Senior Profiles: Scott Koenning

Throughout the season we will run profiles on each of our 14 senior players. We've asked them to tell us why they chose to attend Grinnell, what their favorite moment as a Pioneer football player was, among other fun facts. Please enjoy getting to know a little more about these guys before they graduate this spring!

Next up, is senior kicker and linebacker, Scott Koenning!


Name: Scott Koenning
Hometown: Oberlin, Ohio
Major: Spanish/Sociology

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell?
I chose Grinnell because of its quality of academics and community. I stayed because of friends I've made and the beautiful starry nights.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment?
Ryan Boehm's interception return for a touchdown against Lawrence in the 2008 season.

What are your career ambitions and/or future plans?
Immediately after graduation, I'm considering enrolling in some sort of service program, perhaps outside the U.S. After that, it'd be great to become a member of LeBron James' entourage. However, I have a feeling life may take me in a different direction. We'll see.

Favorite Professional Team: The Cleveland teams: Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians

Favorite Division I team: Ohio State Buckeyes

Favorite Song: Depends on the day, but right now: "Kick Drum Heart" by The Avett Brothers or "Soundtrack 2 My Life" by KiD CuDi

Favorite Food: Anything my dad makes

Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction

Favorite Book: Tough call, but I'm feeling nostalgic, so I'll say The Outsiders by Susan Eloise Hinton

Favorite Course at Grinnell: Social Inequality

Other hobbies: All things Argentine, Cleveland sports, soccer, food & cooking, language, music and travel

Big Hit!

New Athletic Facilities!

Less than one year from now, Grinnell College will open two new athletic facilities to go along with the new gymnasium and fitness center that were finished in 2005.

A $75 million expense, the new athletic facilities will be state of the art in both design and function. Take a look at some of concept pictures now and in a few days we'll post some recent photos of the construction progress.

You can also check up on the progress using our live camera feeds here.

View from 10th Avenue. Field house is in center of photo, natatorium is seen at left. The new Darby Gym and Fitness Center are attached to the front of the field house.

Inside the NCAA Championships approved field house.

Inside the Olympic-sized natatorium.

GRINNELL SHUTS OUT LAWRENCE 42-0!!

We had this game coming! Our players have worked so hard this season and have come up just short in our first three games against good teams. Not the case today where we put it all together for an awesome team victory 42-0. We finally put everything together on all three phases and recorded one of our largest margins of victory in a long time!

To read more about Saturday's game, please read our online story on the Grinnell Football homepage.

Next Saturday we travel to Monmouth College to take on the #11 ranked team in the country. Should be a lot of fun!

Game Day!

Today is game day on the campus of Grinnell College and the host Pioneers are primed and ready for a victory over the visiting Vikings from Lawrence University. Game time is 1pm and the weather sure might make things interesting today!

Be sure to catch us live on MWC TV!

Go Pioneers!

Senior Profiles: Ben Johnson

Throughout the season we will run profiles on each of our 14 senior players. We've asked them to tell us why they chose to attend Grinnell, what their favorite moment as a Pioneer football player was, among other fun facts. Please enjoy getting to know a little more about these guys before they graduate this spring!

Next up, is senior cornerback, Ben Johnson!


Name: Ben Johnson
Hometown: Oak Park, Illinois
Major: Psychology, along with enrollment in the education program

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell?
I'm not really sure, but its the best decision I've ever made.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment?
Ben "Sunshine" Westfeld's game-winning interception in the fourth quarter against Lawrence during the 2007 season.

What are your career ambitions and/or future plans?
After graduation I'd like to join some kind of service organization, hopefully Teach for America.

Favorite Professional Team: The Chicago Cubs

Favorite Division I team: The University of Michigan Wolverines, Go Blue!

Favorite Song: Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash

Favorite Food: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump

Favorite Book: A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

Favorite Course at Grinnell: Introduction to Physics with Prof. Cadmus

Other hobbies: Closely following the defending Illinois State Champion OPRF wrestling team, whipping my housemates in NCAA Football video games, golfing, and playing tennis

Senior Profiles: Fernando "Fonz" Jenkins

Throughout the season we will run profiles on each of our 14 senior players. We've asked them to tell us why they chose to attend Grinnell, what their favorite moment as a Pioneer football player was, among other fun facts. Please enjoy getting to know a little more about these guys before they graduate this spring!

Next up, is senior cornerback, Fonz Jenkins!


Name: Fernando "Fonz" Jenkins
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Major: Political Science

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell?
I chose Grinnell because of its rich tradition of excellence with regards to academic rigor. I didn't even visit Grinnell, but knew right away that it was the best fit for me due to its strong emphasis on diversity and moral obligation to social justice.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment?
My favorite Grinnell football moment was when I recorded my first career interception against St. Norbert on our home field. (But the funniest moment was when I had to push a sled for teaching my controversial class.)

What are your career ambitions and/or future plans?
Well I have many aspirations and ambitions in life. My dream career would involve being a professional actor. I want to obtain levels of stardom relative to Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, etc. If that doesn't work out, I'll most likely become a lawyer or run my own business dealing some steel with Cutco. I also enjoy political life and might become the first African-American governor of Arkansas or better yet, the second African-American president of the United States. There is no limit to the possibilities!

Favorite Professional Team: I love the Cincinnati Bengals! How could that be huh? Well, actually one of the player's parents for the Bengals (Steve Foley) lived right next to me! Foley would come back and throw big block parties and do a lot of community building activities. I also love the Trail Blazers. My love for them came from Sega Dreamcast. My favorite baseball team is the White Sox and my hockey team is the Red Wings (just kidding, I don't know the first thing about hockey :)

Favorite Division I team: ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS! WHOOOOOOO PIG SOOIE!

Favorite Song: Heaven by Jamie Foxx

Favorite Food: Neck bones, ham hocks, greens, sweet potatoes, chicken and dumplings, corn bread, cabbage, anything on the pig, and ox tails...etc.

Favorite Movie: Hitch

Favorite Book: The Poisonwood Bible

Favorite Course at Grinnell: Political Theory and Transnational legal institutions, and Pluralist Systems: Comparative European Politics

Other hobbies: I'm also on the debate team. I like to travel. I pole vault and long jump. I run a college radio show on Sundays from 8-10 entitled "The Pioneer Power Hour" hosted by your boy DJ Fonzie and DJ Maxx blazin the one's and two's on KDIC 88.5. Also streaming live at www.kdic.grinnell.edu. I'm a senator for my residential cluster and actively participate in Student Government. I also enjoy fishin and chillin. I sell knives too! (Cutco) I also enjoy long walks on the beach under the beautiful beams of the moon while playing my piccolo and reminiscing on the 4 glorious years I've spent in a little town called Grinnell.

Another Heartbreaker!

For the third consecutive week, the Grinnell College Pioneers lost a tough game, this time on the road versus Carroll University by a final of 28-21.

After spotting the home team a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, we fought back with 21 straight points to take the lead midway through the third quarter only to have the first win of the year taken from our hands.

We feel like each game so far has been a terrible repeat of the one before. We lost a close game to a tough team that outplayed us enough to win. We have to find a way to get that first win and let it be a contagious feeling!

This Saturday we are back at home against Lawrence University! Go Pioneers!

Pioneers Travel to Carroll!

We leave today for our first road game of the 2009 season at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. After last Saturday's heartbreaking loss to St. Norbert, the team is anxious and excited to get back on the field and get that elusive first win.

Carroll figures to be a formative opponent and a hungry one as well. They have lost their first two games of '09 as well and tomorrow will be their home opener. We are convinced we will see their best football and in order to come out on top we will have to match their level of play!

Check us out on MWC-TV, the game broadcasts are free of charge!

Senior Profiles: Jordan Courtain

Throughout the season we will run profiles on each of our 14 senior players. We've asked them to tell us why they chose to attend Grinnell, what their favorite moment as a Pioneer football player was, among other fun facts. Please enjoy getting to know a little more about these guys before they graduate this spring!

Next up, is senior wide receiver, Jordan Courtain!


Name: Jordan Courtain
Hometown: Chico, CA
Major: Economics

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell?
I chose Grinnell because I had the opportunity to play sports as well as get a good education.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment?
My favorite Grinnell football moment would be my 1st touchdown on a hitch-and-go against Lake Forest my sophomore year.

What are your career ambitions and/or future plans?
My future plans are to graduate college with my econ degree. Hopefully, after that join a company where I can put my degree to use.

Favorite Professional Team: San Fransisco 49ers

Favorite Division I team: USC Trojans

Favorite Song: Don't have one

Favorite Food: Tri-tip steak

Favorite Movie: Gladiator

Favorite Book: The Giver by Lois Lowry

Favorite Course at Grinnell: Microeconomics

Other hobbies: Working out, reading books, and watching TV and movies

Curtis McCoy's Summer Project Featured by College

(L-R) Senior defensive lineman Curtis McCoy, student Ian Bishop, and professor Peter Jacobson

Senior defensive lineman Curtis McCoy is featured by the College for participating this summer in a MAP (Mentored Advanced Project) with professor Peter Jacobson. Curtis' focus was on local water wells and their content and makeup of the local hydro-system.

Read Curtis' story on the Grinnell College home page. Or you can reread our June post on Curtis' project here.

Ryan Fletcher Named MWC Player of the Week

After a dazzling defensive performance, Grinnell junior linebacker, Ryan Fletcher was named this week's Midwest Conference Defensive Player of the Week!

Fletcher's stat line on Saturday vs. St. Norbert:
7 total tackles, 3.0 TFL (including 2.5 sacks), 1 forced fumble, and 2 pass break-ups

Read the MWC press release here.

Pioneers Fall to St. Norbert

In what can only be described as a defensive struggle, Grinnell lost a tough one on Saturday to perennial conference powerhouse, St. Norbert, 14-11. After an early 3-0 lead, the Pioneers surrendered two touchdowns, one in each of the second and third quarters, before a GC fourth quarter score and two-point conversion brought the hosts within 3.

We are extremely proud of our guys for their effort. We gave ourselves a chance to win the game and that is what we ask for each week. The defense played fantastic, only once in the last 3 seasons has SNC scored less than 14 points.

We are already preparing for our first road game of the 2009 season against the Carroll Pioneers on Saturday. Should be a great day to be a (Grinnell) Pioneer!

Pioneers Host The Green Knights!

We open our conference schedule tomorrow versus St. Norbert College from DePere, Wisconsin. There is no denying that SNC is a good football team. They are coming off of a big win over #17 ranked Wartburg College and we are certainly going to be challenged.

We will relish in this challenge and we will use it to help gauge our progress towards winning a MWC Championship. St. Norbert is perennially one of the top teams in the conference and we are excited to have such a great opportunity!

Senior Profiles: Chad Christoff

Throughout the season we will run profiles on each of our 14 senior players. We've asked them to tell us why they chose to attend Grinnell, what their favorite moment as a Pioneer football player was, among other fun facts. Please enjoy getting to know a little more about these guys before they graduate this spring!

Next up, is senior defensive tackle and fullback, Chad Christoff!


Name: Chad Christoff
Hometown: Donahue, IA
Major: Economics

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell?
The combination of a great education and an opportunity to contribute significantly and immediately to the football and baseball teams.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment?
Beating Knox at home as a freshman with a two-point conversion pass from Sean Pfalzer to Todd Doleshal from the 40 yard line after a 10 second scramble only to be followed up by a game winning PAT by converted soccer player and newest member of the football team, Scott Koenning.

What are your career ambitions and/or future plans?
I plan on pursuing a career putting to use my Economics degree in some fashion. I have yet to decide what avenue that will lead me but this summer I spent time interning at Edward Jones financial services and would like to continue to investigate my opportunities in the financial services sector.

Favorite Professional Team: St. Louis Cardinals and whatever NFL team has the most former Hawkeyes on its roster

Favorite Division I team: Iowa Hawkeyes

Favorite Song: Fighters by Lupe Fiasco and My Town by Montgomery Gentry

Favorite Food: At school - turkey club sandwich; At home - ribeye steak with fresh Iowa sweet corn

Favorite Movie: Field of Dreams

Favorite Book: "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe

Favorite Course at Grinnell: ECN 338 Advanced Game Theory with Bill Ferguson

Other hobbies: Following North Scott High School athletics, collecting vintage Iowa Hawkeye apparel, maintaining two aquariums at home

Grinnell Football in the News

Des Moines' NBC affiliate, WHO - Channel 13, paid a visit to Grinnell last week to talk college football. And in particular the history behind the Pioneers defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes!

Enjoy the video!

Game Recap

Saturday afternoon brought good weather to Rosenbloom Field, but unfortunately the sun didn't serve as a positive omen for the Pioneers. Cornell ended up on top 28-21 and they were the deserving victors. We didn't make enough plays to overcome their big plays and such is the game of football.

We are already looking forward to this Saturday and hosting conference opponent, St. Norbert, who is coming off a win against Wartburg yesterday. We hope to see you out there Saturday at 1pm!

It's Gametime!

Well... almost.

We open our 2009 season tomorrow against in-state rival Cornell College. We obviously await tomorrow afternoon with excitement and energy. For the last three weeks we've worked tirelessly and meticulously to prepare and it's about time we line up across from someone else and see what we are made of! We are confident that it'll be a great day to be at home on Rosenbloom Field and to beat the Rams!

Senior Profiles: Ryan Boehm

Throughout the season we will run profiles on each of our 14 senior players. We've asked them to tell us why they chose to attend Grinnell, what their favorite moment as a Pioneer football player was, among other fun facts. Please enjoy getting to know a little more about these guys before they graduate this spring!

First up, is senior free safety, Ryan Boehm!


Name: Ryan Boehm
Hometown: Iowa City, IA
Major: Economics

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell?
I chose Grinnell because of its liberal, tolerant environment and its emphasis on self-governance. Similarly, its non-restrictive curriculum was especially attractive. The college is also situated on a beautiful and serene campus.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment?
The game against Lawrence in my junior season (2008), in which the Grinnell defense intercepted six passes and led the Pioneers to a 32-16 win.

What are your career ambitions and/or future plans?
Immediately after college, I plan to enter into one of the service corps (possibly the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps). Afterward, I plan to attend graduate school or law school.

Favorite Professional Team: Chicago Bears

Favorite Division I team: Iowa Hawkeyes

Favorite Song: Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band

Favorite Food: Barbecued Pork

Favorite Book: "Going After Cacciato" by Tim O'Brien

Favorite Course at Grinnell: Applied Game Theory

Other hobbies: Disc Golf, Basketball, Reading, and Weightlifting