April 30, 2024

Spring 2024 Outstanding Graduate — Antonio Venuto

Antonio Venuto has achieved his goals of representing Ferris State University on the ice and enjoying a well-rounded collegiate experience.  

Now, before commencement with peers in the College of Business on Saturday, May 4, Venuto reflects with pride on his journey and the travels and time invested in realizing those objectives.  

Venuto said he played high school golf for Dexter but traveled extensively for hockey as a member of Compuware in his teens before heading to Jamestown, New York, to compete in the North American Hockey League. From there, it was on to Dubuque, Iowa, and the United States Hockey League. 

“With my father, Mark being a Ferris alumnus, the Bulldogs were always on my radar, so I accepted Drew Famulak and Bob Daniels’ offer to have a recruiting visit to Big Rapids,” he said. “They took me to the College of Business, where I met program liaison and adviser Lori Armstrong. There were other college visits to make, which I enjoyed and while I was anxious to find ‘my school,’ I made the choice to join Ferris in the fall of 2019. It has been like a dream for me, such a satisfying experience.”  

Venuto credits fellow forward Jason Brancheau with helping him be comfortable in the Ferris State hockey program. Although, their first year together was more memorable than they may have desired.  

“It was Jason’s second year and my first. Because of COVID-19, we were required to test regularly so we could be cleared to compete,” Venuto said. “It was complicated to keep up with that requirement at times, and I turned to our older guys, who really helped me stay focused. I tried to help younger guys keep their heads on so we could all take up everything necessary to succeed on the ice and as Ferris students.”  

Before coming to Big Rapids, Venuto had some college learning, which helped him commit to pursuing excellence in his coursework.  

“While I was in Dubuque, I was really invested in my competition to get the best collegiate situation possible, but I also completed a college course, so I did not lose focus on academics,” he said. “It was a real learning experience to fit together academics, practices, training, our games and the team’s travel schedule when I got to Ferris. I was proud to make the Dean’s List early on and know my investment in and out of class allowed me to make the Central Collegiate Hockey Association All-Academic Team each of my final two seasons.”  

During his first summers in college, Venuto found ways to give of himself and make gains as a college athlete. He would train regularly with other college athletes in the greater Detroit area. 

“We would share advice about our experiences in school and on our teams,” he said. “That would really help me consider my own game and the possibilities I might consider for my studies and career.” 

Venuto became engaged beyond hockey. 

“I would also take Meals on Wheels deliveries and work in a local food bank, because that gave me a chance to be close to my mother and sister when I was back home,” he said. “It felt great to contribute to my community back home, so I applied that attitude of giving to outreach with my Ferris teammates at ArtWorks in Big Rapids, community engagement with area businesses and getting together with players in the Big Rapids Area Hockey Association.”  

Between his junior and senior seasons, Venuto gained valuable experience in an internship with the S-S Bendure & Hartwig Company in Columbus, Ohio.  

“They are affiliated with Globe Life, and I served as a representative for life, health and accident insurance coverage,” he said. “It was an eye-opening opportunity to present myself in client relations. I know now that sales is the field that interests me as I go forward professionally.”     

Venuto logged more games in the Bulldogs’ rotation each year of his career, capping the 2023-24 season as Ferris’ leading scorer with 26 points on a team-high 12 goals, five of which were tallied on the power play. Whether he scored in the Ewigleben Ice Arena, Upper Peninsula venues, or Bowling Green, he was pleased to look to the stands and feel the encouragement of his family.  

“My family has always been so supportive. Playing at Ferris allowed them to make nearly every home game in my career. It was a joy to see their faces and all the Bulldog fans I became acquainted with,” Venuto said. “I know my family was happy not to log the road hours my days in majors and junior hockey had presented. I have enjoyed every moment here and took none of my opportunities for granted. I would not trade my time here for anything.”  

In the weeks after the 2023-24 season ended, Venuto reflected on his four years with Ferris State head coach Bob Daniels.  

“There are so many good things that come to mind,” Venuto said. “He gave me the confidence to excel in his program, especially my senior year. I would put him on the ‘Mount Rushmore of College Coaches,’ and having the opportunity to live out my dream of playing for him will always be in my thoughts. I understand he has given these opportunities to so many other players and we really respect and have pride in what we were allowed to take part in, as he closes on the 500th-win milestone in his career.”  

The close of a collegiate season for any hockey player can present emergent situations. Professional teams can offer tryout contracts to unsigned draft picks or players with no other affiliation.  

Venuto considered his circumstances, opting for the NCAA transfer portal and agreeing to skate in 2024-25 as a graduate student-athlete with Merrimack College in Massachusetts. The Warriors’ program joins the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in its second year of NCAA Division I play.  

“I will be pursuing my master’s degree there,” Venuto said. “They have Management, Finance and Business Analytics programs and I am still working through what would be best for me.”  

Antonio is also proud to grow the Venuto family’s legacy as Ferris State graduates, with the days few before he presents himself in cap and gown at commencement ceremonies on the first Saturday in May.  

“Bittersweet is a fitting description for how I feel about this achievement,” Venuto said. “My four years here have been the best of my life. I have made lifelong friends and memories I will never forget. I have enjoyed each moment and take none of these opportunities for granted. I would not trade this time and my Ferris experience for anything.”