Andy Bronkema, once the architect of Ferris State’s 2018 NCAA Division II championship squad, now serves as head coach at Central Michigan and is preparing to reunite with the Bulldogs’ former stars this weekend.
Historic Season and Championship
The 2018 Bulldogs etched a historic mark on the Division II landscape, finishing the season with a 38‑1 record that tied the all‑time NCAA Division II victory benchmark. Their run included GLIAC regular‑season and tournament crowns, a Midwest Regional title, and a dramatic 71‑69 triumph over Northern State in the national championship game.
At the heart of that success were senior standouts Zach Hankins, named the National Player of the Year, alongside Drew Cushingberry, Noah King and Peter Firlik, whose collective commitment to unity and sacrifice eclipsed individual accolades.
The team’s induction into Ferris State’s Sports Hall of Fame underscored the cultural impact of a season defined by shared purpose rather than personal glory, a philosophy that earned Bronkema the National Coach of the Year honor for the 2017‑2018 campaign.
Reunion and Legacy
Now coaching at Central Michigan, Bronkema reflects on that era while preparing for a special weekend in 2026 that will honor the 2018 championship team, a gathering that notably excludes Hankins, who is currently playing professionally in Turkey.
The upcoming reunion will bring together the core of that historic roster, offering former teammates and fans a chance to relive the camaraderie that propelled the Bulldogs to an unprecedented level of success, and reminding current players that championships are built on collective effort rather than individual stardom.