2000-01 News & Notes - Post-Season

May 11

Bulldog Duo to Travel Overseas with "Athletes In Action"

Another opportunity, however, awaits. Fisk and Kirkland will be traveling to the Czech Republic in late June through Athletes in Action (AIA), the sports ministry program of Campus Crusade for Christ International. The program provides Christian athletes, coaches and staff with intensive training in their faith and the opportunity to use the platform athletics provides to share Christ with others.

"It's a great opportunity to represent my school, grow in my faith and develop my basketball skills," Kirkland said. "I didn't think I would ever get a chance to play for Coach Fisk again. It's a good thing we got along so well."

As co-head coach along with Tim Eatman of Illinois-Chicago, Fisk will guide a squad of 12 athletes on a two-week expedition. The team will open training camp June 2 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and will tour overseas June 11-25.

"It is an opportunity for us to grow in our faith and use basketball as a platform," Fisk said. "As a coach, you sometimes get so concerned with wins and losses that you forget what is really important. My hope is to refocus on the most important thing in my life."

While in the Czech Republic, the Athletes in Action team will direct youth camps, compete against international teams and lead native people to Christ through testimony. The squad will stay with host families and interact with the Czech people. Each coach and athlete is required to raise $3,500 by May 29 to cover trip expenses.

"It's a short time frame, but will be well worth the effort," Fisk said. "My goal is to take the experiences I have over there and become a better coach and person."

Fisk applied for a coaching position in early March, after having been active in both Campus Crusade and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes during her collegiate playing career at NCAA Division I Illinois State and then Northern Michigan. Her appointment opened the door for Kirkland, who earned 2000-01 Women's Division II Bulletin Third-Team All-America honors.

"We needed a post player with a physical presence," Fisk said. "Most of the players are going to be Division I players and I knew Tianna could have played at many of those schools. The door was open and she was a perfect fit."

Although Kirkland, the 2000-01 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Player of the Year, has another year of school remaining, she hopes to use the experience as a stepping stone to a professional basketball career overseas after graduation.

"I've considered playing in Europe and it will be nice to have a chance to experience this with someone I know," she said. "The competition will be good because the girls will be a little bigger.  It's an opportunity to get some experience against international players."

Kirkland will have the opportunity to play alongside other standout basketball players. The roster includes players from several NCAA Division I schools including 6-2 Notre Dame forward Kelley Siemon, who earned Big East Conference Most Improved Player honors and was selected in the third round of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft by the Los Angeles Sparks after helping the Irish win the 2000-01 NCAA National Championship.

Athletes in Action was formed in 1966 when Dave Hannah, a past collegiate athlete, shared his desire to introduce spiritually hungry athletes to Christ with Dr. Bill Bright, who had begun the Campus Crusade ministry at UCLA in 1951.  From 1977-2000, the AIA women's basketball staff has sent 58 teams overseas while compiling a 437-196-4 record. Past AIA all-star teams have played national teams from Australia, Brazil, Korea, Poland, Switzerland and Zaire.

"Basketball is our comfort zone," Fisk said. "With a ball, many of us in this profession feel we are capable of doing anything and it gives us added confidence. We're hoping that a lot of good things come out of this experience."

Now finishing her third season at Ferris State, Fisk has guided the Bulldogs to two-straight GLIAC Tournament appearances and has compiled a mark of 56-28 (.667). During the 1999-2000 campaign, Ferris State reached the NCAA Division II National Tournament for the first time in school history and earned the nation's highest grade point average (3.54 GPA) at the Division II level after posting a 22-7 record. FSU was 16-11 this past season.

Kirkland finished her career as the third-leading rebounder in school history with 705 caroms and ranks 10th on the school's all-time scoring chart with 926 points. Besides being the first All-American in the 27-year history of the program, she was a 2000-01 first-team Daktronics All-Great Lakes Region pick. An All-GLIAC North Division and GLIAC North Division All-Defensive team selection, Kirkland averaged 15.2 points per game and 9.7 rebounds a contest this past season while notching a conference-high 14 double-doubles (points and rebounds).  Kirkland is also a current member of the Ferris State women's track and field squad.

"We need a lot of support and prayer," Fisk said. "Our focus is to share the gospel with as many people as we can over there by using the sport of basketball. It's a popular sport and should be a big draw for both parents and kids in the Czech Republic."

To obtain information on how to support either Fisk or Kirkland, interested parties are asked to contact the Ferris State women's basketball office at (231) 591-2878. All donations to Athletes in Action are tax-deductible and contributions will be used to help the team on its mission to share the gospel through the international language of sports.

May 9

Tianna Kirkland Earns All-America Honors

Kirkland was the only Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) athlete selected to one of the four All-American teams released by the monthly newsletter of Division II women's basketball. She is the first player to receive All-American honors in the 27-year history of the Ferris State women's basketball program.

The GLIAC Player of the Year this past season, Kirkland was a first-team Daktronics All-Great Lakes Region pick and was voted the Bulldog Most Valuable Player at the conclusion of the 2000-01 campaign. In addition to being named the GLIAC Player of the Year, Kirkland also received All-GLIAC North Division honors and was a GLIAC North Division All-Defensive team selection.

The 6-1 Kirkland led the GLIAC in rebounding this past season and compiled a conference-high 14 double-doubles. She averaged 15.2 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game in leading the Bulldogs to a 16-11 mark. Kirkland scored 10 points or more in 19 of the 25 games she played and led the squad in scoring 15 times.

The Flint native compiled the second-best rebounding average by a Bulldog senior during the 2000-01 campaign. She also posted the fourth-highest single season rebound total with 243 boards and made the fifth-most free throws in a single season in school history (97).

Kirkland finished her Bulldog career as the third-leading rebounder in school history with 705 caroms and is fifth on the career blocks chart with 40 swats. The 10th-leading scorer in FSU history with 926 points, Kirkland also ranks fourth in career field goal percentage at .540 (350-648). She is ninth in made free throws (226).

As a junior, Kirkland was a second-team All-GLIAC pick, a conference All-Academic honoree and made the GLIAC Tournament Team as she averaged 11.9 points per game and grabbed 9.1 rebounds a contest. FSU finished the 1999-2000 campaign with a 22-7 mark, earned the nation's top grade point average at the Division II level and made the school's first appearance in the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

FSU notched its fourth-straight winning campaign this season and reached the GLIAC Tournament for the second-consecutive year under head coach Tracey Fisk. Ferris State was third in the North Division with an 11-7 conference mark.

April 23

Kirkland Named MVP at Annual Awards Banquet

A first-team Daktronics All-Great Lakes Region selection and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Player of the Year this past season, Kirkland led Ferris State to a 16-11 mark and its second-consecutive GLIAC Tournament berth. She was also recognized at the event for being named to the GLIAC North Division first-team and the GLIAC North Division All-Defensive team.

Juniors Debbie Killips and Patti Larson shared Defensive MVP honors. Larson was also given the squad's Hardest Worker Award for the second-straight year by head coach Tracey Fisk.

Killips received the Joan Nelson Academic Award for her outstanding work in the classroom.  She was named to the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) Athletic/Academic Honor Team and was a first-team Verizon All-Academic District IV College Division pick. On the floor, she was a second-team GLIAC North Division selection and earned GLIAC North Division All-Defensive team recognition.

Freshman Lucy DeMartin was named the Rookie of the Year. DeMartin averaged 9.7 points per game and started 26 contests in her first season at Ferris State. Fellow newcomer Bridget Horwitz received the Most Improved Player Award.  Horwitz scored 197 points this season and made 12 starts.

The Sixth Player Award went to sophomore guard Jennifer Brogger. A two-sport standout at FSU in basketball and track, Brogger nailed 43 treys and averaged 8.1 points per contest during the 2000-01 campaign.

Senior forward Kerri Cannata was named the President's Academic Award winner for the third-consecutive season. She earned a 3.98 grade point average in the criminal justice program during the fall term. Dean's Academic Awards were presented to Cannata, Killips, Larson and senior Dana Bull.

Ferris State also recognized five GLIAC All-Academic picks. They included Cannata, Larson, Killips, Bull and senior forward Veronica Joseph. Their outstanding academic accomplishments helped Ferris State compile the nation's top grade point average at the NCAA Division II level during the 1999-2000 school year.

The Bulldogs posted their fourth-consecutive winning season during the 2000-01 campaign and finished third in the GLIAC North Division with an 11-7 mark.

April 14

Debbie Killips Named To BCAM Academic/Athletic Honor Team

A 5-7 junior, Killips was selected as one of five scholar-athletes from Michigan colleges and universities. To be eligible, players had to be either a starter or important reserve and have at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average. The BCAM teams were selected on the basis of academic achievement, athletic accomplishment, grade point average and BCAM membership. Athletes from NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA levels were eligible to earn the award.

In addition to Killips, the squad included Allison Bailey of Michigan Tech, Marisa Dellangelo of Northern Michigan, Alice Duesing of Lake Superior State and Sarah Vincke of Adrian College.

Killips holds a 3.91 cumulative grade point average in Biology and Education and helped lead Ferris State to a 16-11 mark on-the-court this past season. She was also honored as a first-team 2001 Verizon Academic All-District IV College Division selection and was named to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) North Division second-team and the GLIAC North Division All-Defensive team.

Killips ranks sixth on the career assists chart at Ferris State and registered the second-best single-season total in Bulldog history this year. In addition to ranking among the career assists leaders at Ferris State, Killips is second in career steals at FSU. She averaged 11.3 points, 5.6 assists and 3.4 steals per game this past season.

A year ago, Killips was named to the GLIAC All-Academic Team as she helped Ferris State record the nation's top grade point average at the NCAA Division II level. She was also honored as a GLIAC All-Defensive Team choice and made the GLIAC All-Tournament Team as FSU advanced to the national tournament.

March 29

Ferris Places Five On All-Academic Team

FSU placed five women on the squad for the first time since 1998. The Bulldog women were one of seven schools to receive five or more nominations.

Honorees include seniors Dana Bull, Kerri Cannata and Veronica Joseph as well as junior standouts Debbie Killips and Patti Larson.

The 5-7 Killips was the only repeat selection for Ferris State. She posted a 3.91 grade point average in biology education during the fall term. In addition to being named to the conference all-academic squad, Killips also was named to the Verizon All-Academic District IV team this past season.

A 6-1 forward, Bull compiled a 3.80 grade point average in math education while averaging 7.3 points per game during her final campaign. Cannata earned a 3.98 GPA in criminal justice. Joseph made the conference list by posting a 3.22 grade point average in computer information systems. The 5-9 Larson received her first conference honor with a 3.81 GPA in elementary education.

The Ferris State women's basketball team concluded the 2000-01 campaign with a 16-11 mark and advanced to the GLIAC Tournament quarterfinals under head coach Tracey Fisk. A year ago, the Bulldogs recorded the nation's top grade point average at the NCAA Division II level with a 3.53 overall GPA and was the only conference school ranked among the top 25 teams on the honor roll list.

March 6

Tianna Kirkland Garners Daktronics All-Region Accolades

Kirkland is the first all-region pick in the 27-year history of the Ferris State women's basketball program. As a first-team all-region pick, Kirkland will advance to the national ballot and be eligible for All-American honors. The region team was selected by sports information directors in the Great Lakes Region.

Northern Kentucky junior Michelle Cottrell and Misi Clark of Southern Illinois-Edwardsville each made the all-region team for the second-straight season. In addition to Kirkland, the first-team all-region squad also included Elizabeth Prewett of Southern Indiana and Kristin Roseberry of Gannon.

Last week, Kirkland was named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Player of the Year. In addition to being the Player of the Year and a first-team GLIAC North Division honoree, Kirkland was also named to the GLIAC North Division All-Defensive Team.

The 6-1 Kirkland led the GLIAC in rebounding this past season and compiled a conference-high 14 double-doubles. She averaged 15.2 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game in leading the Bulldogs to a 16-11 mark. Kirkland scored 10 points or more in 19 of the 25 games she played and led the squad in scoring 15 times.

The Flint native compiled the second-best rebounding average by a Bulldog senior during the 2000-01 campaign. She also posted the fourth-highest single season rebound total with 243 boards and made the fifth-most free throws in a single season in school history with 97.

As a junior, Kirkland was a second-team All-GLIAC pick and made the GLIAC Tournament Team.

FSU notched its fourth-straight winning campaign this season and reached the GLIAC Tournament for the second-consecutive year under head coach Tracey Fisk. Ferris State was third in the North Division with an 11-7 conference mark.

March 2

Senior center Tianna Kirkland of Ferris State University has been selected as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) women's basketball "Player of the Year" in a vote of the conference women's basketball coaches.

The 6-1 Kirkland led the GLIAC in rebounding this past season and compiled a conference-high 13 double-doubles during regular season play. The Flint native scored 21 points and grabbed 17 rebounds to notch her 14th double-double of the year during the opening round of the conference tournament on Wednesday afternoon at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids.

This past season, Kirkland averaged 15.2 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game in leading the Bulldogs to a 16-11 mark. She scored 10 points or more in 19 of the 25 games she played and led the squad in scoring 15 times. She was the leading rebounder on the team in 19 games.

During her Bulldog career, Kirkland was 350-of-648 (.540) from the field. She finished her career with the fourth-best field goal percentage in FSU history and is third on the career rebound chart with 705 boards. She also ranks among the all-time Bulldog leaders in scoring, blocked shots and free throws. The senior captain is 10th on the school scoring list with 926 points and is fifth in career blocks with 40. On the career free throw chart, Kirkland is ninth with 226 made free throws.

Kirkland compiled the second-best rebounding average by a Bulldog senior during the 2000-01 campaign. She also posted the fourth-highest single season rebound total with 243 boards and made the fifth-most free throws in a single season in school history with 97.

Besides being named the GLIAC Player of the Year, Kirkland was also named to the GLIAC North Division All-Defensive Team. As a junior, Kirkland was a second-team All-GLIAC pick and made the GLIAC Tournament Team.

Junior point guard Debbie Killips was also selected to the GLIAC North Division All-Defensive Team and was a second-team All-GLIAC North Division pick. Killips earned All-GLIAC Defensive Team honors for the second-straight season.

FSU notched its fourth-straight winning campaign this season and reached the GLIAC Tournament for the second-consecutive year under head coach Tracey Fisk. Ferris State was third in the North Division with an 11-7 conference mark.

March 1

Great Season - The Bulldogs recorded their third-straight winning season during the 2000-01 campaign and reached the GLIAC Tournament for the second-consecutive year under head coach Tracey Fisk. Under Fisk, the Bulldogs have compiled a 56-28 mark in the past three seasons. Ferris State also notched the 300th win in school history this past season with a 57-51 win over Northwood on Dec. 9 at Wink Arena. FSU in now 309-353 in 27 seasons of action.

GLIAC Player Of The Year - Senior Tianna Kirkland has been named the GLIAC Player of the Year for her outstanding performance this past season. The 6-1 Kirkland led the conference in rebounding this past season and compiled 14 double-doubles. She averaged 15.2 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per contest in leading the Bulldogs to a 16-11 mark. Besides being named the GLIAC Player of the Year, Kirkland was also a first-team GLIAC North Division pick and made the GLIAC North Division All-Defensive team. As a junior, Kirkland was a second-team All-GLIAC honoree and made the conference all-tournament team. Junior point guard Debbie Killips was also selected to the GLIAC North Division All-Defensive team and was a second-team All-GLIAC North Division choice. Killips earned all-defensive team honors for the second-straight year.

Killips Earns Verizon Honor - Junior point guard Debbie Killips has been honored as a first-team 2001 Verizon Academic All-District IV College Division selection for her outstanding work as a student-athlete. Killips holds a 3.91 cumulative grade point average in Biology and Education and helped FSU to a 16-11 mark this past season. As a first-team pick, Killips has been placed on the national Verizon Academic All-America ballot. She was the only athlete from a Michigan institution named on the first-team all-district squad.

Hillsdale Wins 2-OT Thriller - Despite a 34-20 halftime advantage, the Ferris State women's basketball squad couldn't advance to the semifinal round at the GLIAC Tournament as Hillsdale pulled out a 85-78 double-overtime win on Feb. 28. Senior Tianna Kirkland led the Bulldogs as she notched her 14th double-double outing of the year with 21 points and 17 rebounds against the Chargers. Freshman Lucy DeMartin tied her career-high with 21 points. Freshman center Bridget Horwitz added 11 points and junior Debbie Killips had 10. Standout guard Stephanie Heid propelled the Chargers to the win as she poured in 27 points. Heid drilled a three-point shot with five seconds remaining in regulation to force the extra action.

In The Tourney - Ferris State fell to 3-3 all-time in GLIAC Tournament action with the loss to Hillsdale at the DeltaPlex. The contest marked the third conference tournament appearance for the Ferris State women's basketball program. FSU took part in the league tourney for the second-straight season. A year ago, FSU advanced to the championship contest before falling to Northern Michigan 93-80. The only other Bulldog appearance came in 1998.

Seniors Close Careers - Four seniors played their final contest for Ferris State at the GLIAC Tournament. Besides Kirkland, seniors Dana Bull, Veronica Joseph and Kerri Cannata all capped their FSU careers against Hillsdale. Kirkland was the only member of the senior class to play all four years at Ferris State. She compiled a 74-37 mark as a Bulldog.

Bulldog Bites - The Bulldogs were 8-6 when Tianna Kirkland posted a double-double. . .Junior point guard Debbie Killips finished the season with the second-most steals in a single-season at 93. . .Killips will enter her senior campaign second on the career steals chart. She needs 23 thefts to become the all-time leader. . .Killips led FSU in assists in 24 games this season. . .Freshman Lucy DeMartin had 11 double-digit games this year. . .Senior Dana Bull finished her career two blocks away from moving into 10th place on the career list. . .Freshman Bridget Horwitz recorded the 10th-best single-season total at Ferris State with 17 blocks. . .Horwitz fell three points short of reaching the 200-point mark in her first season at FSU. . .Killips was second on the team in scoring at 11.3 ppg.

Outstanding Career - During her Bulldog career, senior Tianna Kirkland was 350-of-648 (.540) from the floor. Kirkland finished her FSU career with the fourth-best field goal percentage in FSU history and is third on the career rebound chart with 705 boards. The senior captain also ranks among the school leaders in scoring, blocked shots and free throws. She is 10th on the school scoring chart with 926 points and is fifth in career blocks with 40. On the school free throw chart, Kirkland is ninth with 226 made free throws. She started 65 games at Ferris State.

A Season To Remember - Tianna Kirkland compiled the second-best rebounding average by a Bulldog senior during the 2000-01 season at 9.7 rebounds per game. She also posted the fourth-highest single-season rebound total with 243 boards and made the fifth-most free throws in a single-season in school history with 97. Kirkland scored 10 points or more in 19 of the 25 games she played this season and led the squad in scoring 15 times. She was the leading rebounder for Ferris State in 19 contests. Besides being named the GLIAC Player of the Year, Kirkland also was chosen as the GLIAC Player of the Week on Feb. 12.

Hardcourt Notes - Junior Debbie Killips and sophomore Jennifer Brogger both nailed 43 three-point baskets this season and finished the year tied for eighth-place on the single-season three-point field goal chart. . .Killips closed the season one trey away from moving into ninth place on the career list. . .Brogger is in 11th place on the career three-point chart after two seasons. . .Killips posted the best three-point percentage in a single-season in school history this year as she sank 43-of-92 attempts (.467). . .Brogger had the ninth-best three-point percentage in a season at .368 (43-of-117) . . .Freshman Lucy DeMartin recorded the sixth-best free throw percentage in a season at .815 (66-of-81). . .Killips dished out the second-most assists in season with 150 this year . . .Entering her final season, Killips needs 11 assists to become one of the top five Bulldog assists leaders in school history. . .Killips dished out her 300th assist against Hillsdale in the GLIAC Tournament.

Bull Surpasses Career Mark - Senior Dana Bull scored her 300th point at Ferris State in the GLIAC Tournament against Hillsdale as she had eight points. The 6-1 Bull scored 304 points in 55 career outings at Ferris State after transferring from Lake Michigan Community College. As a senior, Bull averaged 7.3 points and 4.4 rebounds a game. In addition, she recorded two double-double outings in her final campaign.

In The Future - While Ferris State will lose four talented seniors, the Bulldogs will return five players with starting experience next season. The group includes Debbie Killips, Patti Larson, Lucy DeMartin, Bridget Horwitz and Jennifer Brogger.

February 28

The Ferris State University women's basketball squad had its season come to an end in the opening round of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament on Wednesday (Feb. 28) afternoon at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Despite having four players reach double-figures, the Bulldogs fell to Hillsdale in the GLIAC Tournament opener 85-78 in double-overtime. FSU led 34-20 at halftime and held a slim margin for most of the second period before the Chargers knotted the contest on a 22-foot three-point shot from Stephanie Heid with five seconds left in regulation.

After each squad scored six points in the first extra period, Hillsdale outscored Ferris State 14-7 in the final overtime frame to advance to the semifinal round on Friday. FSU closed the season with a 16-11 record.

Senior Tianna Kirkland led Ferris State as she notched her 14th double-double of the season with 21 points and 17 rebounds. Freshman Lucy DeMartin matched her career-high with 21 points. Freshman center Bridget Horwitz added 11 points and junior point guard Debbie Killips chipped in 10. Heid had a game-high 27 points and dished out 12 assists to spark Hillsdale. Teammate Aimee Pearson scored 16 points, Mary Wiesen had 12 and Erin Dowd poured in 10 points for the Chargers. Hillsdale improved to 19-8 with the victory.

The Bulldogs lose four seniors in Kirkland, Dana Bull, Veronica Joseph and Kerri Cannata. FSU recorded its fourth-straight winning season during the 2000-01 campaign and reached the GLIAC Tournament for the second-consecutive year under head coach Tracey Fisk.