BOMERSBACK SELECTED RECIPIENT OF JIMMY SWEARS COURAGE AWARD

Bulldog Hockey Player Becomes The First To Receive Athletics Honor

Bomersback, who finished his four-year (2003-07) career this season, suffered a personal tragedy with the loss of his mother (Marilyn) to cancer on the eve of the 2004-05 season. The left winger then broke his leg in the 2006-07 regular season opener against Union (Oct. 6) which forced him to miss the next 16 games. The assistant captain returned to the ice at the University of Minnesota's Dodge Holiday Classic Tournament (Dec. 29-30) and competed in both tourney contests. Bomersback would suffer an ankle injury late in the regular season and was sidelined for three games as a result.

"I had the opportunity to know Jim Swears over the years and I believe he would very proud to have someone such as Mark win this award," said Ferris State hockey coach Bob Daniels. "Mark has overcome numerous obstacles in both his personal life and on the ice. His determination and character have allowed him to succeed and overcome these challenges."

The Jimmy Swears Courage Award, which was announced in May 2007, is presented to a deserving student or current personnel in the FSU Athletics program who, when confronted with a life-altering situation, has used perseverance, dedication and determination to overcome the odds. Nominees are to an inspiration to their peers, serve as a role model to others and be a team leader while responding to adversity. Those individuals nominated for the award must be involved within the Bulldog intercollegiate athletics program and possibly include student-athletes, student managers, student coaches and/or student athletic trainers in addition to current athletics department personnel.

The award is named to honor longtime Bulldog booster Jim Swears, who passed away Jan. 17, 2007 at the age of 64 following a lengthy bout with cancer. A local businessman and community activist, Swears was a strong supporter of Ferris State hockey, football and basketball. He worked diligently to help develop and maintain FSU's status as a NCAA Division I men's ice hockey program. Additionally, Swears served on the board of directors for the Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association and was an active member of the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association. He was the 2006 recipient of the Northern Lights Lifetime Achievement Award for business and industry in the Big Rapids area.

Bomersback registered 16 points with nine goals and seven assists to go with a plus one efficiency rating in 20 contests for the 2006-07 season. The 2006-07 FSU Most Valuable Player also produced four multiple-point games, which included a team-high two multi-goal game performances.

The 2003-04 team's Rookie of the Year Award recipient accumulated 89 points on 40 goals and 49 assists in 136 games during his Ferris career. The 5-10, 191-pound skater is currently tied for 32nd place in assists among the program's all-time leaders while ranking 36th in career points and tied for 44th place in assists. Bomersback will officially be presented this award at Ferris State's eighth annual Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet on Sept. 28 at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center in Big Rapids.

Jimmy Swears Courage Award Recipients
2006-07 – Mark Bomersback (Men's Ice Hockey)