2008-09 PETERSON PRIDE AWARD PRESENTED TO BOB HORAN III

Local Auto Manager Honored For Significant Bulldog Athletics Support

Horan, who currently is in his sixth year as general manager at Babb Ford Sales Inc. in Reed City, Mich., has been a loyal supporter of Ferris State University and Bulldogs Athletics for over 20 years. He's the 21st individual to receive the "Pete Peterson Pride Award" since its inception following the conclusion of the 1981-82 athletics season.

"It's a honor to accept this award because I'm a true Bulldog and want to help in any way possible," said Horan III. "The University provides us (the community) with a lot of cultural activities and I believe it's imperative we show our support."

The Pete Peterson Pride Award is named in honor of former Ferris State Athletics Director and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Commissioner Pete Peterson (1964-79). The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated loyalty and unselfish support of Bulldog Athletics. The award, which was reinstated following the 2002-03 athletics season after a seven-year absence, recognizes outstanding service and support from those outside the athletics department staff. Coaches and athletics department staff nominate individuals to be considered which are selected from alumni, community members, university faculty or staff member, and a fan. A committee from the administration staff of intercollegiate athletics, as appointed by the athletics director's office determines the award recipient.

Horan III, a Ferris State graduate, has been actively involved in the Ferris State Athletics Coaches Car program by donating vehicles to various Bulldog athletics programs over the years to assist in their recruiting. As a result, the FSU Athletics Department has saved substancial monies throughout the years. Horan III also has supplied a truck for hauling of equipment to and from the various athletic venues.

A longtime Friends of Ferris advocate, Horan III has been generous in advertising with Bulldog Athletics throughout the years. He was also a member of Solid Ice, which was a committee formed to actively support the NCAA Division I men's ice hockey program at Ferris State. Horan III also holds membership in FSU's Blueline Club, Rebounders Booster Club, and the Gridiron Club.

Horan III's family has also been proud supporters of Ferris State University for more than three decades. His grandfather, Bob Horan Sr., was the recipient of a Golden Eagle Award for his 50-plus years of support and his father, Bob Horan Jr., also is noted for his kindness and generosity to FSU and the athletics department in particular.

Prior to his present employment at Babb Ford, Horan III had served as a sales manager and sales representative at both Frank Kirby Ford and Triangle Auto Sales in Big Rapids.

Pete Peterson Bulldog Pride Award Recipients
2008-09 - Bob Horan III (Local Businessman, Financial Supporter, Fan, Gridron Club, Rebounders Club & Blueline Club Member)
2007-08 - Stanley Gustafson (Statistician, Hockey Season Ticket Holder)
2006-07 – Mike Wissink (Team Chaplain, Team Building Coordinator)
2005-06 – Paul Quick (Ticket Manager, Business Operations)
2004-05 – Sueann Walz (Local Businesswoman, Financial Supporter, Fan, Blueline Club Member)
2003-04 – Paul Davis (Ticket Manager)
2002-03 – Dick Hawkins (Dean, Blueline Club Member)
1995-96 – Rich Currie (Local Businessman, Bulldog Club Member, Bulldog Football’s “Number One Fan”)
1994-95 – Lyn Hanson (Bus Driver, Fan)
1993-94 – Judd Folske (Baseball Head Coach, Assistant to Athletics Director)
1992-93 – Dean Davenport (Athletics Director, Administrator, Coach)
1991-92 – Rachel Snyder (Associate Professor, National Anthem Singer, Athletic Advisory Committee Member & Chair)
1990-91 – Bill Scheible (Alumni Director, Bulldog Club Member, Athletics Business Manager, Assistant to Athletics Director, Ewigleben Ice Arena Manager)
1989-90 – Tom Cook (CCHA Institutional Representative, Dean of Gerholdz Institute for Lifelong Learning, Administrative Consultant)
1988-89 – Carma Burcham (Assistant Registrar For Athletic Eligibility, Bulldog Club, Blue Line Club, Fastbreak Club)
1987-88 – John Allshouse (Athletics Associates Board Member and President, Fund raising event organizer)
1986-87 – Bob Leach (Alumni Affairs Director, Assistant Vice President For Alumni and Development, Head Football Coach, Development Officer)
1985-86 – Tom Walsh (Dean, Official Timekeeper, Athletic Associates Member)
1984-85 – Bill Buckingham (Public Address Announcer, Associate Vice President For Student Services)
1982-83 – Tim Pendell (Sports Information Director)
1981-82 – Dr. Frederick Birkham (Health Center Director)