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Big Rapids, Mich. - It has been said that "those who give will
often receive".
For the Ferris State University women's basketball program, that
has certainly been the case.
The Bulldog women's basketball team recently traveled north to
Boyne Mountain last Saturday (Sept. 18) for the Dirty Dog Dash, a
challenging adventure running event that incorporated mud,
obstacles, camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment.
In addition to being a tremendous team bonding experience, the
Bulldogs also helped support an important charitable cause as all
entry proceeds benefited the Wounded Warrior Project, a nationwide
effort supporting the country's soldiers wounded in the line of
duty. Each player paid for her own entry fee, which helped
contribute to the important initiative.
"This was a tremendous event that provided excellent team bonding
and supported a great cause," said FSU head coach Tracey
Dorow. "It was challenging and yet fun for our
players at the same time."
The Dirty Dog Dash covered three miles of tough mountainous terrain
with various obstacles thrown in between.
The course incorporated everything Michigan has to offer and ranks
as one of the toughest adventure runs throughout the state.
"Our entire team ran the race together and cheered each other on
the entire time," said Dorow.
The Bulldogs' path to the Dirty Dog Dash actually began last August
when they took advantage of an opportunity to train locally using
kettlebells as part of a way to enhance their strength and
conditioning program, according to Dorow. Since then, they've
worked closely with local residents and kettlebell enthusiasts
including Dr. Jeff and Jenny
Mossel, who helped organize the team's entrance into the
Dirty Dog Dash.
"We wanted to try something different and they've really become
part of our family," said Dorow. "The Mossels have inspired
our team to be stronger and better conditioned athletes.
"They've also been excellent role models both in the way they train
and thru their community involvement," she added.
The Mossels, who compete regularly in adventure-type races, also
took part in the Dirty Dog Dash with the Bulldogs in addition to
local residents Darin and Marcia
Cebulla, who also train regularly in kettlebells and are
strong supporters of FSU women's basketball.
"Our players decided they wanted to do this and had a great time,"
Dorow said. "We appreciate the support of these families in
being such great role models for our players."
While the Dirty Dog Dash may have been the first adventure race for
most of the Bulldogs, Dorow noted it may not be the last for some
team members.
"A few of the girls mentioned this is something they'd like to do
more of when their playing days are over so it really could become
a life-long type of thing," she said. "They've been inspired
in so many ways by the Mossels and its exciting to see the
enthusiasm our players have now towards fitness because of
them."
Dorow believes her players can also give something back to people
like the Mossels, who now play an important part as members of the
Bulldog family.
"It's almost like having another set of parents with the way
they've taken our players under their wings," she said.
"Hopefully, we can continue to return the favor by being great role
models for their young kids as well."