One of the many advantages to Division III athletics is the opportunity for more student-athletes to enjoy competing in more than one sport at the collegiate level. We had 11 guys on last fall's roster that are playing two-sports this year. Four are currently playing baseball while 7 others are members of the track and field team. Today we'll highlight those four football-baseball guys, and later in the week we'll focus on the track and field athletes.
Chad Christoff '10, Ryan Fletcher '11, Mike Bogard '12, and Brian Taylor '13 are all enjoying huge success this spring with the Pioneer baseball team jumping out to an 8-0 start in MWC play and 17-11 overall.
Christoff is a relief pitcher and has the second most appearances on the team and has held opposing hitters to a .213 average. Only giving up 10 hits, he has 2 saves and 4 strikeouts.
Fletcher has been rotating in and out of the starting lineup as a first baseman/designated hitter starting 13 of the team's 28 games. Currently he has the 6th highest batting average on the team at .326, while driving in 7 runs, stealing 2 bases and only committing 2 errors in 116 chances at first base.
Bogard has just been cleared to resume full activity after rupturing 3 ligaments in his knee in a football game this fall. He is slowly working himself back into pitching shape, and might be able to pitch for the Pioneers down the stretch.
Taylor serves as both a pitcher and back-up catcher for the baseball squad. He leads the team in ERA, with a spot-free 0.00 and is allowing opposing hitters only a .200 batting average.
The opportunity for these guys to play two sports at the collegiate level is an experience they'll never forget. Bogard says "There is absolutely no substitute for the camaraderie and friendships developed through sports, and being involved with multiple teams facilitates these one-of-a-kind interactions." Sharing similar sentiments about his teammates, Christoff said, "The benefits of playing two sports at the next level extend beyond the fact that I didn't have to give up playing one of the games I loved, but manifest themselves off the field in a way that I could never have imagined."
Monday, April 26, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Early Decision Commitments
The 2014 class of Pioneer football players got off to a great start this winter when we had 9 student-athletes commit to Grinnell by February as a part of our Early Decision program. On May 1st, when our Regular Decision commitments are due, we hope to add more talent, depth, and skill to this already stellar recruiting class. But in the meantime, here's a little bit about each of the newest Pioneers!
Andy Butler, RB/DB, Hastings, Nebraska (Hastings HS)
Two-Time All-District, GNAC All-Conference, All-Tribland
Andrew Clark, RB/DB, Byron, Illinois (Byron HS)
Athlete Academic Award for having the Highest GPA on the team. Team Captain. All-Conference RB.
TJ Goetz, QB, Ankeny, Iowa (Ankeny HS)
Led team to 10-2 overall record. Offense averaged 30 points per game. Class 4A quarter-finalist. Finished the season ranked #12 in Class 4A.
Seth Gustafson, RB, Rockford, IL (Winnebago HS)
Two seasons of 1,000+ yards rushing. Two-Time Unanimous All-Conference RB, Two-Time Academic All-State, Two-Time Team captain, Senior Season went 8-3, sweet 16, Lost to State Champions twice.
Ki Harris, LB, Evergreen Park, IL (Evergreen Park HS)
Max Keller, CB, Alden, Minnesota (Alden HS)
Section 2A Champs. Ranked #10 in State. All-Conference and 2nd Team All-Area. Captain. Most Improved Player in Junior season.
Jason Peters QB, Coleville, California (Coleville HS)
Freshman year- Offensive Player of the Year (JV). Sophomore year- MVP (Varsity). Junior year- MVP (Varsity).
Quinn Rosenthal, OL, Wheaton, Illinois (Wheaton Warrenville South HS)
2009 Class 7A State Champions. First Team All-State in Scholastic Bowl.
Andy Butler, RB/DB, Hastings, Nebraska (Hastings HS)
Two-Time All-District, GNAC All-Conference, All-Tribland
Andrew Clark, RB/DB, Byron, Illinois (Byron HS)
Athlete Academic Award for having the Highest GPA on the team. Team Captain. All-Conference RB.
TJ Goetz, QB, Ankeny, Iowa (Ankeny HS)
Led team to 10-2 overall record. Offense averaged 30 points per game. Class 4A quarter-finalist. Finished the season ranked #12 in Class 4A.
Seth Gustafson, RB, Rockford, IL (Winnebago HS)
Two seasons of 1,000+ yards rushing. Two-Time Unanimous All-Conference RB, Two-Time Academic All-State, Two-Time Team captain, Senior Season went 8-3, sweet 16, Lost to State Champions twice.
Ki Harris, LB, Evergreen Park, IL (Evergreen Park HS)
Max Keller, CB, Alden, Minnesota (Alden HS)
Section 2A Champs. Ranked #10 in State. All-Conference and 2nd Team All-Area. Captain. Most Improved Player in Junior season.
Jason Peters QB, Coleville, California (Coleville HS)
Freshman year- Offensive Player of the Year (JV). Sophomore year- MVP (Varsity). Junior year- MVP (Varsity).
Quinn Rosenthal, OL, Wheaton, Illinois (Wheaton Warrenville South HS)
2009 Class 7A State Champions. First Team All-State in Scholastic Bowl.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Spring Practices Begin!
Our first official practice of the 2010 season was this past Sunday and we couldn't have been more excited to get the next chapter in Pioneer Football underway!
One of the best moments of Sunday's practice was the return of junior-to-be quarterback, Mike Bogard, who just 5 months ago suffered a massive knee injury and is now cleared to be a full participant in football activities. This is Mike's story, in his words:
--
On October 10, in the midst of a hard fought battle with Knox College, I made a decision to scramble out of the pocket on 3rd and long and try to pick up the first down by foot. Little did I know, but that decision would lead me to 6 months of non-competitive participation and a strenuous road of recovery. As I was cutting toward the side line, I was high-lowed by a pursuing linebacker and cornerback causing a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus (terrible triad!). Having never missed a game or practice in my entire football career, I was absolutely devastated. The thought of having to miss the remainder of the season and perhaps the entire baseball season due to a constant uphill battle of therapy and setbacks was horrifying.
Almost a month after the injury, I was in surgery to have my ACL replaced and the tear in my meniscus removed. Because I play quarterback in our fast-paced offense, I was worried about the future of my knee and the prospect of never "fully" recovering to the point I was at prior to the injury. The 3-4 months following my surgery were physically and mentally draining. I spent every single day in the training room for hours trying to get my quad strength back, my stamina, and most importantly, my athleticism back. There were many ups and downs along the road and I knew that my faith was being tested just as much as knee. However, thanks to a great training staff, persevering attitude, and tons of hard work, I was cleared in five short months (the typical recovery time associated with my type of injury is 6-9 months). It was truly a miracle that my knee responded so well to the surgery and rehab, however, I strongly believe that the reason I healed so quickly was because of my teammates and family. There was nothing more I missed than the comradery on the field, being in the huddle before a play with the guys, or the one-of-a-kind feeling of walking off the field after a tough practice with my teammates and knowing we left it all on the field. It was thoughts like these and encouragement from everyone close around me that willed me back to health.
Now, my knee is feeling great. There is no doubt that my surgically repaired knee is as strong or even stronger than it was prior to the injury! When I think back on the whole situation, I realize it was truly a blessing and a curse. So much good has come from the injury, rehab, and experience that I hesitate to look back on the situation with any regret. The most important thing I learned during these last six months is never to take anything for granted. Few people have the opportunity to play college sports, and I am lucky enough to be part of that minority. Even when things seem to go against you and there are obstacles in your way, there is nothing that can deter you with the right attitude and an unparalleled passion for the game. For those athletes who are injured and are engaged in the recovery battle right now, think positive and don't let ANYTHING stop you from chasing your dreams!
Mike Bogard '12
One of the best moments of Sunday's practice was the return of junior-to-be quarterback, Mike Bogard, who just 5 months ago suffered a massive knee injury and is now cleared to be a full participant in football activities. This is Mike's story, in his words:
--
On October 10, in the midst of a hard fought battle with Knox College, I made a decision to scramble out of the pocket on 3rd and long and try to pick up the first down by foot. Little did I know, but that decision would lead me to 6 months of non-competitive participation and a strenuous road of recovery. As I was cutting toward the side line, I was high-lowed by a pursuing linebacker and cornerback causing a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus (terrible triad!). Having never missed a game or practice in my entire football career, I was absolutely devastated. The thought of having to miss the remainder of the season and perhaps the entire baseball season due to a constant uphill battle of therapy and setbacks was horrifying.
Almost a month after the injury, I was in surgery to have my ACL replaced and the tear in my meniscus removed. Because I play quarterback in our fast-paced offense, I was worried about the future of my knee and the prospect of never "fully" recovering to the point I was at prior to the injury. The 3-4 months following my surgery were physically and mentally draining. I spent every single day in the training room for hours trying to get my quad strength back, my stamina, and most importantly, my athleticism back. There were many ups and downs along the road and I knew that my faith was being tested just as much as knee. However, thanks to a great training staff, persevering attitude, and tons of hard work, I was cleared in five short months (the typical recovery time associated with my type of injury is 6-9 months). It was truly a miracle that my knee responded so well to the surgery and rehab, however, I strongly believe that the reason I healed so quickly was because of my teammates and family. There was nothing more I missed than the comradery on the field, being in the huddle before a play with the guys, or the one-of-a-kind feeling of walking off the field after a tough practice with my teammates and knowing we left it all on the field. It was thoughts like these and encouragement from everyone close around me that willed me back to health.
Now, my knee is feeling great. There is no doubt that my surgically repaired knee is as strong or even stronger than it was prior to the injury! When I think back on the whole situation, I realize it was truly a blessing and a curse. So much good has come from the injury, rehab, and experience that I hesitate to look back on the situation with any regret. The most important thing I learned during these last six months is never to take anything for granted. Few people have the opportunity to play college sports, and I am lucky enough to be part of that minority. Even when things seem to go against you and there are obstacles in your way, there is nothing that can deter you with the right attitude and an unparalleled passion for the game. For those athletes who are injured and are engaged in the recovery battle right now, think positive and don't let ANYTHING stop you from chasing your dreams!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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