Falcon Insider with Derek van der Merwe: March 31
3/31/2025
Important news happening in and around Bowling Green Athletics compiled by Vice President for Athletics Strategy and 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,
It has been an exciting few months since my last communication to our Falcon faithful around the country. I would like to begin this edition of the “Falcon Insider” by recognizing our women’s track and field program for winning its first indoor MAC Championship title since 1999. Additionally, Head Coach Lou Snelling was named MAC Coach of the Year, Reese Reaman earned MAC Freshman of the Year honors, and Reggie Trotter was recognized as MAC Assistant Coach of the Year. Read the full story by clicking here.
At BGSU Athletics, we emphasize the process of winning championships—making daily decisions that move us FORWARD toward success. Since my arrival at BGSU in December 2022, I have witnessed the MOMENTUM, growth, and development of this program under our 14-year veteran head coach. This incredible achievement by our coaching staff and track and field student-athletes serves as an example to our entire department of what is possible when Falcons unite in pursuit of excellence.
On March 10, a new era began as Eddie George was introduced as the 21st head football coach at BGSU. Just 11 days earlier, then-head coach Scot Loeffler announced his departure to join the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles as an NFL coach. I am deeply grateful to Scot and his family for their years of dedication to our university, our team, and our community. Scot and his staff truly valued being Falcons and were committed to the values that make this university great.
Before launching the search for our next football coach, I met with our football team, alumni, former BGSU coaches, and supporters to develop a leadership profile for our program. A few consistent themes emerged: relationships matter, Ohio recruiting is key, commitment to campus and the local community is essential, and a passion for developing student-athletes holistically is critical.
We attracted a strong pool of highly qualified candidates from across the country who viewed BGSU as a premier opportunity due to our recent success. During our search, former BGSU head coach Urban Meyer suggested we consider Tennessee State University’s head coach, Eddie George. When discussing our ideal candidate profile with Urban, I assure you I never listed “Heisman Trophy winner,” “Pro Bowl NFL player,” “Broadway performer,” or “entrepreneur.” However, Urban was adamant that Eddie checked every box and would be an exceptional leader of young men. After just one interview, I knew I needed to learn more. Through a series of conversations, it became clear we had found our next head coach.
The announcement of Coach Eddie George sparked a wave of national media attention. Within the first 24 hours, coverage of his hiring generated over 1 billion impressions across social media and other platforms. Our team is energized and excited to work alongside this coaching staff to continue building a program rooted in the values that make BGSU special.
On March 15, our men’s hockey season came to an end in the CCHA Mason Cup semifinals, marking the first time in five years our team reached this stage. Finishing the season with an 18-14-4 record, Head Coach Dennis Williams has done an outstanding job creating a competitive program that kept us on the edge of our seats all season long. Looking ahead, Coach Williams and his staff have been relentless in recruiting top talent to elevate our program further. According to the only national NCAA hockey recruiting service that has released rankings, our 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 2 in the nation. I encourage all of you to engage with and support our hockey program as we prepare for an exciting season ahead.
As spring arrives in Bowling Green, it has been thrilling to watch our baseball and softball teams get off to strong starts. Baseball put together an 11-game win streak in March to kick off MAC play, while softball swept its first home MAC opponent last weekend. Both teams are playing with confidence and focus, and I am excited to see how they progress in April and May.
All year, we have emphasized that BGSU Athletics is moving FORWARD with great MOMENTUM in every facet of our department. It is sometimes challenging to summarize our progress because I am so proud of the strides being made across all programs. The coming months will bring significant changes to college athletics, particularly with the anticipated resolution of the House v. NCAA case and the introduction of additional benefits and roster management structures. BGSU is actively preparing for these adjustments to ensure we remain competitive in all sports.
That said, your continued financial support is more important than ever.
On February 24, we launched our Orange Army campaign! Over the past few years, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of donors supporting BGSU Athletics, leading to record fundraising success. This momentum is helping propel our programs to new heights. If you have already contributed, we encourage you to help identify friends, family, or colleagues who may want to join the Falcon Orange Army. Please click here to join.
From April 2-3, we will host our annual BGSU One Day of Giving. Early giving opened on March 1, allowing contributions to be made ahead of the 36-hour One Day event in April. Any Falcon Club contribution between March 1 and One Day will count toward membership for the upcoming year, aligning these two critical initiatives. Minimum Falcon Club membership remains just $120 annually or $10 per month. Please click here to join today.
Thank you for all you do to support BGSU Athletics. We deeply appreciate our Falcon Family and the community of supporters helping us achieve greatness.
Ay Ziggy,
Derek van der Merwe
I absolutely love it! You got a great coach but a better man. Those young men will be blessed. https://t.co/D9NxuzMrqA
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) March 9, 2025
"The passion and tradition of BGSU football are unmatched, and I can't think of a better ambassador for the Orange and Brown than Eddie George as the next head football coach." - @CoachUrbanMeyer #AyZiggy ???? pic.twitter.com/4CZhfSsp70
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) March 10, 2025
With @BGSUMGolf and loyal Falcons in Sarasota, FL at @TpcPrestancia for a round of golf! Great week visiting our Falcon Family around the state! #AyZiggy @bgsu @BGSU_Athletics pic.twitter.com/BC9KIOA4TD
— Derek van der Merwe (@vandermerwe63) February 9, 2025
Great @bgsualum events in Orlando and Tampa…on to Sarasota! The Florida tour this week! Love former Falcons who care so much about this great university! #AyZiggy @BGSU_Athletics @bgsu pic.twitter.com/ljeswHfPHd
— Derek van der Merwe (@vandermerwe63) February 5, 2025
AY ZIGGY!!! ????
— MACtion (@MACSports) March 1, 2025
For the first time since 1999, Bowling Green has claimed the MAC Women’s Indoor Track & Field Title! ??@BGSU_Athletics | @BGSUXCTF | #MACtion pic.twitter.com/Jhjpoe6lfh
Reese Reaman earns MAC Freshman of the Year while Lou Snelling gets MAC Coach of the Year! pic.twitter.com/ZsC9WZQNCa
— BGSU XCTF (@BGSUXCTF) March 1, 2025
Freshman of the Week: Addie Martin, Bowling Green
— D1Softball (@D1Softball) March 25, 2025
Addie Martin made a difference for her team offensively, with three home runs and five RBIs to her credit along with three stolen bases.@BGSUSoftball
Presented by @MizunoSportsUSA
?? https://t.co/1A3lRf6DFl pic.twitter.com/z5sQxZ7Ddb
?????????? ?????????????? ?@EddieGeorge2727 officially announces his inaugural BGSU coaching staff, which boasts 240 years of experience ranging from high school to the NFL.
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) March 25, 2025
?? https://t.co/6kBYJCjJ94 pic.twitter.com/vW2KtiKh8Z
Keira Thornton notched her season high on floor with a 9.850 to lead BGSU in the meet's final rotation. You can watch her routine ???? pic.twitter.com/GEiwctySoK
— BGSU Gymnastics (@BGSUGymnastics) March 22, 2025
Great “Coffee and Conversation” with @BGSU_Athletics staff and corporate partner Best Western in BG! Big “thank you” to Todd McGee @T122McGee and his staff for all they do for @bgsu and our community! #AyZiggy @Learfield pic.twitter.com/2gnoTWcA1G
— Derek van der Merwe (@vandermerwe63) March 19, 2025
Big sweep at Meserve Softball Field against @MACSports foe Kent State! First win for freshmen pitcher Morgan Beckham! First MAC sweep for @Coach_MGardner #AyZiggy @bgsu @BGSU_Athletics @BGSUSoftball @Pres_Rogers @SandyEarleBG
— Derek van der Merwe (@vandermerwe63) March 22, 2025
@MargaretMe5811 @MeserveLee4850 pic.twitter.com/8alEZJqJCW
The Falcon Marching Band went international yesterday! @BGSUFMB10 was one of only three college marching bands who performed in the #StPatricksDay parade (@stpatricksfest )!??????
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) March 18, 2025
Video Credit: Discover Dublin pic.twitter.com/quFNJEjYwY
Golden hour driving by Bowling Green ??? #AlwaysBG pic.twitter.com/eF3J9sdE2r
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) March 18, 2025
Guess who dropped by to surprise some Future Falcons at our Falcon Friday visit day? Coach @eddiegeorge2727, we couldn’t agree more, there is something truly “special” about @BGSU! It’s why we’re ranked the highest in Ohio for student satisfaction among public universities. pic.twitter.com/rMcobiR6PU
— Rodney K. Rogers (@Pres_Rogers) March 14, 2025
My wife, Stephanie Paris, is passionate about BGSU and the Falcons! She has created the “The Roll Along Hat” to financially support and enhance the experience of female student-athletes at BGSU! On Instagram visit: @therollalonghat for more details! @CoachUrbanMeyer… pic.twitter.com/BnxyM0jXym
— Derek van der Merwe (@vandermerwe63) March 12, 2025
Having fun in the sun! ??@MACSports | #AyZiggy pic.twitter.com/9VRYrLnPiM
— BGSU Tennis (@BGSUTennis) March 17, 2025
Falcons earn their best finish at the MAC Championships since 2022, as they took sixth at the meet!https://t.co/pAnqZv6sBc
— BGSU Swim and Dive (@BGSU_SwimDive) March 2, 2025
Story Behind the Mask 1/3: Take a look inside @BGSUHKY goalie Christian Stoever's mask, and what each personal design means to him ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/ZAKi9HrYPM
— Falcon Media Sports Network (@BG_FMSN) March 15, 2025
It's Falcon Four Friday ??
— Falcon Media Sports Network (@BG_FMSN) March 14, 2025
Today, @BGSU_Baseball's Kade Arm and Carson Lumley share their Falcon Four favorite snacks ?? pic.twitter.com/tzvwHsQuXc
Dates and Info to Remember
- Football Season tickets on sale for renewals and new season tickets - Football | Bowling Green State University
- Fans interested in booking a premium space for football can fill out the interest form. Limited inventory is available! - Request More Info
- Tickets on sale for The Ziggys - The Ziggys | Bowling Green State University
- April 2-3 – BGSU OneDay
- April 18-20 – MAC Women’s Golf Championship (Muncie, Ind.)
- April 24-25 – MAC Women’s Tennis Championship (Toledo)
- April 28-29 – MAC Men’s Golf Championship (BGSU Host in Columbus)
- May 2 – Baseball Fifth Third Field Game vs. Toledo - Purchase tickets - BGSU vs UT - MyProVenue™ - Pregame event prior to the BGSU Baseball game vs. Toledo
- May 7-10 – MAC Softball Championship (Akron)
- May 15-17 – MAC Outdoor Track Championships (Athens)
- May 21-25 – MAC Baseball Championship (Avon)
- June 16 - 16th Annual Gridiron Classic - Sign Up Today
Join @EddieGeorge2727 at the 16th annual Gridiron Classic on June 16! Golf, dinner and auction event to benefit the BGSU Football Program.
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) March 26, 2025
SIGN UP: https://t.co/yoDvSCkfK8 pic.twitter.com/JtMeXriQfC
New @BG_Football head coach and former Heisman Trophy winner @EddieGeorge2727 was recognized prior to the @MudHens' 2025 season opener at Fifth Third Field. ?? pic.twitter.com/WcXcPAXI9A
— Blade Sports (@toledosports) March 28, 2025
We welcome associate head cross country/assistant track & field coach Rachel Rhynard to our program! She has over a decade of collegiate coaching experience and was an accomplished distance runner at Michigan State. Learn more about here career below:https://t.co/kCtuJSDFEg
— BGSU XCTF (@BGSUXCTF) March 24, 2025
Be like James ??
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) March 22, 2025
Call @BGSUTix at 419-372-0000!
???: https://t.co/RUqOlSE8jc https://t.co/Pof0NtMmI7
FOOTBALL
- Eddie George was hired as the 21st head coach in BGSU football program history on March 9, 2025.
- BGSU had 28 NFL teams and four CFL teams in attendance for its annual Pro Day. There were 37 total scouts in attendance following the 14 Falcons who participated.
BASEBALL
- The Falcons tallied an 11-game winning streak, just the sixth winning streak of 11 or more games in program history and the first since 2010.
- For the second straight season, BGSU was the last undefeated team remaining in MAC play, starting 7-0. The Falcons have started MAC play 7-0 just three times in program history (2025, 2024, 1995).
- A sophomore, Garrett Wright broke the program record for career HBPs with 33.
- Head Coach Kyle Hallock tallied the 100th win of his head coaching career on March 9, all with Bowling Green.
- The three-game series sweep for Bowling Green is the first in program history on the road against Central Michigan.
- Connar Penrod closed down his third save of the weekend, eighth of the season and ninth of his career. Penrod is now tied for the program record for saves in a season with eight, matching Tony Landi (2016) and Bob Reichow (1996). For his career, Penrod now has nine saves, tying for ninth in program history with four other players.
- Penrod's save marked the 12th of the season for the Orange and Brown, tying the program record for saves in a season. The total matches the marks set by the 2010, 2009 and 1994 teams.
- The sweep over Ohio was the first for the Falcons since 2010. The sweep over Akron was the first for the Falcons at Akron since 2014.
- Baseball won the opening series of the season for the first time since 2022, taking two of three from Middle Tennessee.
SOFTBALL
- The Falcons have surpassed the overall and MAC win totals for all of last season. BGSU is 12-20 overall and 4-4 in conference play, after going 6-28 and 3-23, respectively, in 2024.
- Redshirt freshman Addie Martin hit her 11th homer in Saturday’s (March 29) Ball State doubleheader. She is only the second player in school history with 10 homers and 10 steals in a season.
- Three days earlier (March 26), BGSU pounded out a total of 27 hits in a DH sweep of Youngstown State at Meserve Field. That extended the Falcons’ winning streak to five games. That streak, which was broken by BSU, was BG’s longest in over five years.
- In the second game of that YSU DH, BGSU had a season-high 16 hits in just four-plus innings. The Falcons sent 37 batters to the place and made just 13 outs in that run-rule win.
SWIMMING & DIVING
- The Falcons earned sixth place at the MAC Championships, their best finish at the meet since 2022.
- Natalia Mayorga won all three diving events at the Miami Classic. The sophomore also earned an NCAA Diving Zone Cut in platform diving, which is believed to be the first platform zone cut in program history.
- The Falcons earned sixth place at the MAC Championships, their best finish at the meet since 2022.
- Three Falcons – Natalia Mayorga, Elise Snyder and Evie Long – qualified for NCAA Zone Diving. Mayorga is the first BGSU diver to ever qualify in 1-meter, 3-meter and platform diving.
- Seven BGSU swimmers competed at the CSCAA National Invitational Championships in Florida. The best finish in any event for the Falcons was the 400-medley relay, as they took fourth.
- Twenty-one Falcon swimmers & divers earned Academic All-MAC honors, which was the second-best total of any team in the MAC. Eight earned a perfect 4.0 GPA.
INDOOR TRACK & FIELD
- For the first time since 1999, the BGSU indoor track & field team won the MAC Indoor Championships title and scored a total of 95 points. Reese Reaman earned MAC Freshman of the Year and Lou Snelling won MAC Coach of the Year.
MEN’S GOLF
- The Falcons finished fifth in Match Play out of eight teams at an event at the Lake Jovita Country Club in Dade City, Fla.
- BGSU beat Central Michigan and USC Upstate and finished second in pars with 179.
WOMEN’S GOLF
- BGSU finished fourth out of 14 teams at its own BGSU Women’s Intercollegiate in Litchfield Park, Ariz., to start the spring season.
- Sammie Dolce finished No. 4 among all golfers at +8 after jumping eight spots in the final round. She tied a career low with a 69 (-2) in the final round.
- Bowling Green finished sixth in a shortened two round West Texas Classic.
TENNIS
- The Falcons have two big home matches this weekend when NIU (April 4) and Toledo (April 6) come to town. Weather determines if they will be outside on campus or at the Perrysburg Tennis Center.
GYMNASTICS
- Katrina Mendez Abolnik had the fourth-best vault score at the MAC Championship, hosted by CMU with a 9.825.
- Keira Thornton closed the meet with a season-high 9.850 o floor. Thornton’s floor score tied for No. 9 in the meet.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
- BGSU finished the 2024-25 season with an overall record of 18-13, and the Falcons ended MAC regular-season play with an 11-7 conference mark, good for a tie for fifth place.
- Erika Porter was a perfect 11-for-11 in the final two regular-season games, then went 8-for-12 in the MAC Tournament game vs. Buffalo. She ended her BGSU tenure having shattered the school record for career field-goal percentage.
- Porter wound up shooting 61.8 percent as a Falcon during her two seasons, going 295-for-477 in that time. The former record was 57.0 percent by Jacki Raterman (1995-99).
MEN’S BASKETBALL
- The Falcons made the MAC Tournament as the 8-Seed, continuing Coach Simon’s streak of making the conference tournament each season he’s been a head coach.
- The Falcons finished the regular season by winning seven of their last 10, four of their last five and their final four road games.
- Javontae Campbell broke the program record for steals in a single-season with 90 and finished fifth in Mid-American Conference history.
- Campbell’s late layup to beat Toledo came with just 1.6 seconds left, the first late game-winner since Justin Turner hit a floater with 3.8 seconds left to beat Western Kentucky on Nov. 22, 2019. The win marked the first for the Falcons inside Savage Arena since Feb. 13, 2021 when BGSU registered an 88-81 win over Toledo.
