Armstrong, Johnson cut by NFL teams

Six former Grand Valley State University football alumni recently learned their fate for the 2014 season, as NFL teams made cuts and set their 53-man rosters.

For weeks, former GVSU centers Tim Lelito and Matt Armstrong competed for what appeared to be the same spot in New Orleans. Lelito, who started a pair of games at right guard for the Saints last season, proved to be the winner of the competition, as Armstrong, an undrafted free agent, was cut.

Meanwhile, despite initial reports, wide receiver Charles Johnson was cut by the Cleveland Browns and assigned to the team’s practice squad after passing through waivers unclaimed.

Four former GVSU players will begin the 2014 season on NFL rosters: Lelito, cornerback Brandon Carr (Dallas Cowboys), linebacker Dan Skuta (San Francisco 49ers) and offensive tackle Cameron Bradfield (Jacksonville Jaguars).

GVSU XC teams ranked No. 1, No. 2 in DII

The Grand Valley State University men’s and women’s cross country teams will both open the fall season as national contenders at the NCAA Division II level.

The Laker women, who won the national championship last fall, open the season as the top team in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) poll, while the GVSU men are slated as the No. 2 team after their second-place finish in 2013.

Reigning national champion Adams State University is tabbed as the No. 1 team on the men’s side, while its women’s team is ranked No. 2. Western State Colorado University is ranked No. 3 in both polls.

Both GVSU teams return to action Sept. 12 at the Spartan Invitational at Michigan State University.

GVSU basketball team to hold tryouts

The Grand Valley State University men’s basketball team will host walk-on tryouts for the upcoming season at Fieldhouse Arena on Sept. 17 from 3-5 p.m.

Interested candidates can either sign up in the men’s basketball offices or contact GVSU assistant coach Jeff Bauer at 616-331-3630.

GVSU, which finished with a 19-8 record last year, will tip off its season on Nov. 6 with an exhibition game at Valparaiso University.