FERRIS STATE MEN’S GOLF ADDS ANOTHER TALENTED RECRUIT

The Ferris State University men’s golf program has received a commitment from Alex Balog (Trenton) to attend and compete in men’s golf at FSU, beginning with the 2003-04 season. The announcement was made by fifth-year FSU head coach Brad Bedortha.

Balog, who earned all-state laurels during his senior year last fall, was a three-time (2001-03) All-MEGA Red Conference pick at Trenton High School under coach Ron Andrews. Balog helped guide the Trojans to both back-to-back (2002-03) state tournament qualifying appearances and conference championship titles during his prep career.

As a senior, the 6-3 Balog averaged 37.0 strokes per nine-hole round as the THS placed sixth overall at the state finals. The 2003 team captain claimed fourth place at the regional meet and finished among the top 20 golfers at the state tournament finals. Balog concluded his prep career as the school’s record holder for the lowest individual round (68) and was a part of the Trojans’ record lowest team round (276).

In his junior campaign, he posted a 36.0 stroke average while garnering top individual medalist honors at the conference meet and placed fourth in regional tourney play. Balog achieved team Most Valuable Player accolades in his junior season after attaining the squad’s Most Improved Player Award as a sophomore. Two of his former prep teammates, Joe Wilson (Wayne State) and Josh Castmore (Defiance) are presently competing in collegiate golf.

Beside golf, Balog was a member of the school’s Spanish Club, Varsity Club and was also involved with the community service internet club.

The son of Greg and Marilyn Balog, Alex is the oldest of three children (two sisters) and plans to major in professional golf management at FSU. Balog joins Kyle Mason (Mt. Pleasant), Jeff Carlson (Holland/West Ottawa) and Kyle Snell (Concord) as 2003-04 FSU men’s golf recruits.

Ferris State made its 11th NCAA Division II Championship appearance in the program’s history this spring (May 20-23) and placed 15th overall at the 41st annual NCAA-II Championships in Sunriver, Ore. The Bulldogs advanced to the national championship tournament after taking first-place honors at the NCAA-II Great Lakes/Central Super Regional, which was held May 5-7 at Bolivar, Mo.