In this edition of our Alumni Appreciation Month, SVSU Vice President Lindsay Maynard writes about Saginaw Valley’s founder.
Bryan Janick. SVSU #3, jersey retired. For those of you who know him, you know he’s the oldest little kid you’ve ever met. He’s like a 12 year old in a 37 year old’s body. Or maybe he’s somewhere in his twenties, I’m really not sure. You’re also likely to know of his immense knowledge of the game of dodgeball. And he can dodge a ball like none other. The man’s like a ninja when it comes to dodging.
At Saginaw Valley, we know him as sort of a legend. Bryan Janick created our club way back in March 2007. We call him the Dodge Father.
Bryan has seen this team rise to greatness. Last year, he saw his dreams come true when Saginaw Valley not only became the best team in Michigan, which is a feat in itself, but also became the best team in the nation.
After a handful of final four finishes at Nationals and an upsetting loss to Central Michigan in the final four at WKU in 2011, redemption was the goal of the 2012 SV team. Playing “As One” all year, Bryan capped off his final year on the team with a National Championship on his home court.
Since the team’s inception, Bryan acted as head captain. It’s a tough job. At the end of the 2011 season, Bryan stepped down and handed the reigns over to Spencer Jardine. Bryan needed a break to just play dodgeball and enjoy his last year on the court.
Additionally, Bryan served our country for four years in the Unites States Marine Corps. He
doesn’t look like the typical marine guy. He especially didn’t look like a marine when he went into the service (I’ve seen his high school photos…they’re gold, black mail gold). Not a day goes by that we aren’t thankful for and appreciative of his service.
Dodgeball at Saginaw Valley would not be what it is without Bryan Janick. Bryan is a great
player to learn from and a great all around guy.
Since winning the championship, Bryan has graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and currently works as a security guard at Bank of America. Basically, he stands outside and begs his friends to bring him hot chocolate. With his graduation, however, the team decided to retire his jersey. Number three on the Saginaw Valley dodgeball team will forever and always be Bryan Janick. The man. The legend. The Dodge Father.
Lindsay Maynard [SVSU-VP]
I’ve known Bryan for quite a few years now and words cannot describe what a great gentleman he is. Dodgeball aside, I’m glad to have known the Dodge Father of SVSU!
Excuse me for my mistake. Bryan started the club in March 2007 as he was still in the Marines in 2006.