Lakers Honor US Coast Guard During Series Finale Against Augustana
When the Lake Superior State Lakers stepped onto the ice at Taffy Abel Arena on Saturday, November 29, they weren’t just wearing new uniforms—they were carrying a piece of their community with them. Their special-edition jerseys, created as a tribute to the U.S. Coast Guard, featured U.S.C.G. emblazoned across the nameplates, a bold reminder of the military branch deeply woven into the fabric of Sault Ste. Marie.
All week, the team had built connections with local Coast Guard members, learning about their service both at home and around the world. By the time the puck dropped, the jerseys had become more than fabric and stitching—they were symbols of gratitude.
Head coach Damon Whitten described the moment as an honor, the culmination of behind-the-scenes work to craft a meaningful tribute. For players like freshman Hunter Ramos, who comes from a military family, wearing the Coast Guard sweater held special significance. He took the ice with pride, representing both his team and his father’s service.
From the first stride to the final whistle, the Lakers carried that pride in every shift. Though the night’s scoreboard told one story, the uniforms told another: a celebration of service, community, and the bond between the Lakers and the Coast Guard they honored.
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Men's Basketball: Lakers Celebrate Elite Eight Team
A new championship banner hung inside Bud Cooper Gymnasium on Saturday. November 29, marking Lake Superior State’s run to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight last March. Along with it came the moment many had been waiting for: the presentation of the team’s Elite Eight rings to the players from the 2024–25 season.
Former Lakers returned to campus for the ceremony, joining staff, fans, and current players in recognizing the group that carried the program deep into the national tournament. As the rings were handed out, the gym filled with familiar faces from last season’s roster and with notable LSSU alumni who came to share the moment.
Head coach Steve Hettinga spoke about what it meant to see so many connected to the program back in the building. “I see Tim VanOudheusden from our first championship team in 2009. It's great to see him in the house,” he said. “Then to have Tyson Edmondson here with Blake Cassidy. We certainly missed Big Perk, Dev Womack, Hunter Soper, Andy Soma, and Adam Harakow. Those guys who were here, we really played for them today and we're really happy with the effort.”
The ceremony highlighted the continuity within the program—players from last season’s historic run standing alongside earlier generations of Lakers who helped shape Lake Superior State basketball. For the athletes receiving their rings, it was a chance to return to the court where the postseason run began and to celebrate a season that earned its place in the rafters.
With the banner raised and the rings awarded, the day became a reminder of how far the team had gone and how many people were part of that journey.
LSSU Men's Hockey Earns Perfect APR Score, Showcasing Academic Excellence
"This accomplishment speaks volumes about the dedication and discipline of our young men—not just on the ice, but in the classroom," said Head Coach Damon Whitten. "At Lake Superior State, we're committed to helping our student-athletes earn a world-class degree, and this perfect score is proof that we're living that mission."
A perfect APR is a rare distinction, achieved in fewer than 10% of all recorded NCAA Division I men's hockey seasons nationally. It reflects not only the commitment of the student-athletes but also the support and mentorship of LSSU faculty, academic staff, and coaches who prioritize holistic student success.
"This remarkable achievement showcases what it means to be a Laker," said Athletic Director Tory Lindley. "It's the result of teamwork between our coaches, faculty, and academic support staff—people who invest every day in helping our student-athletes reach their full potential. It's a powerful example of the excellence that defines Lake Superior State University."
The number reflects the work put in across campus and the unified commitment by university staff to preparing students for lifelong success. Many of these success stories were displayed recently during Great Lake State Weekend, as LSSU presented its alumni awards and inducted new Hall of Fame members.
LSSU Senior Vanessa Swerdon Honored for Leadership and Performance
A native of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Swerdon's passing and leadership were exemplary throughout the 2025-26 season. She passed at 100 per cent efficiency for the first six Laker matches of the season and closed out the campaign with perfect passing in the last eight contests. She also contributed tremendously on defense, registering 125 digs for LSSU. The senior also scored eight service aces in the final six matches of the season. A consistent, talented player, Swerdon finished the year with 4.08 assists per set across 71 sets played and averaged 1.76 digs per set.
Swerdon posted a 23 assist, seven dig performance against Minnesota-Crookston at the Mankato Tournament on September 13th. She had a season-high nine digs in three matches - October 10th against Davenport, October 18th against William Jewell at the Midwest Regional Crossover, and November 8th against Grand Valley State.
For her LSSU career, Swerdon tallied 4.74 assists per set in 171 sets, along with 1.66 digs per set. She also scored 44 service aces and tallied 28 kills.
A marketing major at Lake Superior State University, she was also named to the 2024 GLIAC Volleyball All-Academic Team, in recognition of her scholastic skills. The 2025 list will be released in the spring.
Swerdon was honored at Senior Day with her family on November 7th, prior to the match with Wayne State. View the full gallery from Senior Day online.
LSSU Swimmer Fedor Mironov Wins 100 Yard Freestyle, Earns First NCAA "B" Qualifier For LSSU
Mironov's time of 44.88 won a midseason race for the first time in LSSU history and also marked the first time a Laker swimmer met the NCAA "B" qualifying standard, making him eligible for invitation to the NCAA Division II National Championships.
He jumped out to a terrific start, leading the first 50 yards at 21.54. A strong finish secured the win for the sophomore, who secured his place in Lake Superior State history.
But there's more to Mironov's day. He also raced in the 800 yard freestyle relay, leading off for LSSU, which set another program best. His 200 yard leg also set a school record.
Men's teammate Dimitrij Mijailovic started the day off well with a school record of 1:00.52 in the 100 yard breaststroke in an early morning race. He also swam the second leg of the 200 yard medley relay, which broke the school mark at 1:36.91. Mitar Sarkovic, Mijailovic, Mironov, and Adyn Stoddard raced very well and continue to impress.
Women's swimmer Andrea Ayuso Mendez set more records for Lake Superior State as well. Her time of 2:08.33 in the 200 yard backstroke is a new program best, and she swam the first 100 yards in record time as well. Her last 50 yards were the sixth best in the event out of 24 swimmers as well, an excellent finish for the first-year star.
The Don Kimble Invitational continues for its third and final day on Sunday. The first two days brought immense success for the second-year Lakers program, as it continues to achieve new heights.
