BLOG 9: Bulldogs make strong decision hiring Picucci

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University named Steve Picucci (right) head coach of the Bulldog men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs. He had been serving in that role on an interim basis. Picucci is shown here with one of his star student-athletes, distance runner Tina Muir.

BIG RAPIDS – Steve Picucci has paid his dues and is being rewarded by Ferris State University.

Picucci was named the head coach for the Bulldog men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs after serving in 2008-09 as interim coach. It’s well-deserved recognition for Picucci, a former Bulldog student-athlete in cross country and track and field. The program is in good hands with a man who already has gained the trust and respect of the student-athletes and, perhaps most importantly of all, is a tireless worker (a much-needed characteristic or a college-level track and field coach).

“Steve brings to our track program a work ethic that is outstanding and (being an FSU alumnus) an understanding of what it will take to make our program successful,” said Ferris State University Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic said. “The accomplishments our women’s cross country program achieved in the fall under Steve’s direction is only the tip of the iceberg as to how he will lead us to great success. We are very excited to have Steve join the FSU family.”

Well said.

It will be exciting to see where Picucci takes Ferris as he begins to put his signature on these programs through recruiting and his training methods. If Picucci can win over recruits the way he has won over current Bulldogs, he should be in good shape and the programs should be in good hands in the years to come. It has been great to hear the good things the student-athletes have had to say about Picucci during the last year. There seems to be reason for optimism for the future of these programs.

For more on the official hiring of Picucci, visit the Ferris Athletics Web site:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/track/0809news/picucci-coach.htm

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