Three current or former Tigers walked in graduation this past week as they completed their classes and/or student teaching.  David Steenstra, Ryan Krombeen and Greg Salmon each received their Bachelors degree at the Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, April 27th.

Way to go guys!

L to R: David Steenstra, Ryan Krombeen, and Greg Salmon

Greg Salmon is the 2013-14 winner of the Frank VanderLaan Award.  The award is given to the Grace student athlete that best portrays what a student athlete should represent at Grace.  Frank VanderLaan was a pioneer in getting GBC’s athletic programs off the ground.  This award honors the Senior student athlete who has exhibited excellence in athletics as well as academics and who displays Christian character.  The recipient best represents the athletic department’s best response to the college mission statement.  This is Grace’s highest award given to a student athlete.

Greg received the award at the final chapel service of the school year in front of the student body.  Greg was presented the award by Director of Sports Operations and Men’s Basketball Coach Gary Bailey, and Athletic Director, Rich Renzema

The Tigers have signed Tri-Unity Christian standout Mark Sjoerdsma for next season.  The 6’7″ forward did not have the type of senior season he would have liked but Head Coach Gary Bailey and the Tigers didn’t mind at all and are happy to have Mark at GBC. Sjoerdsma tore his ACL in the second game of the season and had successful surgery but had to sit out the remainder of the year.  “Mark is a very gifted athlete and a great student and person.  We are so happy to have him suiting up for us next season,” said Coach Gary Bailey.  “I can’t imagine how tough it is to sit on the bench watching your team compete all season and then for a state championship knowing that you would be a big help to your team and handle it all with as much class as Mark has shown.  He is a special person and player.”

Mark scored 24 points and pulled down 7 rebounds in the game before going down with the injury.

“I am looking forward to playing here at Grace.  I know it is a great group of guys on the team and I look forward to making memories as a Tiger.  It is an honor to be able to play for such an incredible coach.” – Mark Sjoerdsma

Mark’s parents are Doug and Sherri Sjoerdsma.  He has a sister, Anna and a brother, Douglas.

This is the article on Mlive about Mark:

Injured Wyoming Tri-unity Christian center returns for one last hurrah in Class D state title game

Steve Kaminski | skaminsk@mlive.com, March 23, 2013 2:10 p.m.

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Wyoming Tri-unity Christian’s Mark Sjoerdsma saw his first action Saturday since Dec. 14. – (MLive.com photo | Steve Kaminski)

EAST LANSING – Tri-unity Christian’s basketball fans didn’t have a whole lot to cheer about Saturday, but Mark Sjoerdsma sure brought them to their feet.

Southfield Christian was cruising to a 65-46 victory against Tri-unity Christian at the Breslin Center in the Class D state championship game when Defenders coach Mark Keeler told Sjoerdsma, a 6-foot-7 senior center, to head to the scorer’s table and check into the game.

Tri-unity fans erupted as soon as Sjoerdsma stood up. Sjoerdsma hadn’t played since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in Dec. 14 game against Muskegon Catholic Central. While he is still recovering from the injury, Keeler wanted to give Sjoerdsma a chance to play in the big game, even though there was only about two minutes to go.

Sjoerdsma was expected to play a prominent role in Tri-unity’s plans this season. However, Sjoerdsma’s season ended just two games into the year when he was injured in the final minutes of the MCC game that saw him score 24 points and grab seven rebounds.

“It was cool to be able to go back out there,” Sjoerdsma said. “It was definitely nice.”

Related: View a photo gallery of today’s Class D title game

Keeler had to first clear Sjoerdsma’s appearance with his doctor, and as long as Sjoerdsma took it easy, he got the green light to play. Sjoerdsma walked up and down the court as the final seconds of the game wound down, although he did take a couple of shots.

“I was telling the guys to give me the ball because I wanted to get some shots in,” Sjoerdsma said. “I took two shots, and I couldn’t get them to fall, but still, it was a lot of fun. The first one had a little too much energy. I was antsy.”

Southfield took control of Saturday’s game with a 9-0 first-quarter run. The Eagles, who won their second straight state title, built up an 11-point halftime lead before pulling away for good in the third quarter.

Sjoerdsma said he has plenty of rehab remaining in his future, but he added that his goal is to play college basketball. While Sjoerdsma has yet to commit to a college, he is leaning towards Grace Bible College.

“The leg muscles are coming back, but the ligaments inside still have to get stronger,” he said.

Grand Rapids – The Grace Athletic Department sponsored an end of the year banquet for the 2012-13 men’s basketball team and their families on Thursday night.  It was a great evening to close out the 2012-13 season.  Team members and their guests were treated to a pizza party and then comments from the coaching staff.  A presentation of awards closed out the night.

Some of the special awards were as follows:

Seated – Jared Bradford and his mom Lynne
Standing – Coach Bailey and Jeff Bradford

Jared Bradford, a 5’10″ guard out of Sparta High School (Class B) is the newest player to join the Tigers.  Bradford was a highly coveted player this season all around Michigan and the Tigers are overwhelmed that he chose to suit up for GBC.  “Jared is a high character kid and a great student that can really play basketball,” said Grace Coach Gary Bailey.  “When I watched him play I knew immediately  that we had to have him at Grace.  He is a great point guard that can also play the two.  He is really quick and can score.  The biggest factor for us is that he is a winner and gets everyone involved.  It is a great feeling when we land a player that we know can be a difference maker in his first year.”

Jared averaged 20.5 ppg and just over 4 apg this past season.  He shot 92% from the free throw line making 94-102 attempts.  He also scored 20 or more points 16 times this season with a high game of 35 in the District semi-finals.  He led Sparta to consecutive District Titles the last two seasons.  Jared has picked up many awards this season including All Conference and Grand Rapids All Area Dream Team.

“I’m very excited and happy to join such a great program as Grace.  Coach Bailey and everyone at Grace have been more than supportive.  I’m looking forward to making a lot of memories with this team.” – Jared Bradford

Jared’s parents are Jeff & Lynne Bradford of Sparta.  He has two brothers, Jake & Justin.

Standing – Coach Bailey & Austin
Seated – Jim & Kelly Fader

Grand Rapids, MI – The Tigers have signed Austin Fader out of Akron-Fairgove High School.  The 6’9″ post player averaged 21 points to go along with 10.5 rebound per game this past season.  He also blocked 5 shots per game.

This season, Austin became the all-time shot blocker at Akron-Fairgrove.  He also broke the school record for blocked shots in a game with 10 this year.  For his efforts this year, he was selected to the 1st Team All Conference Team.  Austin was selected as a Class D All Stater and a BCAM (Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan) All State selection.

“We have been talking with Austin and his family for quite a while and we are so happy that they have made Grace their choice,” said Head Coach Gary Bailey.  “It was great getting to know them during their campus visit and making sure we were all on the same page.  It is a great fit for both the Grace family and the Fader family.  Austin is a genuine guy and we look forward to getting him started this fall.”

“I chose Grace to further my education in Exercise Science.  As I toured the campus, I felt a connection with the coaches, students, faculty, and players.  It is a privelege and honor to be recruited by a God oriented college that puts God first. – Austin Fader

Austin’s parent are Jim and Kelly Fader.  He has a brother, Travis and a sister, Kaitlyn.

Kenny Vernon and his mother Lori. Coach Bailey is standing

The Tigers continue to address their needs at the guard position by signing Kenny Vernon from the Wyoming Warriors.  Vernon, a 5’11″ guard, averaged 18.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 5.1 spg.  He was an All Conference performer both his Junior and Senior years.  He amassed over 1,100 points during his career.  He also was a letter winner in soccer for the Warriors.

“We are extremely happy to have Kenny and his family at Grace,” said Coach Gary Bailey. “The first game I watched him play he hit 7 or 8 three’s.  He jumps really well and sees the floor as well as anyone we have seen play this year.  He has all of the tools to help us right away.”

Kenny is the son of Dean and Lori Vernon of Grand Rapids.  He has four sisters, Amanda, Deanna, Veronica, and Leah.  He has two brothers, Adam and Simon.  He was coached by Tim Command.

Kenny Vernon:  “I am blessed by the opportunity to play at Grace.  I have met the players and coaches and they are a great group of guys.  I look forward to getting started.”

The Tigers started the recruiting season off in a big way by signing Paul TenHarmsel, a 6’4″ guard from Caledonia High School.  Paul initially signed with Eastern Michigan University out of high school in 2011 but opted out of his scholarship when EMU changed coaches.  He then played one year at Wayne State University (NCAA II).

“Paul has already been in school here at Grace this year and we are so happy to have him on our squad next year,” said Coach Gary Bailey.  “He has incredible range shooting the ball and can really get off the floor.  He will be an exciting player to watch with his high motor and his competitive style of play.  I know Paul is excited about playing closer to home and has practiced with us most of the school year.  It will be an easy transition for him next season.”

Paul was ranked as the #8 shooting guard in Michigan his Senior year averaging over 17 ppg, 5 rpg, and 3 apg.  ESPN listed him as the 170th best guard prospect in the country.

Paul is the son of Steve & Amy TenHarmsel and has a brother David and a sister Jennifer.  While at Caledonia Paul played for Coach Todd Bloemers.

“I’m really happy to be playing at Grace next year.  They have a really successful program and the players and coaching staff are awesome.  It has been fun getting to know everyone this semester.”

At University of Michigan shooting over Tim Hardaway Jr.

Senior – Zach Schutte

Springfield, MO – Senior Zach Schutte was named 2nd Team All-American by the NCCAA today.  Schutte has also been named Academic All-American for his Junior and Senior years.  Schutte averaged a team high 14.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 2.2 apg. during the 2012-13 season.

“We are very proud of Zach and this award,” said Coach Gary Bailey.  “Playing in our system may never allow a player to average a high point average but the NCCAA recognized Zach’s contribution to this team.  He is the hardest working player I have ever coached.  He has spent more time in this gym than any player in the last eight years.  We are very happy for Zach.”

Zach scored his 1,000th point this season.  He has won three NCCAA II National Championships and will leave Grace as one of it’s all time greats in a number of statistical categories.

Four Tigers were honored at this year’s NCCAA Midwest Regional.

All three Seniors were honored as Zach Schutte was selected as 1st Team All Midwest Region.  Greg Salmon was selected to the 2nd team and Aaron Schutte received Honorable Mention.  Freshman, BJ VanLoo was also selected as Honorable Mention.

From l to r: Josh Conover – Northland International University, Joel Borchardt – Maranatha, Steve Harrison – Moody, Zach Schutte – Grace, Brady Cremeens – Lincoln Christian Universi

From l to r: Kyler Gardner – Northland International University, Greg Salmon – Grace, Omar Haynes – Kuyper, Kyle Downing – Great Lakes Christian College, Micah Baines – Northland International University, Anthony Lewis – Northland International University