Ferris State Men's Track & Field/Cross Country Inks Two Talented Prep Runners

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University track and field/cross country program recently inked a pair of student-athletes and both will join the FSU program as freshmen in the fall of 2015 as interim FSU head coach Jared Kelsh has announced the addition of distance runners Damien Halverson (Hesperia) and Zane Coplai (West Bloomfield/Walled Lake Central).

The two represent the initial signees for FSU in the class of 2015 and will join the Bulldog men's cross country/track and field program for the 2015-16 academic year.

"We're excited to add both Damien and Zane to a program that is on the rise," said Kelsh. "They will help complement our returning student-athletes and provide big contributions for the Bulldogs in the years ahead."

A West Michigan product, Halverson has enjoyed a standout career to date at Hesperia High School. The three-time All-State honoree has served as a team captain and claimed squad MVP recognition each of the previous three years for the Hesperia men's cross country program. He's a two-time regional runner-up and a four-time all-conference choice.

Additionally, Halverson has claimed all-region laurels three times in his prep career and was an academic all-State pick in 2012. This past fall, he set a new school record in the 5K and placed among the top 20 individuals at the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 3 State Championships while also winning a conference crown. He's helped lead Hesperia to three Central States Activities Association (CSAA) league titles in his prep career.

Along with cross country, Halverson has also been a standout on the track and competed in a range of distance events from the 800 to the 3,200 meters. The National Honor Society member is the son of Kevin and Stephanie Halverson and has also served on the student council.

Meanwhile, Coplai will join the Bulldog program off a highly-successful prep career at Walled Lake Central High School. While with the Vikings, he's claimed all-conference and all-region honors in several events on the track, including the 400 meters, the 4x400-meter relay and the 4x800-meter relay.

In his high school career, Coplai has also competed in cross country along with soccer and basketball in addition to track and field. He was a regional champion in the 4x400-meter relay in 2014 and was also an all-conference recipient in three events under head coach Justin Schumacher. He's also been active in the Drew Crew/Passion 5K's and various charity fundraising events. The son of Greg and Denise Coplai, Zane plans to major in criminal justice at Ferris State.

This past fall, the Ferris State men's cross country squad earned a seventh-place finish at the NCAA Division II Midwest Region Cross Country Championships and was ranked among the nation's top 25 teams for a stretch of the campaign. The Bulldogs have qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships two of teh last three years.

FSU recently began its indoor track season this winter and will next take part in the Saginaw Valley State Invitational this weekend (Jan. 30-31) in University Center, Mich.