Falcon Insider with Derek van der Merwe: March 10
3/10/2026
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 is tournament week, and both of our basketball teams are headed to Cleveland for the opening rounds of the Mid-American Conference Tournament. Our women’s basketball team begins play Wednesday against the Ball State Cardinals at approximately 3:30 p.m., while our men’s team faces rival Toledo on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. We hope to see many of you in Cleveland supporting the Falcons. For more information on men’s week in Cleveland, please click here. For more information on the women’s week in Cleveland, please click here.
The past few weeks have brought exciting finishes across several programs. Our women’s track and field team entered the final hour of the MAC Indoor Championships in contention before finishing third overall. Under the leadership of Coach Lou Snelling, the Falcons continue to compete among the top programs in the conference. The team now turns its focus to the outdoor season as it looks to defend its MAC Outdoor Championship.
Our hockey team also returned to the postseason following an outstanding regular season but fell in the CCHA Mason Cup Quarterfinals to No. 20 Michigan Tech. We are proud of the progress the program continues to make and the energy building around Falcon Hockey, which entered the Top 20 rankings for the first time since 2021 and played in front of multiple sellout crowds at Slater Family Ice Arena as the community truly rallied around one of our historic programs. There’s real energy around Falcon Hockey—and if you’ve been inside Slater Family Ice Arena lately, you can feel it. As David Briggs recently captured in the Toledo Blade, there’s a vibe in that building that fans haven’t experienced in a long time.
When evaluating the success of our department, I often return to our purpose statement: “Falcons Forward … a relentless commitment to improvement, innovation, and success.” Our coaches and staff embody this mindset every day. Our programs are recruiting highly ranked classes, developing outstanding talent, and positioning our teams for postseason success. None of this happens without the incredible support we receive from our campus, our community, and Falcon supporters across the country.
That support will be especially important during BGSU One Day, March 24–26, when Athletics will launch the Ballers and Bosses campaign with a goal of raising $1 million in support of Falcon student-athletes. The initiative focuses on preparing student-athletes not only to succeed in competition, but also to develop into leaders in their professional careers. It reflects our commitment to preparing Falcons who are Built for the Game, Ready for Life.
The momentum behind this effort is remarkable. Just four years ago, the Athletics fundraising goal for BGSU One Day was $300,000. The growth to a $1 million goal reflects the belief and investment of our Falcon family. We invite you to learn more about the campaign and consider how you can help us reach this milestone.
A recent development for the Mid-American Conference is the addition of Sacramento State as a football-only member. This strategic move strengthens the league’s financial foundation, and we look forward to welcoming the Hornets and facing them on the gridiron during the partnership. You can read more about Sacramento State's football move to the MAC by clicking here.
Our baseball and softball programs also recently hosted two outstanding First Pitch Dinners that celebrated the strength of the Falcon community. Baseball welcomed BGSU alum and longtime Major League Baseball umpire Jim Joyce ’77, who shared stories from his career and reflected with honesty and humility on the famous call that denied Armando Galarraga a perfect game. Joined by emcee and fellow alum Jay Crawford, it was a memorable evening that highlighted accountability, character, and love for the game.
Softball followed with an equally special evening featuring former Falcon head coach and NFCA Hall of Famer Jacquie Joseph. One of the most accomplished coaches in the sport, Jacquie reflected on her time at Bowling Green and the relationships built during her tenure. Current head coach Michelle Gardner shared the story of how she first joined the Falcon staff in the 1990s when Joseph needed both a driver for a trip to Florida and a pitching coach—a full-circle moment that captured the mentorship and opportunity that define Falcon Softball.
Our swimming and diving program also delivered an outstanding season, finishing with a 13–3 overall record and a perfect 5–0 mark at home. In just his second year leading the program, head coach Tanner Barton and his staff have built a strong foundation for continued success. Natalia Mayorga highlighted the MAC Championships by capturing the conference title in the three-meter dive.
As we move into the heart of the spring season, there is no shortage of excitement across Bowling Green Athletics. Gymnastics will host one more home meet on March 15 before welcoming the conference for the MAC Championships on March 21 at the Stroh Center. That same day, baseball will celebrate the dedication of the new turf at Steller Field when the Falcons host Ohio.
Spring football begins in March, bringing renewed energy and optimism, and our golf and tennis programs are entering full competition schedules. Before long, warmer weather will return, our campus will be filled with fans and families, and Falcon Athletics will continue building momentum across every program.
Thank you for your continued support of our student-athletes and our mission.
Ay Ziggy,
Derek van der Merwe
Vice President for Athletics Strategy
Bowling Green State University
Did you know the owners of Juniper Brewing Company are both #BGSU alums and Falcon Flames?
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) March 7, 2026
Chris ’03 and Zach Tracy ’97 found professional success in their fields after graduating, like many alumni but felt called to return to Bowling Green to turn an open Main Street space into… pic.twitter.com/oWeoS5gXvU
Built for the Game. Ready for Life. Our student-athletes are Ballers today & Bosses tomorrow.
— BGSU Athletics (@BGSU_Athletics) March 3, 2026
The push for our $1M goal starts now. Early giving is now live ahead of BGSU One Day (March 25-26).#BallersandBosses ????
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GIVE » https://t.co/43fIHXTXJ2 pic.twitter.com/TaKwLTrnvc
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— BGSU Men's Basketball (@BGSUMBB) March 1, 2026
??Most Wins in the first three seasons at BGSU since joining the MAC in 1953
??Three straight MAC tournament appearances
??Second fastest coach to 50 wins in BGSU history
Bring your orange & brown to Cleveland!#AyZiggy | #FlyAroundandFindOut pic.twitter.com/uJGUF3RLgN
Gallery: MBB vs. Toledo, Drake Harlett
Exited to read @CoachBWhite7 book: “The Locker Room Is Not For Sale”! This book is what @BGSU_Athletics is about: people and values first! Coach White is a true treasure of our department. Proud to call him a colleague! pic.twitter.com/PyWz6Ncv2J
— Derek van der Merwe (@vandermerwe63) March 1, 2026
.@BGSUHKY runs in the family ?? Senior Quinn Emerson is making his own mark on the ice and carrying on the Falcon pride after following in the footsteps of his dad, former @NHL player, Nelson Emerson. pic.twitter.com/FLAD8FTbWA
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) February 27, 2026
Carrying on the Falcon legacy?? Jack Blake, @BGSUHKY defenseman, talks family, hockey and following in the footsteps of his dad, BGSU alum Rob Blake, @BGSU_Athletics Hall of Fame '96, Olympian and @NHL veteran and @StanleyCup champion. ?? pic.twitter.com/AUt8g01xCd
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) February 26, 2026
?@BGSUWBB? leads essentially wire to wire in win over Toledo. So we sing. Alma mater and Ay Ziggy Zoomba. Rivalry wins matter. #More pic.twitter.com/q742SZnFDB
— Van Wright (@VanFalcon1) February 21, 2026
We made Valentine's Day cards and delivered them to the Ronald McDonald House and the BG Manor ???? pic.twitter.com/hugHejCQ3w
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) February 14, 2026
Bowling Green is a true hockey town, and BGSU Hockey head coach Dennis Williams ’01, ’03 knows it firsthand.
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) February 13, 2026
With sold-out crowds, renewed energy and a program on the rise, Dennis Williams’ journey back to BGSU is a story of resilience and growth. In his second season at the… pic.twitter.com/nMBNKdT7g1
Our marching band is so big we couldn't fit all 475 members on the ice! ?????? pic.twitter.com/Ba5E7566yH
— Bowling Green State University (@bgsu) February 1, 2026
Nothin’ better than Ay Ziggy @ HOME!!#AyZiggy | #EarnIt pic.twitter.com/zIzd9eAHwG
— BGSU Women’s Basketball (@BGSUWBB) February 7, 2026
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— BGSU Hockey (@BGSUHKY) February 17, 2026
Kevin Bieksa '04 (Left) and Mike Johnson '97 (Right) outside of Santagiulia Arena. They both will be covering ice hockey for CBC
Mike will be a color analyst, and Kevin is on the panel!#AyZiggy???? pic.twitter.com/HiG5vZpU7Y
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— BGSU Swim and Dive (@BGSU_SwimDive) March 1, 2026
Natalia Mayorga wins the 3-Meter Dive with a score of 316.85 ?? #AyZiggy | #FalconFast pic.twitter.com/GqNqpejkS2
?? FALCON FOUR ?? @BGSUSoftball's freshman Avari Sandifer shares her Falcon Four favorite things to do on the bus ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/32fnVlZHfP
— Falcon Media Sports Network (@BG_FMSN) March 5, 2026
Veronica Florek takes us Inside the Routine with Landyn Williams!????
— BGSU Gymnastics (@BGSUGymnastics) March 2, 2026
Presented by the Falcon Media Sports Network!@veronicaflorek1 | @BG_FMSN pic.twitter.com/PfS3dpzgbY
South Bend to Bowling Green... A weekend to remember ??#AyZiggy???? pic.twitter.com/U1njjRWLEW
— BGSU Hockey (@BGSUHKY) February 3, 2026
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— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) February 12, 2026
Eddie George Details Staff Changes Headlined by Hiring of Special Teams Coordinator Greg Froelich and Elevation of Joe Bowden to Defensive Coordinator.
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Congrats to @EddieGeorge2727 on being named the winner of the 21st @MaxwellFootball Legends Award.
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) January 30, 2026
He will be honored in Atlanta on March 14 at the annual Maxwell Awards Gala ??
?? » https://t.co/ii2LTCgr2o pic.twitter.com/PbEpsq7TG5
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Pat Peterson. Coach Peterson was the first NCAA varsity head coach in program history and worked to establish the foundation of BGSU Volleyball. pic.twitter.com/3svul0XKJG
— BGSU Volleyball (@BGSUVolleyball) March 2, 2026
??BGSU Volleyball Announces Promotion Of Chelsi Carter To Associate Head Coach
— BGSU Volleyball (@BGSUVolleyball) February 17, 2026
??: https://t.co/eZFUmqMurb#AyZiggy || #BGVB26 pic.twitter.com/MQDhkwo3wZ
MAC Golfer of the Week honors goes to our very own Addison Kartusch!????#AyZiggy pic.twitter.com/lql93dKLnL
— BGSU Women's Golf (@BGSUWGolf) February 28, 2026
@QuintinMorris_ ain't done ??@Dream_Finders | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/iocOHGWfgA
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 9, 2026
It was great to join @OhioAgriculture and community leaders to celebrate Ohio Agriculture Month and highlight our state’s agricultural industry with a friendly shopping competition. Thank you to @Kroger for donating the Ohio Proud products from this event to Tim’s Rescue Kitchen.… pic.twitter.com/Jpe7enBZ3B
— Rodney K. Rogers (@Pres_Rogers) March 9, 2026
We had a great afternoon with our fans talking about our incoming freshmen and transfers. Spring practice starts Tuesday!#GUTS ???? pic.twitter.com/AI8kTQdM1r
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) March 8, 2026
THANK YOU for all who came out for another sold out @BGSU_Athletics Spring Sports Luncheon today, featuring spring sports Head Coaches, @vandermerwe63 and our host, @thef1rstnoelle_! pic.twitter.com/rkoRAGn1sb
— BGSU Falcon Club (@Bgsufalconclub) February 23, 2026
Info to Remember
March 11-14 – MAC Basketball Tournament - Buy Tickets
March 21 – MAC Gymnastics Championship (Stroh Center) - Buy Tickets
March 21 – Steller Field Dedication
May 12 – Fifth Third Field Game vs. Toledo - Buy Tickets
We had a great morning celebrating our Seniors!!!
— BGSU Hockey (@BGSUHKY) February 22, 2026
Thank You ?? pic.twitter.com/fNUR8Wy5Yd
Let’s do this one last time at the Stroh Center!
— Lucas_Kleimeyer (@KleimeyerLucas) March 7, 2026
My first game here as a freshman was 1,195 days against Detroit Mercy with @iwanek_steven….crazy how fast time goes!
It’s @BGSUWBB against NIU live at 2pm on WBGU! Tune in! pic.twitter.com/U2cECK53nk
My people! Love our @BGSUHKY “Bleacher Creatures” and their passion for our Falcons! However, the tinfoil head wraps did not help us connect with the hockey gods tonight! @BGSU_Athletics @bgsu pic.twitter.com/caG7Jn70HR
— Derek van der Merwe (@vandermerwe63) February 21, 2026
Waffle Wednesday at the Best Western of Bowling Green!
— BGSU Athletics (@BGSU_Athletics) February 18, 2026
Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe and Senior on @BGSU_SwimDive Emily McNicol sat down to talk their season this year and preview next week's MAC Championship pic.twitter.com/Lx3NtCkkw2
We are so proud that more and more students and families are choosing @BGSU, and we thank the @ToledoNews for recognizing our continued momentum, and the impact it has on our region and state. Our success is absolutely a reflection of our students, parents and families, faculty…
— Rodney K. Rogers (@Pres_Rogers) February 20, 2026
HOCKEY
• BGSU finished with its most CCHA standings points (49) since the rebirth of the league in 2021. The 49 points tied for fourth place in the league.
• BGSU finished with at least 18 wins for the 32nd time in program history.
• Breck McKinley is No. 23in the nation in assists by a defenseman (24). He is also tied for No. 10 in the nation among defensemen in points scored (26).
• BGSU was ranked as high as No. 20 in the USA Hockey/The Rink Live Poll. It was the first time BGSU was ranked since 2021.
• With the 1-0 win at then-No. 18 Augustana, BGSU beat a ranked team in back-to-back games for the first time sweeping then-No. 18 Michigan Tech Jan. 29-30, 2021. Augustana entered that weekend with the best power play team in the CCHA, but was 0-for-5 against BGSU
MEN’S BASKETBALL
• Javontae Campbell was named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Late-Season Team. Not only is Campbell one of 15 players nationally named, but he is also the only of the 15 honorees to be from a Mid-Major conference with the rest of the list consisting of players from the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC.
• Sam Towns had 15 rebounds against UMass (Feb. 28) and 18 against Eastern Michigan (March 6). Towns is the first Falcon with back-to-back games with 15+ rebounds since Demajeo Wiggins in 2018-19.
• Bowling Green clinched their spot in the MAC Tournament with a win over UMass (Feb. 28). BGSU will PLAY in the round of 8 for the third-straight year for the first time since 2003-05 (BGSU made the round of 8 each year from 2019-21, but the 2020 game was canceled the day of due to COVID).
• The win over UMass marked the 51st of Coach Simon's tenure with the Falcons. He now has the most wins of any head coach in their first three seasons during BGSU's MAC Era, surpassing Dan Dakich's 50. Harold Anderson's first three seasons came before BGSU joined the MAC.
• Campbell officially broke his own single-season steals record, now with 96 this year after having 90 last year. He needs 103 to match the MAC record.
• Scoring the first four BGSU points of the game against NIU, Javontae Campbell quickly surpassed the 2,000-career point mark at the collegiate level. Campbell surpassed 1,000 BGSU points against Miami (OH), doing so in just two seasons to become the 50th Falcon in program history with 1,000 points.
• The win over Toledo marked the 50th for the Falcons under head coach Todd Simon. He’s now the second-fastest coach to 50 wins in program history (92 games) behind only Harold Anderson (59).
• The Falcons held Ball State to 52 points, tied for the fewest points scored by a MAC team in a conference game this season. Akron held Kent State to 52 points on Jan. 30 and Eastern Michigan held Ball State to 52 points on Jan. 6. The 52 points allowed are also the fewest allowed for the Falcons against a MAC opponent since holding Ball State to 52 last season on March 1, 2025 in a 61-52 win.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
• BGSU heads to Cleveland for this week’s MAC Tournament.
• The Falcons ended the regular-season schedule by winning four of the last five games, including a win over Toledo at the Stroh Center and an overtime victory on the road against Ohio.
• BGSU defeated Northern Illinois Saturday (March 7), on Senior Day at the Stroh.
• The Falcons are the seventh seed for the MAC Tournament and will face number-two seed Ball State on Wednesday (March 11), at approximately 4 p.m. at Rocket Arena in Cleveland
• In the Toledo game, sophomore Johnea Donahue had six steals, in the process breaking the school's single-season record in that category. Donahue enters the BSU game with 113 steals, the third-highest total in MAC history.
• Donahue leads the MAC and ranks third in the entire nation in steals per game.
SOFTBALL
• The Falcons are off to a 12-8 start to the season. BGSU is three-quarters of the way to matching the win total for all of last year (16-36).
• Head coach Michelle Gardner picked up the 400th win of her career when BG defeated Furman, 17-8, on Feb. 12. The Falcons had a school-record 10 stolen bases in that win.
• Senior Mackenzie Krafcik threw complete games on back-to-back days at Charleston Souther over the weekend (March 6-7), allowing just one run in the two games. And, that run was unearned. She scattered eight hits in both Friday’s 8-1 win and Saturday’s 8-0 victory.
BASEBALL
• In the Saturday game against Kent State, the BGSU pitching staff combined for 16 strikeouts, the most by the Falcons since recording 18 against Belmont on March 2, 2019.
• Coming on in four innings of relief, Ethan Stade struck out 11 Golden Flashes, the most strikeouts by a Falcon since DJ Newman had 11 against Memphis on Feb. 23, 2024. The four-inning outing logged Stade his first BGSU save, allowing only one hit over the four frames.
• With the first win of the season, coming against Western Carolina, BGSU tallied the 1,800th win in program history.
• With the win over Samford, BGSU has now defeated 224 unique opponents in program history.
• Sam Seidel finished the opening weekend 5-for-8 with a pair of doubles and a home run while also drawing five walks. Seidel earned MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week honors following the weekend performance.
• Seidel added two more stolen bases to his season total as well, swiping two in the first game after having two in the season opener Friday night. After not having a player with multiple stolen bases past March 30 of last season, BGSU has now had Seidel do it in two of the first three games this season.
• The Falcons announced the signing of six players on National Signing Day. Each member of the class was ranked in the Top 75 players in their respective state by Prep Baseball Report.
GYMNASTICS
• BGSU captured its first MAC win since Feb. 26, 2022 when the Falcons topped NIU on Feb. 15.
• The win over NIU gave BGSU back-to-back meet wins for the first time since opening the 2018 season with three-straight meet victories. BGSU also won a tri-meet at the Stroh Center on Feb. 8 against Wilberforce and Fisk.
• Kayla Show notched a career-high 9.90 on floor in the win over NIU
WOMEN’S GOLF
• The Bowling Green State University (BGSU) women’s golf team placed second overall at the West Texas Classic, hosted by Abilene Christian University. Macie Elzinga captured the individual tournament title, marking her first collegiate win.
• Elzinga finished first out of 88 competitors in the field. Bowling Green had four athletes finish in the top 30.
• Addison Kartusch was named MAC Golfer of the Week (Feb. 13) for finishing in fourth to pace the Falcons at the Women’s Intercollegiate BGSU hosted in Litchfield Park, Ariz., to start the spring season. Addison totaled 1 eagle and 11 birdies to finish -1 for the Tournament.
SWIM & DIVE
• BGSU was 13-3 heading into the MAC Championship at Akron.
• The Falcons' victory over Toledo to conclude the regular season, which is one of the most successful in five decades.
TRACK & FIELD
• Rachael Hoover holds the top 800m and mile time in the MAC this year at 2:07.03 and 4:40.35, respectively.
• Reese Reaman has the second-best mark in the 800m this year in the MAC at 2:08.04.
• Bianca Staples has the MAC’s top triple jump mark this season at the Kent State Doug Raymond Invitational with a mark of 12.81m.
• The team posted a 3.73 team GPA for the fall semester
• Morgan Patterson earned MAC Track Athlete of the Week honors after racing to a top three all-time program finish in the 60m hurdles (8.46) at the Tom Wright Open. Christabelle Obi climbed to sixth all-time in the same event, clocking in at 8.66
• At the Meyo Invitational, three different Falcons set school records. Reese Reaman set one in the 800m, finishing second at 2:08.04, Rachael Hoover set another in the mile with a 4:40.35 event-winning race, and Kylee Cubbison rounded out the record-setting marks at 9:17.95 in the 3000m
• In South Bend, Kiersten Franklin reached second on the BGSU all-time list in the 60m with a 7.47 effort, while Kiera Bonds cracked the tenth spot with a 7.59 mark. Reagan Campbell moved up to eight on the list in the 400m after finishing in 56.27
• Kiera Bonds shined at the Doug Raymond Invitational, climbing to second on Bowling Green’s all-time list with a 5.99m leap. Bianca Staples continued the jumps trend, achieving a second-place finish in the triple jump. That is the top mark in the MAC, was the 43rd best mark in Division I at the time and slots her second all-time for BGSU
• Melissa Boone reached the all-time list as a freshman with a 2:12.93 finish in the 800m, and sophomore Lexi Panning reached second in the 3000m at 9:53.69.
• Rachael Hoover won MAC Track Athlete of the Week after breaking Reese Reaman’s record in the 800m at the GVSU Big Meet. The sophomore won the event with a 2:07.03 finish, which tops the MAC and is 84th best in the NCAA.
MEN’S GOLF
• BGSU opened the spring season at Ball State’s Lake Jovita Invitational (Feb. 9-10).
• Pedro Garcia tied for 11th at -5 to pace BGSU’s 10th-place finish. Garcia’s 11th-place finish is the best this season by a Falcon.
FOOTBALL
• BGSU had a program record 33 Falcons named to the 2025 Academic All-MAC team. The previous best was 18, which was set in 2024.
• The 33 honorees were tops in the MAC for the 2025 season.
• BGSU has produced seven of the top outputs in program history for Academic All-MAC representation over the last eight seasons.
