Athletics

��Ƶ Breaks Ground on First On-Campus Football Field

msk23@calvin.edu — Thu, 22 May 2025 13:39:51 +0000

��Ƶ Breaks Ground on First On-Campus Football Field msk23@calvin.edu Thu, 05/22/2025 - 09:39

��Ƶ has officially broken ground on its first-ever on-campus football and lacrosse field, marking a major milestone in the continued development of its football and lacrosse programs and enhancing the overall student experience. The multi-phase project would ultimately result in a full stadium, with each phase beginning only after full funding is secured. Phase One construction is now underway, made possible by the generous support of Calvin donors.

“This is a major step forward for our university,” said Greg Elzinga, president of ��Ƶ. “Bringing football to campus and enhancing lacrosse is about much more than just building a field—it’s about building community. The energy, tradition, and spirit that come with having home games on campus will benefit every student, every fan, and the entire Calvin experience.”

Phase One: Field Construction Begins

Phase One establishes the new lighted turf field that will be used for practice and sets the foundation for the stadium’s future. The field will feature:

AstroTurf turf, lined for football and men’s and women’s lacrosse
Musco LED lighting for high-impact visibility
Backstop netting (40’ x 40’ behind goal posts; 20’ along the remainder of the end zone) for both football and lacrosse
Scoreboard and play clocks to support practice and drills—destined to become a secondary scoreboard in later phases
Maintenance and emergency vehicle access via a dedicated pathway

"This field is the beginning of something transformational,” said Jim Timmer, director of athletics. “It's not just a place to practice—it’s the start of a long-term vision that reflects our commitment to excellence in athletics, facilities, and student experience. Every piece is intentionally planned, and we’re excited to share what’s next.”

While the turf field is being used for practices during the 2025 season, Calvin will play its home games in the newly opened on-campus soccer stadium, which will be temporarily configured to host football games. This keeps the program embedded in campus life while Phase Two is developed.

Phase Two: Game Day Comes to Campus

With fundraising efforts now underway, Phase Two will bring the game-day atmosphere to life, including:

Seating for approximately 3,500 spectators, including 540 chairback seats and 520 visiting team seats
An upper concourse with standing room overlooking the field and a lower concourse behind the south end zone
Press box space for home/visiting coaches, media, A/V, and game management
Full perimeter fencing and continued access for emergency/maintenance vehicles

“We’re creating a home-field atmosphere that recruits will want to play in, students will love to cheer from, and alumni will be proud of,” said Trent Figg, head football coach. “It’s more than football—it’s about building champions on and off the field, and this facility helps us do that.”

Future Phases: Building for the Long Term

While Phases One and Two bring immediate transformation, future phases of the project include:

Additional restrooms and fan amenities
A multipurpose space for team meetings and hospitality
Locker rooms for officials
A ticket booth, concessions, and storage areas

Each phase will be funded before construction begins, ensuring the university builds sustainably and responsibly.

“Every shovel in the ground represents a step toward a future where football is fully woven into the Calvin campus experience,” said Timmer. “We’re grateful to our donors, excited for our students, and looking forward to welcoming the community to our field very soon.”

Thu, 05/22/2025 - 12:00

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Multiple Calvin Teams Advance to NCAA Tournament

msk23@calvin.edu — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:30:06 +0000

Multiple Calvin Teams Advance to NCAA Tournament msk23@calvin.edu Wed, 11/13/2024 - 08:30

While it won’t show up on the schedule at the beginning of the season, fans have come to expect that a number of Calvin Knights’ athletic teams each year will be playing well into November.

This fall is no different. Five teams are already NCAA Bound. Women’s triathlon already competed in nationals and finished fifth overall. The men’s and women’s cross-country teams and the men’s and women’s soccer teams will begin NCAA postseason action this coming weekend. (Note: The women’s volleyball team will find out if it’s NCAA bound following the MIAA tournament this weekend.)

The Knights have already captured 11 NCAA Division III National Titles in the institution’s storied history (this doesn’t include individual titles won by Calvin athletes). The Knights have also finished in the top four at the NCAA level 54 times in eight different sports, 27 of those as national runners-up.

Follow all the Knights' teams competing in NCAA postseason action November 15 & 16. Stay updated at calvinknights.com.

Women’s Soccer

The women’s soccer team is making its fourth straight appearance in the NCAA III Tournament after finishing its season unbeaten over its final 14 games. The Knights, who claimed both the regular season and tournament titles for their league, haven’t lost since early September.

The Knights begin NCAA play on their home field in a four-team regional. Calvin (14-2-2) faces Greenville University (11-7-2) in the opening round Friday at 2 p.m. ET, while University of Chicago (10-6-2) takes on Lawrence University (15-4-2) play at 4:30 p.m. ET. Friday’s winners will play at 5 p.m. on Saturday in the regional final. All games are being played at Zuidema Field on Calvin’s campus.
  
The Knights are 16-10-5 all-time in the NCAA III Tournament, reaching the national quarterfinals in 2006, 2009 and 2015. Last season, the Knights reached the Sweet 16.

Ticket prices are: $10 for General Admission, $6 for senior citizens, $6 for students & $5 for children ages 3-12.  These are all single session tickets.  Tickets will be available at the gate the day of the game.

Men’s Soccer

The Calvin men’s soccer team is making its 10th straight appearance in the NCAA III Tournament, carrying an unbeaten streak of eight games into NCAA III Tournament play. The Knights officially punched their ticket by winning their league tournament last week.

The Knights will compete this weekend in a four-team regional on the campus of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. Calvin (14-5-2) will face Hamilton College of New York (7-6-3) on Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET. The other first-round matchup, at 11 a.m. ET, features Kenyon (12-3-3) and Spalding University (11-7-2). Friday's winners will meet in the regional final on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.

The men’s soccer team is 39-21-7 all-time in NCAA III Tournament play. The Knights advanced to the national semifinals in 2015 and 2019 and to the NCAA III Finals in 2009, 2011, 2016 and 2018.

Cross Country Teams

The men’s and women’s cross-country teams both qualified for the NCAA III Great Lakes Regional Meet scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 16, in Shelbyville, Indiana (hosted by Franklin College).

The women’s team is ranked 20th nationally and is the top-ranked team in the Great Lakes Region. The men’s time is ranked 27th nationally and is the second-ranked team in its region.

The women’s team captured its 2nd straight MIAA title this season, posting a first-place team score of 29 points at the MIAA Championships. The title was Calvin's first MIAA outright crown since 2014.

The men’s team captured an impressive 37th consecutive league title, which is the longest active winning streak among all sports in its league.

Wed, 11/13/2024 - 12:00

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��Ƶ Launches New Marching Band Program Led by Veteran Director

msk23@calvin.edu — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 17:52:47 +0000

��Ƶ Launches New Marching Band Program Led by Veteran Director msk23@calvin.edu Tue, 08/27/2024 - 13:52

��Ƶ is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever marching band program under the leadership of seasoned band director Dr. Steve Sudduth. With 25 years of experience building and directing marching bands, Sudduth brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for connecting music programs with their communities.

Steve Sudduth began his career in 1999 and has successfully established and led marching bands at various institutions, including Dickinson State University in North Dakota. His extensive experience includes starting bands from the ground up, making him well suited to lead Calvin’s new initiative.

Creating Connections

“Marching bands hold a special place in the heart of a community,” said Sudduth. “They create a strong connection between the university and the public, offering a window into the vibrancy of a school’s music program. A successful marching band can uplift the identity of an institution and become a cherished tradition.”

Dr. Tiffany Engle, associate professor; co-chair, visual and performing arts; director of instrumental studies, expressed excitement about the new addition to the university's music offerings. “This marching band represents an exciting expansion of our music program. It will elevate the student experience and create lasting connections within Calvin. We believe that the band will quickly become a source of pride for our students, faculty, and alumni under Steve's direction.”

Building on a Tradition of Excellence

Sudduth emphasizes that the creation of this marching band is not just about music; it’s about building a lasting legacy. “For many years, Calvin has excelled in formal music programs, but the philosophy of a marching band has yet to be fully implemented. Our goal is to incorporate this new program into the very fabric of the university’s music tradition,” he explained.

The new marching band at Calvin will serve as a dynamic and visible representation of the university, contributing to the campus atmosphere like a successful athletic team. Sudduth is confident that the program will grow in size and impact, potentially reaching 60 to 80 members within three years.

When asked why he chose to join ��Ƶ, Sudduth highlighted the university’s reputation and the opportunity to reconnect with his family, who are settled in the Grand Rapids area. “Calvin is a respected institution, and this job allows me to contribute to a new tradition while staying close to home,” he said.

Gaining Momentum

Sudduth plans to build the program gradually, starting small but aiming for excellence. He also stressed the importance of incorporating faith into the marching band experience. “Music is a gift from God,” he said. “Our performances will reflect the belief of that power in music and provide that to the university in our performances.”

The excitement surrounding the new marching band is already palpable. “I’m most looking forward to seeing the joy and enthusiasm on the faces of our students as they participate in something new and meaningful,” Sudduth shared.

��Ƶ invites students, alums, and the community to support this exciting new chapter in the university’s history. Contact Sudduth for more information.

Tue, 08/27/2024 - 12:00

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Football Team Awestruck By Locker Room Reveal

msk23@calvin.edu — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 01:00:56 +0000

Football Team Awestruck By Locker Room Reveal msk23@calvin.edu Tue, 08/13/2024 - 21:00

“Woah!”

“I like this. I like this.”

“Where’s my name?”

Great Anticipation

On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, dozens and dozens of football players rushed through the doors in great anticipation.

“Today, we woke up and it was like Christmas morning,” said Trent Figg, Calvin’s head football coach.

The gift the football team was taking all in had been delivered … and just on time.

“I think just this morning we got the occupancy permit,” said Jim Timmer, director of athletics at ��Ƶ.

The players of the inaugural ��Ƶ football team were taking in their new home.

“Let’s go baby, let’s go!”

“This is insane.”

Exceeding Expectations

The joyful and jaw-dropping expressions seen and heard from the players as they filed in clearly communicated they were not left wanting.

It's unreal,” said Winton Napier, a freshman offensive lineman from Twin Lake, Michigan (Whitehall High School). “This is incredible. Everything about this is top tier.”

“This blows me away, the way it came together with the graphics, the colors. We have great lighting and with the dark ceiling up there it gives it this really cool modern look,” said Paul VanderPloeg, a junior defensive back from Hudsonville, Michigan (Unity Christian High School). “I was blown away as soon as I entered the doors. Just so epic, and so intentional too.”

“This locker room is from a facilities standpoint as nice as you’ll find. Calvin has provided an incredible place for our players, for our student-athletes to call home,” said Figg.

Building Champions

“When Trent arrived on campus the energy that was already here for football increased ten-fold,” said Timmer. “I don’t think you put up a building like this without some confidence of where we are going at with the program.”

And the direction is clear: build champions.

“It says Champions really big on the wall,” said Figg. “In our program, we talk about being champions for life. When our kids graduate, we want them to walk out of our doors prepared to be a champion for the rest of their life. We talk about that in four areas, we talk about that on the field, in the classroom, in the community, and champions of their faith. We firmly believe that’s what it takes to build a well-rounded champion, and then you can talk about championships once you build individual champions.”

The inaugural football team will begin practicing on Thursday, which is 23 days from their Saturday, September 7 home opener against Oberlin College.

“We have 112 players that all reported to campus today. And I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited for a fall camp,” said Figg.

Tue, 08/13/2024 - 12:00

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Athletics

������Ƶ Breaks Ground on First On-Campus Football Field

Phase One: Field Construction Begins

Phase Two: Game Day Comes to Campus

Future Phases: Building for the Long Term

Multiple Calvin Teams Advance to NCAA Tournament

Women’s Soccer

Men’s Soccer

Cross Country Teams

������Ƶ Launches New Marching Band Program Led by Veteran Director

Creating Connections

Building on a Tradition of Excellence

Gaining Momentum

Football Team Awestruck By Locker Room Reveal

Great Anticipation

Exceeding Expectations

Building Champions

��Ƶ Breaks Ground on First On-Campus Football Field

��Ƶ Launches New Marching Band Program Led by Veteran Director