BGWarriors || #DreamBiG pic.twitter.com/rqTXjuOQvK
Are you Flying with Us to College Station? Don't miss the Official BGSU Tailgate before our game at Texas A&M on Sept. 21. Get your tickets TODAY ??
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) September 10, 2024
??? https://t.co/5ZS2wXeG3f pic.twitter.com/AhdN7KaTkK
Moving ??. #4 in the @UnitedCoaches West Region Poll pic.twitter.com/RuULGY81WS
— BGSU Men's Soccer (@BGSUMSoccer) September 10, 2024
Gallery: FB: Bowling Green at No. 8 Penn State
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— BGSU Athletics (@BGSU_Athletics) August 27, 2024
Starting Thursday, the 50/50 raffle returns to select BGSU Athletics events with proceeds going to NIL opportunities for BGSU female student-athletes and BG Youth Baseball.
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We were honored to have many great supporters at practice today especially Coach Bob Conibear, who led the Falcons from 1968 to 1971. Coach is 97 years young and continues to be a tremendous supporter. pic.twitter.com/JXyETylv5K
— Todd Simon (@CoachTsimon) September 6, 2024
? 60 Seconds with the Falcons
— BGSU Athletics (@BGSU_Athletics) September 6, 2024
?? Brendan Graves
?? @vandermerwe63
??? @BGSUMSoccer vs. Butler - Saturday - 7pm pic.twitter.com/zUnuJokaIy
Had a LEGEND in the house today for practice! ??
— BGSU Women’s Basketball (@BGSUWBB) September 5, 2024
Thank you for your endless encouragement and support, Coach Voll! We appreciate everything you do and have done for this program! #AyZiggy pic.twitter.com/6QaEISWGaV
Proud to be at a place with such great character and grit! We never stop fighting for where we are going! The best is yet to come! AyZiggy!!! @BG_Football @BGSU_Athletics @bgsu @BGSUFMB10 @dannierogers___ @FalconFanatics1 @MACSports @CoachLoefflerBG pic.twitter.com/RrVqlh6cLY
— Derek van der Merwe (@vandermerwe63) September 8, 2024
The new Taraflex floor for the @BGSUVolleyball program was officially unveiled and dedicated as the"Mo and Jon Stansbery Court” before last night’s winning match. Because of Mo and Jon Stansbery’s devotion to @BGSU_Athletics, the volleyball program will be among the FIRST in the… pic.twitter.com/nIrHIBS3Z3
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) August 31, 2024
BOWLING GREEN STARTED THEIR SEASON WITH A 100-YARD KICKOFF RETURN ?? pic.twitter.com/zUQZsdg8LH
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 29, 2024
Due to the generous gift of great supporters Mo and Jon Stansbery, we have a new volleyball court! Our “Village” of Falcon Faithful around the country are positioning our programs for great success— today and into the future! #AyZiggy @bgsu @BGSU_Athletics https://t.co/SFZzSxVnoO pic.twitter.com/qJZzLCJrL0
— Derek van der Merwe (@vandermerwe63) August 29, 2024
Hockey 101 was a huge success! Thank you @BGSUHKY and @bg_creatures pic.twitter.com/viw5O3KMTv
— BGSU Athletics (@BGSU_Athletics) August 29, 2024
Ay Ziggy!
— #MACtion (@MACSports) August 28, 2024
Bowling Green State University's women’s athletics program has been named the winner of the 2023-24 MAC Women’s Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) Academic Achievement Award.
This marks the 11th time in program history for the Falcons to win this prestigious… pic.twitter.com/5isu27BZaY
Thank you to all the members that showed up to last night’s first meeting. Thank you @vandermerwe63 @CoachTomic and @CoachLoefflerBG!
— Falcon Fanatics (@FalconFanatics1) August 28, 2024
Thursday - @BG_Football Home Opener
All Weekend - @BGSUVolleyball Best Western Invitational pic.twitter.com/Y2eTUCeEGB
Our favorite song! #AYZIGGY pic.twitter.com/LeuPZBSEZV
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) August 24, 2024
Introducing the Class of 2028! Nearly 3,900 students from across Ohio and more than 30 states, from small towns, big cities and suburbs. You will absolutely be successful here. Here's to the next four years! ?? #AlwaysBG pic.twitter.com/EZidmCW69b
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) August 23, 2024
Dates to Remember
- Season Tickets are now sale for Men's Basketball and Women's Basketball. Single-game and season tickets for Ice Hockey are also on sale.
- Sept. 14 - Rally BG (Downtown Bowling Green from 2-8 p.m.). Click here for more information.
- Sept. 20 - Volleyball hosts Ohio State. BGSU is trying to set the attendance record against OSU. Click here to buy tickets.
- Sept. 21 - Pregame Alumni Tailgate at Texas A&M. Register by clicking here.
- Sept. 23 - Fall Sports Luncheon. Register by clicking here.
- Sept. 28 - Homecoming vs. Old Dominion. Click here to buy tickets.
- Oct. 18-19 - Hall of Fame Weekend. Register for the Hall of Fame Ceremony on Fri, Oct. 18 by clicking here.
- Oct. 18-19 - Family Weekend
Tunde Fatukasi displayed his drum-playing ability by joining the Falcon Marching Band for a song during a @BG_Football season ticket holder party. ?? https://t.co/179CgLIzHu
— Blade Sports (@toledosports) August 27, 2024
It's Falcon Four Thursday!
— Falcon Media Sports Network (@BG_FMSN) September 12, 2024
This week, @BGSU_WSoccer's Taylor Green's shares with us her Falcon Four dream countries to visit ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/pxxzwCXqFP
Hey #BGSUFamilies!?? Are you registered for Falcon Family Weekend? We have an exciting list of festivities for you and your Falcon to enjoy Oct. 18-20, 2024! ??
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) September 12, 2024
Log in to the Falcon Family Portal today to complete the registration form.
Learn more ?? https://t.co/2Wpzc0XG1Q pic.twitter.com/viTJ7NgfFf
FOOTBALL
- Harold Fannin Jr. currently has the No. 1 offensive grade in the nation among all receivers (94.1) and No. 3 among all receivers for his pass route grade (93.6), which is tops for the nation’s tight ends per Pro Football Focus.
- Fannin has 17 receptions for 204 yards, which both numbers are No. 1 in the nation among tight ends. The 17 receptions rank No. 6 in the nation among all receivers. His 129 yards after catch rank No. 1 in the nation among tight ends and No. 10 in the nation among all receivers.
- BGSU snapped two Penn State’s streak that stood at 28 games. BGSU scored a touchdown on its opening possession of the game, which was the first time since 2021 a PSU opponent did that. The steak was the longest in the nation heading into the weekend. Also, BGSU did not allow a sack against Penn State. The Nittany Lions, who entered the week with the most team sacks since the start of the 2022 season, had at least one sack in 28-straight games before facing BGSU.
- Pegues was named MAC Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 2 after opening the 2024 season with a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown. The return broke the previous BGSU record set in 2014 by Clint Stephens (96 yards) against Ball State.
VOLLEYBALL
- Jessica Andrews and Lindsey LaPinta were named to the Tru by Hilton Beavercreek Invite All-Tournament Team.
- Lauryn Hovey reached 100 career aces, ranking fourth during the program’s Rally Scoring Era.
- Hovey landed seven aces in three sets during Friday’s match against UMBC.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
- Placed eighth at Akron’s Tommy Evans Invitational, led by Micah Bentley’s 47th place performance.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
- Placed third at Akron’s Tommy Evans Invitational, beating out 2023 Horizon League champion Oakland. Graduate student Kailee Perry placed second in the 5K race while Kylee Cubbison finished seventh.
MEN’S SOCCER
- The Falcons are 4-1-0 after Saturday night’s 3-2 win over previously unbeaten Butler. Each of BGSU’s first five opponents have been undefeated entering the match against the Orange and Brown
- The Falcons were ranked sixth in the West Region in the most recent United Soccer Coaches weekly rankings
WOMEN’S SOCCER
- BGSU picked up the first road win of the season, a 2-0 victory at Cleveland State.
- Since the start of the 2017 season, the Falcons are now 68-1-3 when scoring at least two goals in a match.
- The Falcons are 18-13-3 in true road games over the last four-plus years.
WOMEN’S GOLF
- Placed second at the A-Ga-Ming Invitational and were the highest MAC team finisher in the tournament
- BGSU finished in the top 5 as a team for first time since March 19, 2023 when they won the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate
- Sophomore Sammie Dolce placed seventh individually shooting a 77-76-75-228 (+12)
- Six falcons finished in the top 20: No.7 Sammie Dolce, No.12 Macie Elzinga, No.12 Makenna Jones, No.12 Ava O'Sullivan, No.16 Clare Yeazell, No.18 Olivia Steen.
