FERRIS STATE ATHLETIC TRAINER TO BIKE FOR CANCER RESEARCH

Glover To Cover Over 3,800 Miles In Fundraising Endeavor

Tim Glover, an assistant athletic trainer at Ferris State, will begin a cycling trip across the United States this summer to raise funds for cancer research.

Glover hopes to raise at least $50,000 through donations for cancer research and prevention. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States of America with men and women equally affected. Estimated cancer cases in 2006 were 1.3 million.

"Over the last couple of years, I've been looking for a challenge in my life both mentally and physically," said Glover, who has been a certified athletic trainer at Ferris State for seven years. "Years from now I would like know that I accomplished a feat that not many are willing to undertake.

Glover will depart from San Francisco, Calif., on June 2 and after 52 days (including five rest days) is scheduled to arrive in Portsmouth, N.H., on July 24. The cross-country bicycle trip will encompass 3,836 miles and through 13 states with 80 being the average miles per day. The shortest day ride will be 50 miles and longest day is slated to be 121 miles.

Along the way, the bicycle tour will feature visits in cities such as Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Topeka, Indianapolis, and Syracuse.

"I don't believe there's anyone who hasn't been affected by this disease," said Glover, a 1995 Ferris State graduate. "We (FSU athletic training staff) recently lost a dear friend and colleague in Grand Valley State head athletic trainer Todd Jager to cancer. Research is vital to finding a cure and that can only happen through financial support."

A chance to make a difference in people's lives along with undertaking a special interest of his was an opportunity Glover couldn't pass up.

"I became greatly interested in watching the Tour de France a couple of summers ago, which peaked my interest in cycling," Glover stated. "As my enjoyment of the sport increased so did the time I spent on my bike. Now, I have an opportunity to do something which I really enjoy and for a great cause."

Glover, a member of the National Athletic Training Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, serves as the athletic trainer for Ferris State's men's ice hockey team along with Bulldog women's soccer and softball programs. Glover began his duties at Ferris State in August 1998 after serving in a graduate assistant position at Indiana State University.

You can follow Glover's travels this summer on the American by Bicycle website. A scrapbook of the Cross Country Challenge 2007 will be updated daily with route information, pictures, and quotes from the road.

Support for Tim Glover and the American Cancer Society can be shown by linking to Tim's Team ACS website to make a secure online donation. On this site, donations can also be made in honor of someone else. You can also donate by check made out to the American Cancer Society and mailed to Tim Glover at the address listed: Tim Glover, Ferris State University, Sports Medicine Department, 210 Sports Drive, Big Rapids, MI. 49307-2741.

For more information, you can contact Tim Glover at (231) 591-2872 or via e-mail at glovert@ferris.edu.