BLOG 4: Gibson thinks start of the season will be a challenge

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University women’s soccer head coach Neathan Gibson demonstrates a drill to his players during a practice session. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University is beginning its 2008 soccer campaign in Allendale taking part in the Grand Valley State Invitational (Aug. 29, Aug. 31).

Beginning with matches against Southern Indiana, an important and tough regional opponent, and then the University of Tampa, the top-ranked team in the nation in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America NCAA Division II Pre-Season Women’s Soccer Poll (Aug. 12), is no easy task (Grand Valley, the fourth team in the event, is ranked third in the nation). USI dropped an exhibition contest, by a 2-1 score, to Indiana State University (Aug. 17).

Ferris leads the relatively brief all-time series with Southern Indiana, 2-1. The teams last played in 2006, at GVSU, as the Bulldogs won a 3-2 contest.

Ferris and the host Lakers take turns playing Tampa and Southern Indiana in the event. The Bulldogs get the Screaming Eagles and then Tampa (Sunday afternoon).

Third-year head coach Neathan Gibson knew his team would face a tough challenge this weekend, but was hopeful the experience could toughen the squad up for the balance of the 2008 season. Gibson is not afraid to match his team against tough competition and has shown that throughout his time as head coach at Ferris.

Strong competition is never a bad thing in a sport like soccer where a team, like the Bulldogs, needs to be quizzed early to get ready for the real test: Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition.

Ferris is highly motivated to prove wrong those who helped rank them seventh (out of eight teams) in the 2008 preseason poll.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com