Bulldog Men's Golf Inks Three Prep Recruits

Big Rapids, Mich. - Three prep golfers have announced their intentions to join the Ferris State University men's golf program as members of the Bulldogs' 2012 recruiting class as announced today by head coach Mike Mignano.

The Bulldogs' signees include Carter Hendricks (L'Anse), Ben Cook (Byron Center/Grand Rapids South Christian) along with Zak Kiefer (Clio/Elisabeth Johnson).  All three will embark on their freshman campaigns this fall.

Hendricks, a 2011 Amateur Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Junior Golf Tour participant, was the 2010 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Upper Peninsula Division 2 Individual Champion.  He earned upper peninsula runner-up honors in 2011 and has also claimed an individual conference championship.  Besides golf, he was a member of L'Anse's high school hockey team and earned National Honor Society recognition for his academic accomplishments.

"Carter is a very intelligent individual who works hard on his physical conditioning to be prepared for both golf and ice hockey," said Mignano.  "He has been one of the top players in the state over the past few seasons and will contribute immediately.  His work ethic is extremely strong and I look forward to him being a positive leader on our team into the future."

Cook won the 2011 Kent County Classic and helped Grand Rapids South Christian to a MHSAA Division 2 State Runner-Up finish in 2011 as he placed 10th individually.  A first-team all-state pick, he also was on South Christian's state-qualifying boys soccer team.

"Ben is a fierce competitor and knows what it takes to get the job done," said Mignano.  "He has played an intense high school and junior golf schedule over the past two summers and has really blossomed into one of the best players in the state.  

"I look for Ben to be a hard worker and contribute to the Bulldogs' success as a freshman.  He has impressed me with his maturity and dedication to competing at the collegiate level," he added.

Finally, Kiefer also picked up first-team all-state accolades following a sixth-place individual performance at the 2011 MHSAA State Finals.  The Genesee County Dream Team pick was the league's individual champion in both 2010 and 2011.  Additionally, the three-time team Most Valuable Player Award recipient was a National Honor Society member and the winner of the Wayne Hendrickson Award from the Flint Junior Golf Association in both 2010 and 2011.

"Zak is a very hard worker on the golf course and in the classroom," Mignano said.  "He comes from a strong golfing area and the competitive Flint Junior Golf Association.  Zak is a responsible and dedicated individual who will have a positive impact on our program for years to come.  He's a natural leader and very goal-driven."

The Bulldog men's golf squad made their 10th consecutive NCAA Regional Tournament appearance in a row this past season.  FSU placed tied for 10th at the 2012 NCAA Division II Midwest/South Central Super Regional (May 7-9) held in Jefferson City, Mo.