GV football begins spring practice

Grand Valley State football’s 2016 season is officially underway, as the Lakers held the first day of spring practice on March 19. It was the first of 15 spring practices, which will conclude with the annual spring game at Lubbers Stadium on April 16.

GVSU is coming off of a 12-3 season that saw the Lakers make their ninth NCAA Division II national semifinal game, a narrow 34-32 loss to Shepherd, since 2001. The Lakers return 21 players who made at least one start last season.

The Lakers will open their season at home against Tiffin on Sept. 1.

Football tabs Hatcher as running backs coach

Grand Valley State head football coach Matt Mitchell has announced the hiring of Mike Hatcher as running backs coach, replacing Matt Yoches, who is now the director of football operations at the University of Miami (Ohio).

Hatcher, a GVSU football alum, was the running backs coach at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Wartburg’s ground attack totaled 2,072 yards and 31 touchdowns in just 10 games.

As a player, Hatcher was a four-year starter in the Lakers’ defensive secondary from 2009-2013. In 42 career games, he finished with 111 total tackles (seven for loss), 28 pass breakups, and three interceptions. In 2013, he was a part of a Laker squad that finished 12-3 and made a NCAA Division II national semifinal appearance.

Hatcher will begin his new duties as coach immediately.

Urban named athlete of the week

Grand Valley State freshman Nicholas Urban has been named the GLIAC men’s tennis Athlete of the Week after his performance on the team’s Florida road trip from March 7-11.

Urban finished the week 4-0 in singles and 2-0 in doubles in games against Post, West Chester, the University of the Sciences and Lynn.

The Lakers began conference play on March 19 with a 7-2 road win over Hillsdale.