Jessica Angelo
Overcast skies and temperatures near freezing were largely ignored by the fans gathered at Top Taggart Field Saturday, Dec. 10, as Ferris State University’s football team hosted the University of West Florida Argonauts in the NCAA Division Two football semifinals.
Teresa Rowe of Big Rapids, a graduate of Ferris’ Health Information Technology program, was bundled up and brimmed with emotion as the Bulldogs and Argos warmed up before the kickoff.
“I’m excited and nervous because I am a Bulldog through and through,” Rowe said. “I am really hoping for a win today.”
Tyler Schuberg was dressed head to toe in cold weather gear to stay comfortable from his vantage point at the edge of the playing field. The Big Rapids native played tight end for Ferris’ football program approximately 20 years ago. He also earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2004. The Schuberg family has supported the university and athletics programs for generations, and Tyler did not mince words as he prepared for the contest.
“It’s a great day to be a Dawg,” Schuberg said. “I want to welcome the Argonauts to Big Rapids and the Dawg Pound.”
A unique perspective was found in the sea of Ferris student tailgaters. Jessica Angelo, a senior in Sports Communication from West Palm Beach, Florida, enjoyed music and refreshments with a group of friends. Angelo transferred from West Florida to Ferris and is an outside hitter on the Bulldogs’ volleyball team.
“I feel like I have a pretty good view of the situation,” Angelo said. “Both teams are saying how confident they are they will blow the other out. We will see.”
A roaring crowd of 5,105 saw a thrilling contest as West Florida answered an early Ferris lead, but the Bulldogs dictated policy in the second half and eliminated the Argonauts in the semifinal, 38-17. Ferris (13-1) returns to McKinney, Texas as reigning champions as they take on the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers (13-2) in the final game of the NCAA Division Two football playoffs. The game will kick off at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17.