Skip to Top NavigationSkip to ContentSkip to Footer
Ferris State University BulldogFerris State University Logo

WBBL's The Grillin' Guys Will Fire Things up for Homecoming

The Grillin' GuysHomecoming is already an exciting time at Ferris State University, but the Ferris Alumni Association is ready to grill up a little more fun on Saturday, Oct. 15 as part of “Toon In” to Homecoming 2011.

The Alumni Association is set to welcome The Grillin’ Guys from radio station WBBL in Grand Rapids to campus as hosts Randy Joppie and Bob Nurmikko, a pair of Ferris alumni, plan to take their popular Saturday morning program on the road to Big Rapids. Joppie and Nurmikko will be broadcasting live on 107.3 FM beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday as good food is grilled up for visitors who want to stop by and join in the fun as part of homecoming weekend activities at Ferris.

“The FSU Alumni Association is always looking to offer more fun and variety with its homecoming activities,” said Jeremy Mishler, director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Operations at Ferris. “Partnering with 107.3 FM’s The Grillin’ Guys gave us the opportunity to work with two of our alumni, Randy and Bob, to bring even greater fun, food and atmosphere to our already fired-up, family-friendly homecoming tailgating experience.”

Joppie, known by a variety of nicknames that rhyme with his last name, attended Ferris where he studied Business and Accounting. Nurmikko, known as “Barbecue Bob” by many loyal listeners, met his wife at Ferris after serving in the U.S. Air Force. Joppie and Nurmikko are both accomplished grillers who are eager to bring their show on the road to Ferris.

“We’re very excited about this event and we’re looking forward to being on campus at Ferris,” Joppie said.

Several university administrators, coaches, local businessmen and others are scheduled for on-air interviews with The Grillin’ Guys. Ferris football head coach Jeff Pierce will be a guest as his Bulldogs host Northern Michigan University at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Top Taggart Field. Bulldog hockey head coach Bob Daniels and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute hockey head coach Seth Appert, a Ferris alumnus and former hockey student-athlete where he was a four-year letterwinner as a goaltender have committed as guests. The Bulldogs and RPI begin a two-game series in Big Rapids this weekend as the teams play Friday, Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7:05 p.m. in Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids. Ferris President David Eisler will be interviewed by Joppie and Nurmikko as will Perk Weisenburger, director of Athletics at Ferris. Mishler will be interviewed for the alumni perspective while other guests include Eric O’Neil, a local businessman who is owner of Big Rapids Furniture, and Kraig Snyder, a local grilling expert and caterer at Snyder's BBQ, Meat Market and Catering in Big Rapids.

Food items for this visit by The Grillin’ Guys is expected to include sizzler steaks, hot dogs, potato chips, donut holes, coffee, punch, condiments, buns and more.

For more information about this event, contact Amy Packard at (231) 591-2345 at the Ferris Alumni Association or email the office at [email protected].