Growing up, Big Rapids senior Oliviah Malloy recalls watching former Bulldog cross country and track athletes running by her home. This instilled a dream for her to one day become a collegiate runner.

This past Tuesday, Malloy signed that dream to soon become reality. The Cardinal track standout inked her letter of intent to stay here in Big Rapids and join Ferris State University’s track and field team next fall.

“I started running when I was in elementary and I had always watched the Ferris runners running outside for cross country. I would always hear about the track program and in middle school, I (decided I) wanted to run college track.”

Malloy said she had three schools in consideration of attending: Ferris State, Central Michigan, and Grand Valley State. While her father works in Mount Pleasant as a Chippewa, Malloy said she knew immediately following her visit to Ferris that she would complement the yellow with crimson instead of maroon.

“He always got central gear and wanted me to run for Central, but I had the opportunity to visit Ferris so I took that opportunity,” Malloy said. “I loved it. “As soon as I stepped on campus, it was like I was not even in Big Rapids anymore. It was just an amazing experience. The team was amazing, the coaches were great, and the facilities are amazing.”

The current Cardinal will finish her career this spring on the oval chasing a school record set by former Bulldog Sarah Montgomery in the 400 meters, one that she is three seconds from breaking. According to Malloy, Montgomery has been helping her try to reach the mark along with her Big Rapids coaches.

“She is giving me tips for what she did to get the 58 (seconds). I am very grateful for that.”

“My track coaches, Michele and Mike Selzer, have helped me since freshman year,” Malloy said on her coaches. “Every year we talk about my goals and they’ve helped me achieve those goals. Mr. Hambrick (also), it’s always nice to talk to him because he always has so much information and tips with track (as a former coach).”

Malloy becomes the eighth Cardinal since 2018 to sign with Ferris State’s program, including current freshman Ben Knuth and sophomore Ryan Ososki.

When asked about staying close to home, Malloy said it supplies a good mix of being way from home but not far.

“I always wanted to stay in the state of Michigan, but the fact that it's in Big Rapids is super nice. My family and friends are in Big Rapids so they can always visit me.”

Malloy aspires to become a physician’s assistant in dermatology but has a backup plan in business and marketing within the pharmaceutical field. She says the occupation stuck to her since freshman year of high school, where she mentioned taking a class in anatomy was the turning point.

 

(Photo provided by Dawn Thompson).