Ferris State Men's Golf Bolsters Lineup With Addition Of GRCC's Zach Bialik

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's golf team has bolstered its lineup with the recent signing of West Michigan native Zach Bialik (Manistee/Catholic Central), who has transferred following two seasons at Grand Rapids Community College.

Bialik, who was named the 2014-15 GRCC "Male Athlete of the Year", will join the Bulldogs next fall for the 2015-16 campaign and have two seasons of collegiate eligibily remaining at FSU.

"We are extremely excited about Zach joining our program next season," said FSU head coach Mike Mignano. "Everyone that has met Zach talks about his high character and tremendous golf game. He will have a huge impact over the next few seasons.  

"Zach is a strong leader and his experience in such as successful program at GRCC will allow him to step in and contribute immediately," he added. "As great of a golfer as he is, he is an even better person. We feel fortunate he chose Ferris State and I look forward to working with Zach as he follows his passion and dreams."

Bialik claimed Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) All-State and All-Region recognition last season for the Raiders and is currently midst his sophomore campaign at GRCC. He was also chosen as the MCCAA Freshman of the Year award recipient in 2014 and earned Region XII All-Tournament, Western Conference All-Freshman Team and Western Conference First Team accolades his first season.

Bialik was no stranger to top five and 10 performances his freshman year and his play aided the Raiders to their sixth-straight Western Conference Championship, the MCCAA State Title and a ninth-place finish at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.

So far this season, Bialik is continuing to impress as he started the fall season with a first-place finish at the Ancilla Fall Invitational and has since posted numerous top 10 finishes throughout the year.  The Raiders, under head coach Bruce VandenBeldt, have four more tournament dates before the NJCAA Region XII Tournament set for May 11-12.  

Prior to his time at GRCC, Bialik enjoyed a highly-successful prep career at Manistee Catholic Central High School. He was a three-time first team all-state honoree and also earned all-state honorable mention accolades as a freshman. Bialik earned all-conference laurels four-straight years.

Ferris State wrapped up the 2014-15 regular season with a strong finish on the final day at the GLIAC Spring Invitational this past weekend at the Longaberger Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio. The Bulldogs are presently awaiting word on the official selections for the NCAA Regional Championships, which will be held May 4-6.

FSU has currently made 12-straight NCAA Tournament appearances to date in men's golf and was also crowned as the Division II Academic National Champions last year by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA).