From spring football and senior send-offs to championship reflections and rising programs, the final episode of Ferris Sports Update wraps up a standout year in Bulldog athletics!
Written by Kourtney Fairchild and Ciara Brooks | Featured Image/Produced by Rockford Dorman
Ferris Sports Update Season Finale
As the academic year winds down, so does another season of Ferris Sports Update. In the final episode, host Brody Keiser welcomes three guests who helped shape the narrative of Ferris State athletics this year: Head Football Coach Tony Annese, Senior Tennis Player Alessandro Santangelo, and Radio Broadcaster Sandy Gholston. The episode offers a well-rounded look at both recent accomplishments and future ambitions across multiple sports programs.
Football Progress and Reflections with Coach Tony Annese
Coach Tony Annese opened the show by reflecting on the Spring Football Game, highlighting the growth his team has made since the end of the season. He noted improvements in key plays and overall execution, emphasizing the strong support the team received from the community.
He also touched on the recent ring ceremony, calling it a meaningful moment for the players as they were recognized for their championship achievement. Coach Annese wrapped up his segment by looking ahead to the summer, sharing his excitement for some well-deserved family time.
Senior Leadership and Growth in Tennis with Alessandro Santangelo
Next up was Alessandro Santangelo, a senior on the Ferris tennis team, who shared what it’s been like serving as a team leader. Despite a recent loss in the conference tournament, Santangelo expressed pride in how closely matched his team was with the competition and how far they’ve come.
He spoke about the significance of his Senior Day, thanking his teammates and family for their support. Looking ahead, he’s considering staying connected to the program, possibly through coaching—a role he feels would help him continue learning and contributing to the team’s development.
Year-in-Review with Broadcaster Sandy Gholston
Longtime Ferris State broadcaster Sandy Gholston closed out the episode with a comprehensive look at this year in athletics. He began by revisiting the football team’s national championship run, calling it an unforgettable experience for the university and its fans.
He then turned to women’s volleyball, celebrating what he described as the best season in program history. Gholston expressed excitement about the hockey team’s future under newly appointed head coach Brett Riley, and praised both the men’s and women’s basketball teams for their growth and competitive focus throughout the season.
Softball also earned high marks from Gholston, who believes the current roster could be among the strongest Ferris has seen in the past decade. His overall message was one of pride and optimism—every team, in his view, is building momentum for even greater achievements ahead.
Wrapping Up the Season
That concludes this season of Ferris Sports Update. From major championships to rising leaders and new coaching chapters, this year was a standout for Bulldog athletics.
Thanks for tuning in each week—have a great summer, and we’ll be back in the fall with more stories from the heart of Ferris State sports.