Grand Valley State athletic history is littered with conference and national titles, All-Americans and win streaks that stretch across the country. The GVSU football team, oft-viewed as the most illustrious program at the school, has drawn an average attendance of over 12,000 fans to home games at Lubbers Stadium this season.

The support for the Lakers is nigh unmatched in Division II football, but the fall sports season also features a number of historically and currently dominant Laker athletic programs.

While tradition dictates that students should attend football games for a good time and to show off school spirit, there are plenty of other sports deserving of the fans’ attention. These programs are something to be proud of, and students should go out and support them. Not only will students have the chance to witness these athletic triumphs, but they will also get another opportunity to show support for GVSU with another sport.

The GVSU soccer team recently beat Ferris State 2-0 to cap off an undefeated record in conference play this season. The Lakers (16-1, 12-0 GLIAC) have won 16 consecutive games since dropping their season-opener 3-0 to Quincy. On Tuesday night, GVSU will host Malone in the first round of the GLIAC tournament.

GVSU has won back-to-back Division II national championships, and, under second-year head coach Jeff Hosler, are primed to do more. The women’s soccer team has a solid turnout from game-to-game, but Laker students may be unaware that one of the most dominant programs in college athletics are playing right around the corner from Lubbers Stadium. GVSU outscored conference opponents 65-2 in GLIAC play this season. If you want to feel school pride, watch top quality soccer, or just simply enjoy schadenfreude, check out the Laker soccer team in Allendale this week.

If it’s too cold on Tuesday night, but you still want your fill of Laker athletics, there will be a headlining matchup between the GVSU volleyball team and the nationally-ranked No.1 Ferris State squad. From rivalries to revenge, to top level volleyball, story lines abound for this contest. The Bulldogs beat the Lakers 3-1 earlier in the season in Big Rapids.

FSU (11-2 GLIAC) is the top team in the GLIAC North, with GVSU (10-3 GLIAC) hot on its heels. The Fieldhouse Arena will offer GVSU fans a drier, warmer environment while still displaying some of the top athletic teams in Division II.

GVSU soccer will likely have another home match on Friday evening. The Lakers beat Malone 10-0 in the two teams’ only meeting this season, and, if they take care of business against the Pioneers, will host a GLIAC semifinal game at home on Friday.

The Laker volleyball team will host Northwood at home at 4 p.m. on Friday in another GLIAC matchup, giving fans a chance to check out both squads throughout the week.

GVSU swim and dive, cross country and a number of club sports are also in season right now. Laker men’s and women’s basketball teams have seasons starting within the next two weeks. The GVSU football team doesn’t play at home again until its regular season finale against Saginaw Valley State on Nov. 14. Laker fans and students have a two-week gap between football home games where they can explore more through GVSU athletics, witness a good-old-fashioned Laker domination or two and support their fellow students.

Getting involved in GVSU athletics is a rewarding experience, even from a fan’s perspective. The level of play for the majority of Laker varsity athletics is plenty high. It’s rare that a GVSU team doesn’t make some sort of splash in the regional scene, and a number of Laker teams routinely advance deep into NCAA playoffs. Go out and give a new team or two a look.

At worst, you’re sure to get a free T-shirt.