Grand Rapids Community College Athletic Department Earns Prestigious Charlie Chanter All-Sports Trophy

The Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Athletic Department has achieved a remarkable feat by earning the coveted Charlie Chanter All-Sports Trophy from the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. The trophy, named after the former GRCC coach and professor, is awarded to the department that demonstrates exceptional performance across all sports. With all eight departments enjoying successful seasons and five of them participating in national tournaments, GRCC proved their excellence in collegiate athletics.

The women’s basketball, volleyball, golf, and men’s and women’s cross country departments represented GRCC in the national tournaments. Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo took the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of each department and express her pride in their achievements.

“Congratulations to all the coaches on an incredible year. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed,” Ferullo stated in a news release. “I am immensely proud of you and your athletes. This award is well-deserved, and I feel honored to lead all of you.”

Dave Glazier, GRCC’s women’s basketball coach, also extended recognition to the behind-the-scenes individuals who contributed to the program’s success.

“The recognition of the program is not just about celebrating the athletes but also everyone involved behind the scenes, starting with our AD Lauren Ferullo, our Athletic Trainer Kenzie Ondersma, our statistician Ben Brown, and the fieldhouse staff,” Glazier mentioned in an email to The Collegiate. “The unwavering support from Whitney Marsh, Sue Goeman, Tim Johnson, Bri Greenough, and all the student staff enables our athletes to focus solely on competing at the highest levels.”

Established in 1958, the Charlie Chanter All-Sports Trophy has been a symbol of athletic excellence. This is the 16th time GRCC has secured the award, placing them second only to Lansing Community College, who has won the trophy 19 times. The achievement reaffirms GRCC’s commitment to fostering a culture of sporting success and reinforces their position as a leading institution in collegiate athletics.