Jordan Hall Named Outstanding Scholar Award Winner

Congratulations to Jordan Hall, the winner of our Pioneer Outstanding Scholar Award! Hall, a native of Chicago, IL, had an outstanding season both on the field and off. The Most Outstanding Scholar Award is given to the Pioneer that we believe is the best representation of a true scholar athlete. It isn’t automatically given to the person with the highest gpa, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be the best player, but rather to someone that represents the ideals of a scholar athlete.  The recipient is someone who dedicates their time to their studies and to learning, but also someone who values their athletic endeavors to an equal level, and someone that strives to be the best at both. 

Last year's winner was defensive back and kicker Ibuki Ogasawara, who is now doing very well at Amazon, Japan.  Jordan was an excellent selection this year.  He was named to the Dean's List in the fall of '17, and is well on track to be named Academic All-Conference this year.  He is a leader in our locker room and played very well at corner for us this year.  He's started every game he's been healthy, and we are excited to see what he is going to do in the years to come!  Congrats Jordan!

Jeff Keele wins the Abe Rosenbloom '34 Award

The second major award presented at the postseason banquet was the Abe Rosenbloom ’34 Most Outstanding Offensive or Defensive Lineman Award. This year the award was won by defensive end Jeff Keele.  Keele, a junior this past season, took a major step forward both as a defender and as a leader this year.

The award is name after Abe Rosenbloom ’34 who was an outstanding offensive lineman during his time as a Pioneer, when Grinnell still played in the Missouri Valley Conference. He was undersized, especially against players from the likes of Nebraska and Oklahoma, but he held his own. The game field is now named after him, and we have honored his name since 1997 with the most valuable offensive or defensive lineman award. Notable previous winners include Mark Trocinski (all-american), Matt Amendt (school record holder with 19 sacks in a season), and Sam Jones (4 time all conference).

Keele finished the 2017 season with 56 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovered.  During the second half of the season Keele also saw his role on the team expanded to include some time at tight end.  By the final game he was playing nearly the entire game, and recorded one reception for 14 yards and a first down, and one carry for 28 yards and another first down.  We are expecting big things from the two-time captain, continuing to lead the defense and to play a big role in all three phases.  Keep up the good work Keele!

Ryan Slager wins the Dick Ullrich '33 Award

The Pioneers hosted their postseason banquet this past weekend, and junior linebacker Ryan Slager was named the Dick Ullrich '33 Most Valuable Offensive or Defensive Back award winner.  Slager received the same recognition as a sophomore as well.

The award is named after Pioneer Hall of Famer Dick Ullrich.  Playing both quarterback and halfback, Dick was the leading rusher and leading scorer in the conference, and also averaged over 50 yards a punt.  He was also an outstanding basketball player at Grinnell, being named all-conference twice.  Following his time at Grinnell, Dick enjoyed a solid career in the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears.  From 1955 – 1996 we named a Dick Ullrich Most Outstanding Back and Most Outstanding Lineman, and from 1996 – present it’s been the Most Outstanding Back.  Notable past winners include Dick Yaki Arnell (football and baseball player who is still well-connected with both programs), John Copeland (who has been instrumental in recruiting many talented players from the Bay-area), John Hartung (who played on a conference championship team and served on the Board of Trustees), Barry Huff (school-record holder in the shot put), and Tom Goetz (#4 single season rushing total and who's son TJ played here as well). 

After finishing third in the country in tackles as first-year, and leading the country in tackles as a sophomore, Slager had certainly set the bar high for himself.  Incredibly, he was able to surpass even those lofty standards as a junior.  Slager led Division 3 in tackles yet again, and was named all-conference yet again.  He also broke the school record for career tackles, and was able to add to his list of accolades this year, earning all-region recognition from D3football.com.  Congratulations Ryan, and heres to even better next year!

Pioneers in the News

Head men's cross country and track and field coach Will Freeman was recently quoted in the Washington Post.  Like all of our head coaches at Grinnell, Freeman is a Professor of Physical Education, and his primary course is Psychology of Sport.  The Washington Post reached out to Will prior to the SEC Championship game to see what impact, if any, Georgia's prior loss to Auburn would have.  A former SEC athlete himself, Freeman was a great source for the article, offering these observations, “It is certainly a normal human response to want revenge when we are harmed.  Can it increase motivation? Yes. Can that motivation go bad? Also, yes."  See the full article here.  Like any savvy coach, Freeman wisely avoided making a prediction, but he does offer some great insight!

Pioneers in the News

It's been a few weeks, but I'd like to return to the theme of Pioneers in the News.  It's an exciting, but volatile time in America, something new and big seems to happen on a daily basis, or even multiple times on the same day.  It can be confusing to sort through all of it, but one journalist helping us weed through it all is 2006 Grinnell grad, and fellow History major Ben Jacobs.

Ben first became a household name in late May when, working as a reporter for The Guardian, he was body slammed by then Montana House candidate Greg Gianforte (Gianforte has since plead guilty to misdemeanor assault).  Though I'm sure he would rather not have been cast into the spotlight in this manner, I hope people will now take time to notice Jacobs' reporting.  He's done a fine job in his role with the Guardian, and remains a consistent voice in these wild political times.

Keep up the great work Ben!

Pioneers in the News

It has been an eventful past week or two, both nationally and here at Grinnell, and our alumni have been at the forefront of a lot of it.  Over the next week or so I'll be profiling some of the highlights.

To kick things off, Grinnell's commencement speaker this year was comedian and 2001 grad Kumail Nanjiani.  Kumail's fame has steadily grown, likely boosted by his role on HBO's Silicon Valley.  This summer he'll be starring in The Big Sick, a semi-autobiographical story he and his wife wrote together.

Kumail covered a wide range of topics in his address, both serious and hilarious.  The line that got the best reaction was his take on how to ensure you'll be on the right side of history when it comes to the immigration debate in this country, and is at the beginning of this clip: https://www.facebook.com/NowThisPolitics/videos/1566920553339429/?pnref=story  Again, Kumail covered a lot of topics in his address, and my personal favorite was cut out of this highlight.  I don't have it word for word, but it went something like this, "so I encourage you to seek out people, thoughts, and opinions different from yours.  Listen to it, absorb it, oppose it if you feel it's wrong, but let it affect you."

Great call Kumail!  That's a Grinnell experience summed up in one line.  Thanks for a great address to our graduating class of 2017, and to all of us Pioneers!  #GCPride

Recruiting Class of 2017: Elijah Griffin

Elijah is a defensive lineman from La Salle High School in the Los Angeles area.  We've been waiting for this one to come in for a while, Elijah is a very good player!  The strength of this recruiting class is the defensive front, and Elijah is a big part of it.  We've already noted the additions Alex Ross and Tom Henehan, both of whom we're very excited about, but adding a third big body, and especially someone of Elijah's talent, will make a huge difference on our defensive front.

Like several of our recruits this year, Elijah has played on both the offensive and defensive line.  He is a powerful run blocker and is quick on his feet in pass protection.  However, his greatest strength is as a defensive lineman.  He has the size to swallow up a double-team, the quickness to get penetration in the backfield, and he uses his hands effectively enough to get a very good pass rush.  We're excited about Elijah!!

Elijah's highlight: http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/4277463/video

Recruiting Class of 2017: Nat Jordan

Nat was a starter as both an offensive and defensive lineman for Cape Elizabeth High in Cape Elizabeth, ME.  As a senior, he helped lead his team to a 10-1 record and a birth in the regional final.  We're very excited about Nat's quickness off the ball on defense and his mobility as a guard.  He is an adept puller, and he'll fit well with many of our offensive schemes.  He's another valuable piece in what looks to be one of the most deep offensive line groups we've brought in, we're very excited to add him to The Drove!

Nat's Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4399810/5834dae25b3cda20a8954477

Recruiting Class of 2017: Tom Henehan

Tom is a defensive lineman from Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, IL.  Tom was a starter on a 5A state championship team as a junior, and a second round playoff team as a senior.  He's used to playing with, and against, some of the best in the state of Illinois, and he's ready to come in and compete immediately.  Tom's size, strength, and versatility in the defensive front make him a great addition to our defense.  The Black Swarm just got a lot better!!

Can't wait to get you aboard Tom!  #GCPride

Tom's Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/3003924/video

2016 Postseason Awards - Ibuki Ogasawara

Senior kicker/defensive back/multi-sport athlete Ibuki Ogaswara was named this year's recipient of the scholar-athlete award.  This is only the second-year we've awarded this, and Ibuki definitely fits the criteria.  He's been named to the Dean's List several times and has been named Academic All-Conference every year he's been eligible.

On the field, Ibuki has grown from someone who was just learning the game to our starting kicker and a solid option at defensive back.  He is also an all-conference performer in track and field, as both a pole vaulter and a triple jumper.  Ibuki has already secured a position with Amazon.  Starting  in the United States this summer, Ibuki will then return home and work for Amazon Japan starting late in the fall.  Congrats on all you've accomplished so far Ibuki, and best of luck the rest of this spring!

2016 Postseason Awards - Carson Dunn

Junior Carson Dunn was named the winner of the Troy Barboza Most Courageous award.  Troy played at Grinnell in the mid-80's, and upon graduating had taken up a career in law enforcement in Hawaii.  In October of 1987, Barboza was scheduled to testify as part of a large undercover sting operation, when he was murdered by another drug dealer.  The Pioneers have honored the memory of  the fallen officer by naming a Most Courageous player each year.

Based on his service to the campus community, as well as his play on the field, Carson Dunn made for a worthy recipient of the Barboza award.  Carson is a member of Grinnell SALSC (Student-Athletes Leading Social Change), he presented at the Apple Conference and to the Grinnell College community on ways to use student-athletes to promote sexual respect, and he was voted a team captain in December.  On the field, Carson was arguably the most versatile player we had this past year.  He took snaps at tight end, running back, slot receiver, quarterback, kick returner, and (believe it or not!) cornerback.  We're hoping he'll be able to focus his efforts on a single position this year, but Carson rushed for 371 yards and 2 td's, including two 100-yard rushing performances, and caught 28 passes for 262 yards and another score.  He also averaged over 18 yards per kick off return and recorded 12 tackles on kick and punt coverage.  Carson was obviously very busy last year, and the courage and determination with which he played was evident to all on his own team, as well as his opponents.  He is a worthy recipient of the Troy Barboza Most Courageous award.