BIG RAPIDS- Ferris State University held its Bulldog Spirit Day on Jan. 12, 2026, to celebrate the recent successes of its football and volleyball teams.
The event took place at the David L. Eisler Center, where students, alumni, faculty, and community members gathered to honor the achievements of the Bulldogs.
The football team secured its fourth national championship on Dec. 20, finishing the season with a perfect record of 16-0, extending a program record with 30 straight wins.
The volleyball team, coached by Tina Brandel Wilhelm, also had a remarkable season, marking their second consecutive Elite Eight appearance and achieving 14 straight playoff berths. They have won 10 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) tournament championships in the last 12 years, demonstrating their dominance in the sport.
Bill Pink, president of Ferris State University, spoke at the event, highlighting the broader accomplishments of students beyond athletics. “What you see on this university, aside from just what we do in athletics, we talk about we build champions. This is an example,” Pink said. He emphasized that the university fosters excellence in both sports and academics, noting that many students are achieving great success in their careers.
Attendees included a variety of supporters from the university and community, all united in celebrating Bulldog achievements. Pink’s remarks resonated with the audience, reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and the focus on holistic development within the university.
A victory parade is planned for the spring to further celebrate these recent championship successes, with the exact date and time yet to be determined. This event will mark continued recognition of the Bulldogs’ impressive achievements in both athletics and academics.
