INSIDE LOOK: Ferris State STUNT Builds From 6 AM Practices To Historic Debut Wins

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – Perrmella Harris has witnessed firsthand the hard work and sacrifice of her 36 Ferris State STUNT student-athletes, including countless 6 a.m. practices before most people on or off campus are awake.

That commitment from STUNT players and coaches paid off on Sunday, Feb. 8, as Ferris State officially debuted its program with historic victories over Michigan and Northern Kentucky inside Jim Wink Arena.

Bringing together 36 student-athletes, including 25 freshmen and 14 first-generation college students, and guiding them through the opportunities and challenges of launching a brand-new program made the successful first games much sweeter.

"All their hard work, all those 6 a.m. practices — it all paid off," Harris said. "We literally started from ground zero, and they embraced everything my staff and I asked of them. I could not be prouder."

The months, weeks, days and hours of preparation have been the key, according to Kate O'Riley, a freshman backspot from Allen Park.

"We came in so strong and so ready because we had a great practice week," O'Riley said. "Our team was fully prepared to come in and really just shine and show everybody what we've been doing and working on this season."

O'Riley added, "Those mornings are rough, but I feel really disciplined getting up early. It's a responsibility I take seriously, and it's become a great way to start our day."

The historic aspect of Ferris State STUNT's debut was not lost on the players, said Aliyah Reyna, a freshman base from Swartz Creek.

"It feels amazing to make history with this team," Reyna said. "I'm a freshman, and this is my first STUNT competition. To do it with all my sisters makes it even more special."

After giving Bulldog fans a preview during the Crimson and Gold Scrimmage on Jan. 24, Ferris State made significant strides over the following two-plus weeks. Competing for the first time as an official varsity program, the Bulldogs earned a 22-0 victory over the University of Michigan before securing a 31-13 win against Northern Kentucky University during the "Pink Out" Tournament.

The program-launching contests were part of the Bulldogs' first regular-season action, highlighting the fast-paced, head-to-head STUNT format, introduced to many fans in the arena for the first time.

"I think fans were truly amazed," Harris said. "They knew a little bit about STUNT, but seeing it in person at our school — 'proud' would be an understatement. Everyone has been so supportive."

Harris said the best is yet to come, "I think it's just going to be bigger and bigger from here on out. Given this is our first tournament and we've never hosted before, this is truly amazing. It's historic."

The STUNT coaching staff expressed appreciation for everyone involved.

"I am so grateful for everyone who has been involved to help make this a success," Harris said, specifically noting the Ferris State Athletics facilities team hosting STUNT for the first time.

Harris further expressed appreciation for the other participating programs—Alma, Central Michigan, Michigan, Michigan State and Northern Kentucky—for helping launch Ferris State's inaugural season.

"They didn't have to come, but they did," Harris said. "Our kids want to watch the best teams, learn from them and see what it takes to reach that level."

Harris added, "In order for them to be the best, because that's what we're striving for, we want to see it in person. They want to learn."

The launch of a new STUNT program drew interest and support from coaches who wanted the opportunity to help Ferris State start with a larger event.

"I'm just extremely grateful again to those coaches," said Harris, whose staff includes assistant coach Elly Trefry and volunteer assistant coach Amber West.

For Harris, the moment represented far more than a pair of wins. It was the realization of a vision built from the ground up – one that will shape Ferris State STUNT long after this inaugural season ends.

With its first games in the books, Ferris State turns its attention to road games as the Bulldogs compete Saturday, Feb. 14, at Purdue Northwest in Hammond, Indiana.

Ferris State STUNT is next at home on Sunday, April 12, hosting Central Michigan University and Quincy University.