http://www.glcc.edu RSS feeds for Great Lakes Christian College 60 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/238/OFL-Playoffs-Begin-Tuesday.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=238 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=238&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/238/OFL-Playoffs-Begin-Tuesday.aspx With the regular season in the books, it is time for the playoffs to commence and a champion to be crowned for OFL 2013. The top-seeded Green team (5-0-1) look to complete their second consecutive undefeated campaign and championship under captain/quarterback Mike Vickers. Blue squad (3-2-1) pulled down the second seed in the regular season thanks to quarterback Adam Burton and rookie of the year frontrunner Kory Stratton. The Red team (3-3) has come on strong near the end of the season, riding solid performances from Josiah Leblanc and rookie Quentin Howard. The Black team (0-6) has struggled with injuries the entire season, resulting in some forfeits and many games played shorthanded. They seem to be back to full strength, however, and not a moment too soon, as they will take on Green team in the first round. Everything up to this point is just window dressing now. Two wins will garner a championship. It's anyone's game. Game on. TUESDAYS MATCHUPS: Both games will be played at The Rock. (1) Green v. (4) Black - 4:30 p.m. (2) Blue v. (3) Red - 5:30 p.m.  Colton Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:09:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:238 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/234/OFL-Mid-Season-Report.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=234 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=234&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/234/OFL-Mid-Season-Report.aspx Well, this season is half over. It's been a little wild, but the dust of the first three weeks has settled, and the teams are now preparing for the home stretch, followed by the playoffs. 1. Green (3-0) The fact that the early season favourite is 3-0 at this juncture isn't what is suprising. The suprise is how they've gotten here. After winning forfeited matchups with Black and Red in weeks one and two, Green ecked out a 5-4, too-close-for-comfort win over Blue Team. We still haven't much of this team in play, so the next few weeks will tell us quite a bit. Captain Mike Vickers has found his man in Danny Buegar, and the team appoears poised to make a run at a second-straight undefeated season. 2. Blue (2-1) If there has been a suprise this year, it's been the Blue Team's start to the season. After knocking off Red in week one and Black in week two, they very nearly took down Green Team in week three. Kory Stratton has been the rookie suprise this season, more than justifying Jon Vallejo's sixth-round pick for him a month ago. Adam Burton has been excellent as well, And Jimbo Harvey and Luke Folkerts have become the league's top receiving tandem. This is a team to watch down the stretch. 3. Red (1-2) After a week two forfeit, and some uncertainty at quarterback earlier this year, Brandon Smith's Red Team appear to have found their man in Justin Maine. The team has it's fair share of pieces, including receiver Josiah Leblanc, as well as running back tandem Ryan Steere and Quinten Howard. Don't be suprised if this team make a serious play for a championship berth. 4. Black (0-3) Black Team has gotten off to a rough start, mostly due to injuries that have depleted the lineup, forcing a week one forfeit, and a pair of undermanned performances in the following weeks. Quarterback Joey Whittaker and running back Allen Lippert have shown some promise, but when it's hard enough to win with eight men, playing with six or seven only makes it harder. Once the injury bug departs, this team should compete for a spot in the final, but until then, captain Matt Barnum is going to have tofind a way to do more with less. Three weeks to go before the playoffs begin, and of course, once they start, all bets are off... Colton Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:234 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/231/OFL-2013-Preview.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=231 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=231&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/231/OFL-2013-Preview.aspx Yep... It's that time of year again. Time to lace 'em up, head out to The Rock, and compete in the ultimate althletics challenge of Great Lakes Christian College... OFL. Four teams will compete, but there's only room for one champion on this campus! (It's a small school...) Green Team come in captained once again by Mike Vickers, who has quarterbacked them to two consecutive league crowns. Some familiar faces, including first overall pick Landon Koch and flashy speed-back James Keys, coupled with fresh talent in Danny Buegar make this team an early favourite to three-peat. Black Team, headed up be Matt Barnum, will showcase a high-powered offence led by quarterback Joey Whittaker. He'll have plenty of options, with Allen Lippert, DeAngelo Brown and Donneal Jones creating a nightmare for opposing secondaries. Red Team will bring it's fair share of talent to the league table this season; as captain Brandon Smith has assembled a large cast of talented athletes. Can Josiah Leblanc, Ryan Steere, Isaac Magley and Danny Holland lead this team to glory? The all-new Blue Team, captained by Jon Vallejo, has a host of talent; and quarterback Adam Burton will have a pair of big-time targets to give the ball to in Jimbo Harvey and Luke Folkerts. The first games are Tuesday afternoon; Green v. Black - 4:30 p.m. Red v. Blue - 5:30 p.m. Check back soon for game summaries and results!   Colton Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:231 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/230/2012-3-Crusaders-Take-Final-Bow-In-Regionals.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=230 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=230&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/230/2012-3-Crusaders-Take-Final-Bow-In-Regionals.aspx   As the clock ran down against Maranatha on Thursday in the quarterfinal of the NCCAA D-II Midwest Regional tournament, the Crusaders may have played the best three minutes of basketball that they played all season. Unfortunately, in the words of George Brown, they probably needed four. The Lakes fell short, 84-80, after rallying from a 15-point deficit with only three minutes remaining. This defeat means that GLCC are eliminated from the tournament (won by #1 seed Northland on Saturday), and that their season is over. Kyle Downing led the team with 23 points, while Devlin Jefferson and Maurice Jordan contributed 19 and 15 respectively. Jordan also led the team in rebounds with ten, and Troy Aubrey had an outstanding 13 assists, the highest for any Crusader this season. "It's disappointing," said head coach John Piercefield, "we wanted to win at least one game at regionals this year." Then he added with a smile, "at least there's always next year." This season wasn't an easy one, as the team didn't win a game in the fall semester. Following the break, however, an influx of new talent and a rejuvenation of spirit saw the Crusaders win some impressive games against IU-Northwest, Valley Forge, and conference foe Moody Bible Institute to earn themselves the #5 seed in the conference. Great Lakes will host the 2014 regional tournament at the Doty Center in a year's time. The basketball season will pick up again this October; you can find the schedule here at glcc.edu as soon as it becomes available.         Author's Postscript: I want to thank everyone who helped me write the blog for soccer and basketball this season;   Thanks to Robyn Orme for her oversight and all of her help and encouragement.   Thanks to Lloyd Shearer for getting the ball rolling on this project and helping me to realise my dream of being a sportswriter.   Thanks to Coach Piercefield for always making himself available for me all season and really supporting this project all the way.   Thanks to all the players for letting me pester (interview) them after each victory and defeat, and for providing me with great material, on and off the playing field, to write about each week.   Thanks to you, the reader. Thanks for hanging in there with us throughout the year and supporting the Crusaders through the entire season! You guys are the best!   Finally, all praise, thanks, and glory be to Jesus, who did what He did so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.   Keep checking back often for OFL updates, beginning today, and for offseason updates and news!   Thanks again for everything, The Author   Colton Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:230 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/227/Crusaders-Rout-Moody-In-Regular-Season-Finale.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=227 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=227&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/227/Crusaders-Rout-Moody-In-Regular-Season-Finale.aspx 0-22 suddenly seems so far away... After a terrible start to the season, these Crusaders look like they could beat anybody in their conference after a 78-53 drubbing of Moody Bible Institute on Saturday night; their third win in as many weeks. It was also their first road win of the season, as well as their first conference win (after the November victory over Lincoln was rescinded due to an eligibility issue). The Lakes fell behind early, 23-11, but went on a 12-2 run to close the half down by only a pair, 23-25. The second half; sheer domination. 'This was a great team win', said Nathan Shelton after the game, 'Even after (not playing well) in the first half, we were only down by two, and we just got out and played as a team in the second half. It was a steamroll.' Moody temporarily increased their lead to seven early on, but the Crusaders came charging back, putting up 55 points in the second half in an absolutely dominant performance. 'We played a complete game,' said Luke Folkerts, 'We had our ups and downs, but we overcame our slumps. Late in the second half, we took care of what we came to do and finished the game.' Kyle Downing and Maurice Jordan both led the team with 16 points, while Devlin Jefferson also put in 14. Jordan and Troy Aubrey both had seven rebounds. The Crusaders shot 6/12 from beyond the arc and 48% overall. This win propels the Crusaders into the conference tournament, where they have been named the number five seed, and will play #4 Maranatha Baptist at Grace College in Grand Rapids at 4:00 on Thursday. The winner will move on to the conference semi-final against #1 Northland International on Friday. Colton Sun, 17 Feb 2013 01:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:227 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/225/Great-Lakes-Struggle-In-Back-To-Back-Blowouts.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=225 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=225&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/225/Great-Lakes-Struggle-In-Back-To-Back-Blowouts.aspx This wasn't an easy week to be a Crusader basketball player, as the Lakes fell hard both to Rochester, 96-65 on Wednesday, and Robert Morris-Springfield, 88-66 on Friday night. The team continued to miss key players due to injury, including Troy Aubrey on Wednesday and Kyle Downing on Thursday. Great Lakes will have one more chance to redeem themselves before regionals; against Moody on Saturday.  Colton Sat, 16 Feb 2013 23:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:225 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/222/Crusaders-Get-Blown-Out-By-Andrews.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=222 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=222&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/222/Crusaders-Get-Blown-Out-By-Andrews.aspx The Crusaders obviously had not recovered from their loss to Grace the previous night when they played went to Andrews on Wednesday, suffering a 55-87 blowout. The team, still missing key contributors Tyler Piercefield and Michael Vickers, looked lathargic and sluggish from the start, and never really had a chance in this one. Donneal Jones, with 15 points, may have been the only bright spot. The good news for the Lakes is that they will get a week's worth of rest before heading out to take on Rochester on the 13th. Colton Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:222 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/221/Great-Lakes-Come-Up-Short-Against-Grace.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=221 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=221&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/221/Great-Lakes-Come-Up-Short-Against-Grace.aspx Both Crusader teams fell just short against Grace on Tuesday; the girls by the score of 52-64, the guys, 67-72. The Lady Crusaders fell behind early, but recovered to recapture the lead by halftime, 28-26. Unfortunately, they could not hold on to it in the second half. Grace grabbed the lead back as the second half started and never looked back, cruising to a 64-52 win. Caiti Piercefield led the Lakes with 16 on her Senior Night. No one took an early advantage in the guys game, the lead went back and forth throughout the first half ended with Grace holding a narrow 31-28 advantage. Grace got the lead up to nine with ten minutes to go before the Crusaders began a comeback; with four minutes to go, DeAngelo Brown nailed a bucket that tied the game at 59. Unfortunately, the success was short-lived, as Grace began to pull away again. The Crusaders fought back strongly, but some missed free throws and a pair of untimely turnovers saw Grace ahead at the final buzzer, 67-72. Maurice Jordan and Kyle Downing both led the team with 16 points, Jordan also had nine rebounds. The team shot a frustrating 4-20 from beyond the arc and a pedestrian 15-24 from the stripe. The Crusader men next take on Andrews on Wednesday night in Berrian Springs, starting a five-game road trip before regionals.  Colton Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:221 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/220/Crusaders-To-Take-On-Grace-In-Home-Finale.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=220 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=220&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/220/Crusaders-To-Take-On-Grace-In-Home-Finale.aspx Some have called it 'amazing', others even 'irresistible'. Around here, however, there is only one word for Grace. Rival. It's been a busy week in sports, and it's finest moment is only just about to begin. El Clasico, Super Bowl, step aside. Okay, that's a stretch. It may not exactly be Duke-UNC, however, this is the biggest game of the year for the Crusaders. The men's team that started the season 0-22 (yes, 0-22) has since won two of their last three, slaying the relative 'giants' of Indiana University-Northwest and Valley Forge Christian College. The women's team knocked off Kuyper last week, giving them their first win of the season. "We're ready to beat anybody!", says assistant coach Carmichael Gully, "They're meticulous, they're fundamentally sound, and they're physical. That's going to be hard for us mentally. But can we beat them? Yeah!" "We're ready," says men's leading scorer Kyle Downing, "I think when they come to our house and we have a big enough crowd, I think we can do it." "We're going to treat them like another team," says Mike Vickers, "Grace is a rivalry game but we treat every game like it's another team but also like it's a championship game; like this is the last game we need to win for our crowd. Our crowd has been here, cheering us on and we want to bring wins to them." Oh, and did we mention that this is against Grace? Or that it's senior day for Tyler and Caiti Piercefield? Or that the game has been declared a blackout and all student attendees are strongly encouraged to wear everything black? Unlike the Super Bowl, however, the lights should remain on. Or that it's against Grace? Oh, wait, we mentioned that... Tuesday. 5:00 and 7:00. Doty Center. Be there. Colton Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:220 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/219/Crusaders-Stun-2-Valley-Forge.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=219 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=219&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/219/Crusaders-Stun-2-Valley-Forge.aspx The Crusaders continue to do their best Cinderella impression, pulling off a 78-75 upset of NCCAA Division II #2 Valley Forge Christian College. "This is our Kansas!" said Mike Vickers after the game, "We are finally trusting each other, and wanting a change from what we used to do." The two teams were well matched from the start, with no team able to build a lead of more than six points in the game. Great Lakes led 42-37 at the break. The lead continued to change hands until the very end, when Kyle Downing nailed three free throws in one trip to give the Crusaders a lead they would not relinquish with 1:03 to go. Downing led the Crusaders with 25 points and eight rebounds. "I was proud of the guys and the way they held themselves together." said head coach John Piercefield, "everything counts, everything you do in a tight game like this." "The team is a good team," said Troy Aubrey, "We got up for this game. This game was a game to show us what kind of team we are, and when we play like this and win over a good team it means a lot, it gives us confidence going into the next game against Grace." The final home game of the season features the Crusaders taking on rival Grace College at 7:00 p.m. at the Doty Center. Stats for the game as recorded by Valley Forge Christian College Colton Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:219 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/218/Guys-Come-Up-Short-Against-Kuyper-Girls-Snag-Win.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=218 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=218&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/218/Guys-Come-Up-Short-Against-Kuyper-Girls-Snag-Win.aspx The Great Lakes men were hoping to carry some momentum from Saturday's stellar performance into Tuesday's rivalry clash with Kuyper. They came up just short in this one, 76-68. It was a tight one from the start, the teams trading baskets until the Crusaders put up a 7-point run to take a 29-20 lead, the largest they would hold all night, with eight minutes to go in the first. But a 12-point Kuyper run put an end to the Crusaders' lead, and the teams continued to go back and forth to a 38-38 tie at halftime. The Doty Center was as loud as it had been all season as the second half tipped off. Once again, the teams continued to trade baskets, the lead changing hands constanatly through the first part of the half. With about eight minutes to go, however, Kuyper started to pull away, slowly building a ten-point lead in the closing minutes. The Lakes fought back hard, but were unable to overcome the deficit, falling 76-68. Kyle Downing, in his return from injury, led the team with 20 points. On a positive note, the Lady Crusaders downed their Kuyper counterparts 64-41. The girls took an immediate advantage and never looked back,leading 32-13 at the half. Caiti Piercefield led the team with a double-double; 22 points, 11 rebounds. The men take on Valley Forge on Saturday at 3:00 at the Doty Center, their last home game before the rivalry clash with Grace on Tuesday at 5. Colton Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:218 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/217/Crusaders-Pull-Off-Stunner-94-72-Blowout-Upset-Of-IUNW.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=217 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=217&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/217/Crusaders-Pull-Off-Stunner-94-72-Blowout-Upset-Of-IUNW.aspx When Great Lakes lost to Rochester University by twenty on Wednesday night, they looked like a lost team. Lost drive, lost motivation, lost season. Maybe that was the team the Red Hawks of Indiana University-Northwest thought they would face when they entered the Doty Center at 2:45 on Saturday afternoon. The Red Hawks had had some trouble navigating the snow-covered highway to reach the stadium, and arrived nearly an hour after the scheduled tip time. The game was pushed back to a 3:00 tip to accommodate the visitors, who had only a few minutes to warm up before the game started. No worries, right? After all, these were the Crusaders we were talking about here; a team whom IUNW had downed with relative ease, 90-80, back in the Lakes' season opener in October at their home court, on a night in which the Crusaders shot a paltry 35.2% from the floor and committed 27 turnovers. At halftime in Saturday's contest, the Red Hawks' lack of concern seemed justified, as they held a comfortable 44-36 lead on a Crusaders team that looked fairly listless and uninspiring for most of the half. A team who had won one game all season, and had it taken away due to the presence of an ineligible player on the roster. A team hobbled by injuries, missing both leading scorer Kyle Downing and senior leader Tyler Piercefield. The kind of team who might as well shut it down. Apparently the Crusaders didn't get the memo. I don't know what went on in that Crusader locker room at halftime. I'm not sure I want to know. All I know is that what happened next may have been the greatest twenty minutes of Crusader basketball the Doty Center hardcourt had ever seen. The limping Crusaders looked the Red Hawks in the eye and said 'bring it'. Because they were coming. The teams traded buckets for a few minutes before the Crusaders made their move; Devlin Jefferson drove to the basket and laid it in with 14:31 to go to cut the Red Hawk lead to 53-48, the smallest it had been in the half. That bucket started a run that no one could have seen coming. Three possessions later, it was Jefferson in the corner, delivering the three that gave GLCC their first lead since being up 11-10 early in the first half; 55-53. A lead they would not relinquish. If you want to pick out a defining moment in the game, there are plenty to choose from; D.J.'s go-ahead three. Troy Aubrey or Maurice Jordan or DeAngelo Brown (take your pick) driving the lane and cashing in with a lay-up.  Taylor Richards grabbing the rebound and putting it back for two. Luke Flokerts getting serious air for the offensive board... again. Nathan Shelton hitting a bucket of his own in the final minute. Or Mike Vickers nailing not one, not two, but three triples in three consecutive possessions to make the lead 81-59 with 3:47 to play, capping off the run that Jefferon started for the Crusaders over ten minutes before. But you can't. It was all special. The Doty Center was in a kind of euphoric dreamland, that 'is this really happening?' kind of state where you look at the guy next to you and you're both screaming/squealing like little girls because your David has Goliath by the throat. It's not a moment anyone who was there will forget any time soon. When it was all said and done, the scoreboard read 94-72, in favour of the home squad. The scorecard can tell you all kinds of other things; Six Crusaders had ten or more points; Jefferson (22), Vickers (18), Richards (14), Brown (13), Jordan (11), Aubrey (10). Troy Aubrey got his double-double with 10 assists in addition to his points, as well as seven rebounds and three steals. He led the team in all three categories. The team shot 20/22 from the free-throw line, led by Jefferson, who shot a perfect 10/10. Mike Vickers shot 4/5 from beyond the arc, leading a 6/12 overall effort by the team from the team. GLCC also shot 54% from the floor, converting 34 of 63 attempts. What the scorecard can't tell you is what this win means to that hobbled, beaten down, winless team who gutted out the performance of a lifetime and shock everyone (including themselves) with a huge, huge, huge victory. "I want to give thanks to the team and to God," said Mike Vickers during the post-game celebration, "When the team talked at halftime, we said that if we give our thoughts to God He would bless us and he did with a 20-point win." "Everybody steps up," said head coach John Piercefield, "these guys had the potential all along, and they've been given an opportunity. We've got guys down, and it’s nice to have an opportunity to have everybody play, and play well." "It was even more special because it was a home win," said Troy Aubrey, "you know, we're coming off a loss, we needed this win, we're down some players, a couple of guys are injured, so this was like a statement game." The Crusaders host rival Kuyper on Tuesday night at the Doty Center at 7:00. Colton Sun, 27 Jan 2013 00:16:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:217 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/215/Andrews-Comeback-Spurns-Crusaders-Upset-Hopes.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=215 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=215&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/215/Andrews-Comeback-Spurns-Crusaders-Upset-Hopes.aspx The Lakes looked good early in this one, but couldn't close it out in the end, falling 76-68 to Andrews University on Tuesday night.   The Crusaders led by as many as eight in the first half, and led 35-29 at the break, but Andrews applied the pressure in the second half, scoring 47 points in the final twenty minutes to win 76-68.   Kyle Downing led the team with 29 in his return, and Maurice Jordan had 14 of his own. Troy Aubrey, in his debut, ran the point for much of the game and dished out 10 assists.   The Crusaders will continue their home stretch Wednesday night at 7:00 against Rochester.   The Lady Crusaders also took on Andrews Tuesday night, falling short by a score of 58-48.  Colton Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:215 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/214/OFL-2013-Draft-Finalised.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=214 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=214&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/214/OFL-2013-Draft-Finalised.aspx   The 2013 OFL Draft was completed on Monday night at an undisclosed top-secret location on the GLCC campus. The draft was administered by Caleb McCarrick. The four captains made their selections with relatively few surprises, and the the teams are all set for the first round of games which should take place near the end of February.   Captains Green - Michael Vickers Black - Matt Barnum Red - Brandon Smith Blue - Jon Vallejo   2013 OFL Draft Final Results   Round 1 1. Green - Landon Koch 2. Black - Joey Whittaker 3. Red - James Kees 4. Blue - Adam Burton   Round 2 5. Blue - Jimbo Harvey 6. Red - Josiah Leblanc 7. Black - Danny Buegar 8. Green - Alan Lippert   Round 3 9. Green - DuJuan  10. Black - Quinten Howard 11. Red - Ryan Steere 12. Blue - Taylor Richards   Round 4 13. Blue -  Luke Folkerts 14. Red - Isaac Magley 15. Black - Donnel Jones 16. Green - C.J. Powell   Round 5 17. Green - Greg Smith 18. Black - Tyler Piercefield 19. Red - Danny Holland 20. Blue - Darwin Hayes   Round 6 21. Blue - Kory Stratton 22. Red - Trevor Bray-Burns 23. Black - Colton Wesley 24. Green - DeAngelo Brown   Round 7 25. Green - Matt Brooks 26. Black - Jonathan 'Rev' Crutcher 27. Red - Justin Maine 28. Blue - Curtis Stucko   Round 8 29. Blue - Jabar 30. Red - Caleb Nightengale 31. Black - Evan Grandier 32. Green - Derek Mikowski   Round 9 33. Green - Andrew O 34. Black - Alan Ruff 35. Red - Drew Papp 36. Blue - Cody Herbert   Round 10 37. Blue - Jon Burr   FA - Archie Cobb II (Red) FA - Tom Bade (Black) FA - Clayton MacDonald (Green)   If you missed the draft, there is no need to panic! You can still play if you are a GLCC student. Contact Ryan Bushnell or Caleb McCarrick to be assigned a spot. Also, my most humble apologies if I misspelled your name.   Colton Mon, 21 Jan 2013 22:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:214 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/213/Limping-Crusaders-Fall-Short-In-LCU-Rematch.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=213 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=213&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/213/Limping-Crusaders-Fall-Short-In-LCU-Rematch.aspx Lincoln Christian got their revenge for their earlier loss to Great Lakes by winning 81-66 over the Crusaders on Friday night. The Red Lions took the lead right out of the gate and never looked back, leading by as many as 20 in the early part of the second half.    Devlin (D.J.) Jefferson led the scoring for the Lakes with 22, while Moses Sullivan contributed 17 in his first action as a Crusader. Kyle Downing, the Crusaders leading scorer on the season, watched the game from the bench in street clothes due to injury.   The Crusaders will continue their seven-game home stretch against Andrews University on Tuesday at 8:00 in the Doty Center.  The Lady Crusaders will also play on Tuesday, facing Andrews' ladies squad at 6:00. Colton Mon, 21 Jan 2013 21:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:213 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/210/Grace-Down-GLCC-In-Return-To-Hoops.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=210 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=210&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/210/Grace-Down-GLCC-In-Return-To-Hoops.aspx GLCC fell 77-61 on Tuesday night in Grand Rapids to rival and NCCAA D-II number-one ranked Grace Bible College, in a game that was much closer than the score indicated. "...we can most definitely beat them." said freshman guard Nathan Shelton, "We will be ready for them at our place." Next Saturday the Crusaders, who are 1-4 in conference play, will take on conference opponent Lincoln Christian, whom Great Lakes defeated at home, 100-91, in the Tip-Off Tournament back in November. Colton Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:210 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/176/This-Close--Crusaders-Nearly-Upset-Robert-Morris.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=176 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=176&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/176/This-Close--Crusaders-Nearly-Upset-Robert-Morris.aspx Great Lakes nearly pulled off what would have been a tremendous upset against Robert Morris on Saturday night, falling short in a thrilling overtime contest, 96-94. After being behind at the break, 44-35, the Crusaders rallied behind 39 points from Kyle Downing, much of which came from 7/9 shooting beyond the arc. With 1.7 seconds to go, DeAngelo Brown shot a well-defended game-tying three to send it to overtime. Only at the very end of overtime were the Eagles able to get away, and won only by the slightest of margins, 96-94. Maurice Jordan scored 13 points and Tyler Piercefield led the team with 10 rebounds. The team will get a much-deserved sabbatical over Christmas break before returning to action on January 12 at Kuyper. Colton Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:176 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/175/Disappointing-Week-for-Crusaders-Basketball.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=175 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=175&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/175/Disappointing-Week-for-Crusaders-Basketball.aspx It was a long week for Great Lakes basketball. On the 5th, the team fell short 75-50 at Huntington University, a team that they had nearly upset a home, the month before. The team shot a paltry 35.6% from the floor in the loss. After falling on the road to Holy Cross-Notre Dame by ten on the 10th, the Crusaders hosted Spring Arbor last night. The team trailed by only six at the break, 36-30, but a ten-point SAU run put the game away for good. Kyle Downing led the GLCC effort with 22 points. Also in action this week were the JV squad, as they saw their first home action on Saturday, falling only at the last, 78-77, in a friendly against Detroit Jobs Corps. DeAngelo Brown led the Crusaders with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Next up for GLCC; a men's and women's doubleheader that starts at 2:00 on Saturday at the Doty Center against Robert Morris. Colton Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:175 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/172/Crusaders-Fall-At-The-Buzzer-Twice.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=172 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=172&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/172/Crusaders-Fall-At-The-Buzzer-Twice.aspx The Crusaders were bested only at the buzzer not once, but twice to close out the Tip-Off Tournament last weekend. On Friday, Great Lakes led 31-25 at the break over Northland International, but fell on a buzzer-beater; 67-64. Maurice Jordan had a double-double with 19points and 13 rebounds, leading the Lakes in both categories. Saturday saw the Crusaders behind at the break, 43-35 to Maranatha, but they came back and forced overtime, tying the game at 68. But overtime would see the Crusaders off, as Maranatha scored with only two seconds remaining to pull out a 75-73 win. Devlin Jefferson led the way with 17 points, and Jordan picked up ten rebounds along with his eight points. The Crusaders got to Huntington for a rematch Wednesday at 7:00.  Colton Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:172 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/170/Lakes-Win-Regional-Opener-Against-Lincoln.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=170 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=170&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/170/Lakes-Win-Regional-Opener-Against-Lincoln.aspx   The Crusaders finally came away with a victory on Thursday night, downing Lincoln Christian 100-91 in the opener of the Tip-Off Tournament at the Doty Center. This was the first test for the Crusaders in regional play. The boys got off to a flying start, leading by as many as 17 before the Red Lions mounted a comeback in the closing stages. The lead got down to seven with two minutes to play, but a set of defensive stops and fast-break buckets put the game away in the end. The Crusaders were led by their first double-double performances of the season; Kyle Downing with 37 points and ten rebounds, and Maurice Jordan putting up 25 with ten boards of his own, as well as six steals. The team shot 52% from the floor and out-rebounded LCU 44-22. Colton Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:170 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/168/Crusaders-Road-Stint-Ends-In-Defeat.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=168 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=168&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/168/Crusaders-Road-Stint-Ends-In-Defeat.aspx That first win continues to elude the Crusaders, as they fell in two contests early in the week, ending a four-game road trip. The team played their best game of the season thus far against NCCAA DII #3 Ohio Christian on Monday, in a back and forth affair that saw the Crusaders fall 90-82. Great Lakes held the lead in the game on four different occasions, the last of which came with eight minutes remaining. Maurice Hordan and Kyle Downing led the way with 18 points apiece, while Mike Vickers and lone senior Tyler Piercefield each contributed ten. Great Lakes had one of their best offensive outputs of the season, shooting 46% from the floor and 40% from beyond the arc. The next night, the team struggled against Cincinnati Christian, falling 71-44. CCU took the lead right at the beginning of the game and never looked back,leading by 24 at the half before cruising to the finish. The Crusaders will play at Rochester College on Monday at 7:00. Colton Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:168 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/166/GLCC-Go-Down-Hard-At-Concordia.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=166 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=166&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/166/GLCC-Go-Down-Hard-At-Concordia.aspx The GLCC Crusaders continue to struggle in the early goings of the basketball season, as they took a beating from Concordia 124-74 on Tuesday night. Great Lakes' offense continues to improve, shooting over 40% from the floor, but allowing Concordia 24 offensive rebounds, as well as giving away 32 points at the line, proved to be too much of a hurdle to overcome. John Schaeffer led Concordia with 27 points, including 8-13 shooting from the arc. Kyle Downing and Mike Vickers led the scoring with 13 apiece, Devlin Jefferson also contibuted 12 points to the cause. The Crusaders' road trip continues on the 19th, as they take on Ohio Christian University in Centerville, Ohio at 7:00. Colton Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:166 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/164/Lakes-Struggles-Continue-Against-Holy-Cross.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=164 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=164&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/164/Lakes-Struggles-Continue-Against-Holy-Cross.aspx Great Lakes continue to have difficulty on the hardwood, falling 90-60 to Holy Cross-Notre Dame on Monday night. The team put together an admirable first half effort, down only be four, 31-27, at the half. In the second half, however, the defence fell apart as Holy Cross shot 7/15 from beyond the arc and 55% from the floor in general.   The Crusaders were led statistically once again by Kyle Downing with 15 points and nine rebounds.   The Crusaders go to Concordia Tuesday night to start a 13-day, four-game road trip. Colton Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:164 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/163/Crusaders-Struggle-Through-Weekend-Tournament.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=163 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=163&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/163/Crusaders-Struggle-Through-Weekend-Tournament.aspx It was a long weekend for the Crusaders, as they fell in both of their games in the Bethel Tournament. Friday night saw them suffer defeat at the hands of the host, Bethel College, by a score of 126-74. Saturday was not much of an improvement, as they lost 87-48 to Marion College. Kyle Downing led the Lakes with 15 points. The Crusaders host Holy Cross College-Notre Dame Monday night at 7:00 in the Doty Center. Colton Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:163 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/162/GLCC-Drop-Early-Week-Double.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=204&ModuleID=717&ArticleID=162 http://www.glcc.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=162&PortalID=0&TabID=204 http://www.glcc.edu/Athletics/AthleticsNews/tabid/204/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/162/GLCC-Drop-Early-Week-Double.aspx The Crusaders early-season struggles continued on Monday night, when they suffered a 71-29 drubbing at the hands of Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. Shooting an anemic 21% from the floor and en even worse 3/18 from the free throw line, Great Lakes' performance could be described only as listless and uninspiring, to say the least. Seven different Aquinas players outscored the Crusaders' leading scorer.   Returning home for their first home game, however, the team seemed to find some life, as they battled with Huntington University they next night. The team found themselves in a 14-point hole early, but led by 14-point performances from Maurice Jordan and Devlin Jefferson, rallied to cut it to two on two separate occasions before finally falling short, 85-75.   Overall, the team performed much better; shooting 47% from the floor and 4/5 from the stripe, and limiting themselves to 12 turnovers.   "We're a work in progress" says assisstant coach Carmichael Gully, "we're still lazy on defence, but we're getting better."   The Crusaders go to Bethel, Indiana for the Bethel Tournament later this week. Colton Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:162