PAUL DAVIS NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE “PETE PETERSON PRIDE AWARD”

Former FSU Ticket Manager Recognized For Contributions To Bulldog Athletics

The award, named for the former Ferris State Athletics Director and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Commissioner Pete Peterson (1964-79), 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. Recipients considered include alumni, community members, university faculty and staff members along with fans.

A 1970 FSU graduate, Davis retired from Ferris State last spring after working 34 years in the school’s business office. He arrived at Ferris as a student in 1968 and began his position as the school's Assistant Business Office Manager in June of 1970. Davis never missed a home football or basketball game while serving as the school's ticket manager since his appointment in 1970. He also witnessed every home women's basketball game in Bulldog history and the majority of current records posted by student-athletes in both football and men's basketball during his tenure.

Davis, who resides in Big Rapids, was recognized last winter for his many years of service by current FSU Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic, Assistant Athletics Director Brian Kegler and former Athletics Director Dean Davenport in a special halftime ceremony at the Bulldogs’ home basketball game versus Saginaw Valley State (2/12/04) held at FSU's Jim Wink Arena in Big Rapids, Mich. He most recently served as the FSU business office’s Student Billing and Receivables Coordinator in addition to his ticket manager duties.

“Paul has been an institution when it comes to athletics at Ferris State,” Kirinovic said. “His 30 plus years of involvement were always driven by a pride to see our student-athletes succeed. It is an honor to be able to include him among the list of honorees.”

Past Pete Peterson Bulldog Pride Award Recipients
2002-03 – Dick Hawkins (Dean, FSU Blueline Club)
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)