Ferris State-Grand Valley Game Canceled Following Player Death

The decision follows the death of Ferris freshman linebacker Matt Sklom (Blue Island, Ill./Eisenhower) during a practice Wednesday. The football team practiced Thursday afternoon in order to prepare for the game, keep the team together and get a feel for how teammates were reacting to the tragedy.

"In making the decision not to play, we considered the health and safety of the student-athletes involved, and felt there was enough doubt in their minds about whether they could be ready," Kirinovic said. "Success in the game of football is contingent on having everyone working together, and we didn't feel everyone could focus enough to make that happen."

Kirinovic said that players who are only partially prepared for and focused on the game face greater risk of injury. He also said both the feelings of the players and those of the Sklom family were taken into account in making the decision. The family indicated they would be very supportive of Ferris playing Saturday's game, provided the athletes were ready to take the field. Both Grand Valley State and the rest of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) have been very supportive throughout the team's grieving process.

"The calendar doesn't allow for the game to be played at a later date," he said. "In regards to the counting of this game in each team's record, the conference commissioner has spoken to members of the executive committee and has indicated that they will be supportive of any decision we make. He also indicated that forfeiture was not being considered in this case."