Linda Burnes To Be FSU's "Honorary Coach"

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball program will have an extra staff member for Saturday's (Feb. 6) Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) women's basketball tilt against the Findlay Oilers.

Longtime FSU Athletics fan and local resident Linda Burnes will be honored by the Bulldog women’s basketball team in recognition of her longstanding support as its “Honorary Coach” for the contest, which tips off at 12 p.m. (EST) inside FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

Burnes is typically at most Bulldog home events, including women's basketball games, and is among the team's biggest supporters.

"We value and appreciate Linda's support of our program over the years and this gesture is a way for us to say thanks for all she's done," said FSU head coach Tracey Dorow.  "She's one of our biggest fans and it is nice to be able to honor her in this way."

Saturday's contest against the Oilers will include a special halftime performance from a barbershop quartet group called X-position, which is part of the award-winning Grand Rapids Chapter of Sweet Adelines chorus. The performance is being conducted through the local area's Festival of the Arts activities.

Additionally, the men's and women's league doubleheader will also feature "Community Health Day" with free informational tables available on a variety of health-related issues, including diabetes, immunizations, hypertension and oral health. Additionally, free screenings will be held for things such as diabetes, glaucoma, oral cancer, blood pressure and blood glucose. The event will take place from 12:45 to 3:15 p.m. (EST).

The Bulldog women's basketball team is coming off a 69-60 triumph over Northern Michigan on Thursday (Feb. 4) evening inside Wink Arena and will wrap up a four-game homestand versus Findlay.  The men's game will follow the women's contest starting at 2 p.m. (EST).