Attack on America Impacts Ferris State

Former Bulldog Football Player Missing In New York City Attack

As of this Sept. 14, the where-a-bouts of former Bulldog football player Eric Bennett (1989-92) remain unknown. A two-year starter at center, Bennett served as Executive Vice President of the Alliance Consulting Group, which was located on the 102nd floor of the first World Trade Center Tower struck by terrorists in Tuesday's (Sept. 11) attack. Bennett, who had lived and worked in the New York area for nearly eight years, was last heard from while attempting to evacuate the building.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to Eric Bennett and his family," said Tom Kirinovic, FSU Athletics Director. "We hope, as the rescue attempts go on, that Eric will be a survivor and not a casualty of this tragic attack."

A three-year letterwinner, Bennett earned 1992 All-Midwest Intercollegiate Football Conference (MIFC) Honorable Mention honors before graduating from the Ferris State University College of Business in 1993 with a degree in computer information systems. Prior to his arrival at Ferris State, Bennett was an all-conference standout at Kearsley High School in Flint, Mich.

"This is a tremendous tragedy and puts reality back into the importance of football and life," FSU football coach Jeff Pierce said. "Eric was a great person who had really moved up in the business world because of his hard-working approach."

The 6-1, 185-pound Bennett helped Ferris State finish 10-3 overall and win the MIFC Championship during the 1992 campaign after joining the program as a walk-on. The 29-year old Bennett still has a Ferris State Bulldog tattoo on his upper right forearm.

"Eric was a part of our Bulldog family," Pierce said. "When something like this happens, it really hits close to home for a lot of people. Sometimes it doesn't sink in until you realize how many people have been affected by a situation like this."

While a large number of missing individuals remain, the attack has also produced countless numbers of heroic stories involving rescue efforts. Former Ferris State basketball player Jeff Hephner (1997-99) recently volunteered to aid in the mission on behalf of the Ferris State University Athletics Department. An actor in New York City, Hephner lives approximately eight to 10 blocks from the World Trade Center. Although he hasn't been activated into duty as this time, Hephner expects to receive a call today.

"His willingness to help out in this situation speaks volumes for the type of human beings we have coming through our programs," Kirinovic said. "There are great stories of both heroism and tragedy that have came out of this disaster. It appears we are seeing both sides of it."

A team captain during the 1998-99 campaign, Hephner appeared in 42 games during his three-year FSU career. The Sand Creek, Mich., native spent two seasons at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., before coming to Ferris State.

"To have one of our Bulldogs volunteer in the rescue effort is quite an honor," FSU men's basketball coach Edgar Wilson said. "It's a tribute to him and exemplifies the type of character we have in our programs and our institution."

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has asked each member institution to observe a moment of silence before each contest throughout the weekend in memory of those who have lost their lives in this act of terrorism. A short ceremony will be held prior to Saturday's (Sept. 15) Bulldog football contest at Saginaw Valley State.

"This tragedy has made it tough to prepare for this game and remain focused," Pierce said. "It's sad to think that someone would come after us in our homeland. There's no doubt that many lives have been touched by this."