Gifts From Pioneer Football!

Last year Grinnell Football raised $324 for the Susan G Komen Fund to support breast cancer research.  In 2011, the Pioneers continue to be in the giving spirit.

We recently donated $275 to deliver youth sports equipment, primarily soccer balls and volleyballs, to a high school in Sabce, Burkina Faso.  We are providing support for the work started by former Grinnell citizen Wendy Munyon, who has joined the Peace Corps and is teaching in Sabce.  Right now the group of Grinnell College students and faculty, led by Judy Hunter, are the only source of athletic equipment for the schools in Sabce.

If anyone would like to help us support these great people and causes, please don't hesitate to contact Head Coach, Jeff Pedersen at pedersej@grinnell.edu.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from the Pioneer Football program!

Granera and Seer in Mexico for Tomorrow's All-Star Game!

The Honor G logo stands out among the crowd
Tazon de Estrellas photo

From the D3Football.com feature story:

A group of 53 D-III college seniors currently enjoying the sunny climate of Mexico’s Free and Sovereign State Puebla thought their exit from the playoffs or last game of the regular season was the final time they would strap on the pads and helmet.

Then, as the realization that competitive football was suddenly and abruptly in their past, an invitation arrived to play in one more game south of the border.

On Saturday, standouts from 28 schools will fire up that competitive spirit once again to compete in the Tazón de Estrellas (Bowl of the Stars) in Puebla as members of Team Stars & Stripes. Some might well follow in the footsteps of the game’s alumni from its time as the Aztec Bowl and emulate the likes of London Fletcher, Fred Jackson and Jason Trusnik in heading to the NFL. But for the majority, this will be an enjoyable and memorable way to bring down the curtain on their football career.

Logan Granera #2 and Rob Seer #82

Grinnell is one of 28 Division III schools to have a representative at the Tazon de Estrellas and the Pioneers are one of 14 schools with at least 2 players selected.

Good luck to Logan and Rob!  And Go Pioneers!

Seer Set to Play in D3 Senior Classic!

Robert Seer ’12, who has earned numerous honors in his Grinnell College football career, has another achievement to add to that list.

The 6-3, 205-pound wide receiver from Saukville, Wis. (Port Washington) will play in the third annual D3 Senior Classic All-Star Game in Salem, Va., on Friday.

Division III seniors nationwide were selected to participate based on their performance during their senior year. The game, presented by the Collegiate Development Football League (CDFL), will give pro scouts a chance to size up small school talent as the nation’s best Division III seniors battle in a head-to-head North vs. South contest. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Central time.

Fans will have two options to watch the action. Television coverage will be available on Fox College Sports. Fans may choose to watch from on their computer by logging on to http://www.knoxivi.com/.

Go Pioneers!

Pioneer Awards Announced!

This past Sunday night, the 2011 Grinnell Pioneer football team gathered together for one final time at the team banquet. Along with great desserts (provided by Missy Dostal) and some bad jokes, the 2011 Pioneer football awards were announced.

Dick Ullrich '33 Award (Most Valuable Offensive or Defensive Back): Robert Seer '12

Abe Rosenbloom '34 Award (Most Valuable Offensive or Defensive Lineman): Chris Jarmon '12

Steve Kriegel Award (for dedication, desire, and determination): Ryan Creps '12

Troy Barboza Award (Most Inspirational): Tom Brinkman '13

Offensive Backs/Receiver Player of the Year:  Robert Seer '12

Defensive Backs Player of the Year:  Drew Blumberg '13

Offensive Linemen of the Year:  Chris Jarmon '12 and Morgan Kinsinger '14

Defensive Lineman of the Year:  Tom Brinkman '13

Special Teams Most Valuable Player: Max Jacobson '14

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Isaac Chadri '15

Defensive Rookie of the Year: David Ternes '15

Following the most successful back-to-back campaigns since 1999-2000, the Scarlet & Black are poised to make another jump into the very top of the MWC in 2012.  We open on September 1st, 2012 versus Carleton College!

Go Pioneers!

Chris Jarmon Named All-Region!

Pioneer left guard Chris Jarmon ’12 has been named to the D3football.com All-West Region Team.
Jarmon, from Boulder, Colo. (Boulder), was a third-team selection.

He was earlier named to the All-Midwest Conference Team for the second time while anchoring an offensive line that passed for more than 3,000 yards, second-best in the league.

Jarmon was also recently named to the Academic All-District first team and selected as a candidate for the National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Award.

Grinnell Hoopster Scores Record 89 Points in One Game!

Grinnell College junior, Griffin Lentsch '13, scored an NCAA Division III record 89 points in the Pioneers 145-97 win over Principia College.  The point total tops former Grinnell College star, Jeff Clement, who held the previous D3 record with 77.  Lentsch's 89 puts him 3rd all-time in all divisions of college basketball!

The Pioneer men are off to a 4-0 start on the season and host the conference opener this Friday against defending MWC champs St. Norbert.

Check out some of the news coverage from around the country:
ESPN.com
The New York Times
Fox Sports
Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Los Angeles Times/Bleacher Report

Granera and Seer Selected to Play All-Star Game in Mexico!

Grinnell College’s Robert Seer ’12 (left) and Logan Granera ‘12 (right) have been chosen by a panel of NCAA Division III football coaches to represent Team Stars & Stripes in the third annual Tázon de Estrellas (Bowl of the Stars).

The D-III All-Star team’s contest against the CONADEIP All-Stars from Mexico is slated for Dec. 17 at El Tempo del Dolor (The Temple of Pain) in Puebla, Mexico.

Seer, a 6-3, 205-pound wide receiver, was recently named to the All-Midwest Conference Team for the third time in his career. He established Grinnell career records for touchdown receptions (46), receptions (232) and receiving yards (3,262) while tying the school mark for receptions in a season (84). In 2011, he ranked second in the conference in receptions and scoring (108 points) and was fourth in receiving yards (1,152). For his career, he ranks in the top five in the MWC in four categories.

Granera, a 5-11, 185-pound wide receiver, has also earned All-MWC honors during his time at Grinnell. He was second on the Pioneers in receiving with 55 catches for 676 yards and four touchdowns. He also returned punts and kickoffs, punted and made a pair of field goals.

Seer, Jarmon, Taylor Named All-MWC!

Three Grinnell College players have been named to the 2011 All-Midwest Conference Football Team.
Earning second-team honors were wide receiver Robert Seer ’12, left guard Chris Jarmon ’12 and defensive end Brian Taylor ’13 .

Seer (left), a three-time All-MWC selection, established Grinnell career records for touchdown receptions (46), receptions (232) and receiving yards (3,262) while tying the school mark for receptions in a season (84). In 2011, he ranked second in the conference in receptions and scoring (108 points) and was fourth in receiving yards (1,152). For his career, he ranks in the top five in the MWC in four categories.

Jarmon (center) is an All-MWC selection for the second time in his career. He anchored an offensive line that passed for more than 3,000 yards in 2011, second-best in the league. Jarmon was recently named to the Academic All-District first team and was selected as a candidate for the National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Award.

Taylor (right) ranked fifth in the conference in sacks with seven, and was sixth in tackles for loss with 11.5. He was also among the top 20 in tackles with 68. Taylor had 3.5 sacks in a game against Lawrence University, just a half-sack shy of the Grinnell school record.

See the official MWC release here.

Jarmon and Blumberg Named Academic All-District!

Grinnell College safety Drew Blumberg ’13 and left guard Chris Jarmon ’12 have been named to the District 8 NCAA Division III Academic All-District football first team.

The award is presented by Capital One and the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). By being named to the first team, Jarmon and Blumberg are eligible for Academic All-America honors.

Jarmon is an English major from Boulder, Colo. (Boulder) with a 3.68 GPA, while Blumberg is a biological chemistry major from Bishop, Calif. (Bishop Union) boasting a 3.75 GPA.

See the official Capital One release here.

College Is Cheaper Than You Think!

From The New York Times Economix Blog:

"What has been buried in much of the resulting coverage is that while colleges’ published tuition and fees have indeed increased, these so-called “sticker prices” are not all that informative. For the average full-time student, net tuition – which subtracts grants and tax-based aid – is less than half of the published price at private nonprofit four-year schools."

Grinnell College prides itself on its promise to meet 100% of demonstrated financial aid combined with a yearly loan cap of $2,250, which means that most of the financial aid awarded comes from scholarships and grants and is not required to be paid back by the student!

Yahoo! Finance listed Grinnell as one of the top 10 value colleges in the country noting the College's average grants/scholarships package is $30,577! 

Use Grinnell College's Net Price Calculator to determine what your financial aid package might look like!

Pioneers Fall in Season Finale

It was Senior Day and the Season Finale this past Saturday at Rosenbloom Field and the host Pioneers fell short against the visitors from Carroll University, 31-21. 

Despite gaining more total yardage (403-282) and winning the turnover battle (3-1), Grinnell wasn't able to over come the field position battle and fell behind early before the late rally fell short.

Offensively, Robert Seer '12 and Logan Granera '12, one last time, paced the Scarlet & Black with a combined 256 yards receiving and 1 TD among their 14 catches. 

Defensively, the Pioneers were about as balanced as possible.  Drew Blumberg '13 led the unit with 11 tackles, but 10 players had at least 5 tackles AND at least .5 TFL.  The Pioneers also had 2 INT (Andrew Clark '14 and Max Keller '14).

Drew Blumberg (#44) '13 and Max Keller (#20) '14 combine for a tackle

Players of the week:

Offense: Logan Granera '12
Defense: Matt John '12 and Ryan Creps '12
Practice: Harpreet Singh-Mann '12

The Pioneers finish the 2011 campaign at 5-5 (4-5 in MWC) good for 6th in the league.  The last two seasons have been the most successful back-to-back years since the 1999-2000 seasons that combined for 12 victories.

We bid farewell to Jimmy Borrasso, Ryan Creps, Kelsey Davis, Logan Granera, Chris Jarmon, Matt John, Stephen Hudak, Robert Seer, Harpreet Singh-Mann, and Brian Westerlind!  Thank you for all that you have done for Grinnell College Football.  You will be missed!

2011 Senior Profiles: Brian Westerlind

Each week this season we will highlight a member of our 2011 senior class, and last but not least is senior defensive end, Brian Westerlind!

Name: Brian Westerlind
Hometown: Aspen, CO

High School: Aspen High School

Major:  Biology/Pre-Med

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell?
I came on a visit for the academics and football game against St Norbert back in 2008, having heard very little about Grinnell. I fell in love Grinnell immediately, bringing me to apply early decision and make my choice. 

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment?

Beating Monmouth at Monmouth our junior year who was ranked 14th preseason.

Plans after graduation?
Medical School, and eventually be a Orthopedic Surgeon, fixing all the injuries my teamates and I have sustained through the years... well maybe not myself, i fear that may be unethical.

Favorite Professional Sports Team:
Denver Broncos! Especially when they are winning back to back Superbowls

Favorite Division I team:
Colorado Buffaloes Football, especially remembering back when we beat Nebraska bad during thanksgiving when their Heisman winner didn't stop us from stomping them. 

Favorite Song/Book/Movie/Food:
While having many songs I am a fan of from a variety of genres, my favorite book may be Deception Point. My favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption, gotta love Morgan Freeman. For food I enjoy a plethora of meals, however who doesn't enjoy a good juicy half lb burger with a tomato thinly sliced with a toasted bun and melted cheddar cheese on top... dill pickle spear on the side, with a big plate of perfect sweet potato fries spiced with a hint of ginger and allspice, all with a side of ranch of course. 

Favorite Course at Grinnell: 

Animal Physiology was quite interesting and I enjoyed it despite being quite difficult. 

Interesting facts about you:

I enjoy long walks on the beach during sunset, a nice glass of wine, fine art... but seriously, Hiking, biking, the mountains! (mountains of colorado of course), and just doing amazing things and seeing beautiful sights! Life is fun!

2011 Senior Profiles: Harpreet Singh-Mann!

Each week this season we will highlight a member of our 2011 senior class, up next is senior wide receiver, Harpreet Singh-Mann!

Name: Harpreet Singh-Mann

Hometown: Stockton, CA

High School: Cesar Chavez High School
Major: Biological Chemistry

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell?

Grinnell gave me the opportunity to receive a top notch education and continue what I love doing which is playing football.  Note to mention, the financial assistance they presented me was also lovely.  When I came to visit on my recruiting visit, I was sold on the “Self-Gov” policy that people went by here which was definitely a culture shock and the great athletic facilities. Deciding between the corn fields and Cali weather was definitely a hard decision, but I think I made the right decision.  Grinnell has allowed for me to get out of Cali, and do something that nobody back home is doing.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment?

My favorite Pioneer football moment would definitely have to be the win over Monmouth last year.  The upset was set up so well.  It was their homecoming (or something like it), it would have been a milestone victory (100^th career victory) for their head coach, we hadn’t scored on them in 3 years, their fans were talking a lot of trash, and the “icing on the cake” (like Creps would say) would be the fact that it was my birthday.  Not only did we obviously score on them, but we came out there…on their home field, played hard and left with a big DUB.  Everybody was so happy; the look on the Coach P’s face captivated everything.  The bus ride home was probably the shortest ever because everybody was just having a good time.  We pulled up at Grinnell to peers popping bottles and having a great time.

Plans after graduation?

Wherever the Lord takes me.

Favorite Professional Sports Team: 

Don’t have one; I’m a fan of the sport.  College football is way better

Favorite Division I team: 

University of California Berkeley (Cal)……swag

Favorite Song/Book/Movie/Food: 

Favorite Song: Today Was a Good Day by Ice Cube

Book: The Holy Bible and Where the Red Fern Grows

Movie: Remember the Titans

Food: Spaghetti

Favorite Course at Grinnell: 
Organic Chemistry II……oh and Coaching Methods of course haha

Interesting facts about you:

I can solve a Rubik cube in 48 seconds.

Grinnell Loses on Road, Seer Breaks Two More Records!

Some days just aren't your days.  This Saturday was one of those for the Grinnell Pioneers.  Facing the 2nd best team in the conference on the road, certainly proved a tough task, but everything that could go wrong did, and the Scarlet & Black fell 48-16.

Robert Seer '12 hauls in one of his school record catches

Senior wide receiver Rob Seer '12 continued his assault on the Grinnell record books, vaulting into the top place all-time in receptions (223) and receiving yards (3,144) to go with the career receiving TDs (42) record he overtook two weeks ago.  It's now without doubt, that he is the most prolific wide receiver in Pioneer football history!  Congrats Rob!

Kelsey Davis ’12 and Colton Feller ’14 both had 12 tackles to lead the defense, while Brian Taylor ’13 added 10 tackles with 2.5 sacks and a safety.

Brian Taylor '13

Max Jacobson '14 blocked yet another PAT attempt, making it the fourth PAT or FG attempt he's prevented from going through the uprights this season tying the Grinnell single-season mark.

Grinnell falls to 5-4 overall (4-4 in MWC) and plays host to Carroll University (6-3, 5-3 MWC) this Saturday for the season finale and Senior Day at Rosenbloom Field!  Hope to see you there!

Players of the Week:
Offense - Morgan Kinsinger '14, Chris Jarmon '12, Quinn Rosenthal '14
Defense- David Ternes '15
Special Teams- Seth Gustafson '14
Practice - Harnak Mann '14

See the official game story here.

2011 Senior Profiles: Robert Seer

Each week this season we will highlight a member of our 2011 senior class, up next is senior wide receiver, Robert Seer!

Name: Robert Seer

Hometown: Saukville, WI

High School: Port Washington High School

Major: History

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell? 
I chose to attend Grinnell after coming and doing an overnight stay.  What sold me was actually meeting the people here including my potential teammates.  Everyone at Grinnell is super nice and the guys on the team are awesome to hang out with.  I couldn't ask to have better friends.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment? 
My favorite Pioneer football moment has to be beating Monmouth, as I'm sure it is for a lot of guys.  More specifically though it was the very end when we got to use our victory formation.  I remember going onto the field in near disbelief saying to some of the guys, "We are taking knees on Monmouth!"  That was a good feeling.

Plans after graduation? 
I would like to go law school after graduation, where I want to go depends on where I get in.  Probably either Madison or Marquette.

Favorite Professional Sports Team: 
By far the Green Bay Packers.  Being a Packers fan is like nothing else.  No fan base has more commitment to their team.  We are all die hard.  Going to a Packers game is as near to a religious experience as you can get.  Oh, and by the way, we just beat the Bears at Soldier Field for the NFC Championship, and then won the Super Bowl, take that Jimmy.

Favorite Division I team: 

No surpise, the Wisconsin Badgers.  Not a glamorous school by any means, but somehow the Badgers are always competing for the championship in both football and basketball.  Being on the field after they beat Northwestern 70-17 was another good memory, as the Badgers were on their way to the Rose Bowl.  On Wisconsin!

Favorite Song: 

Any country music, because the lyrics are actually meaningful and applicable to life.  I realize there are a lot of haters, but country music rocks, if you don't believe me, go to Country Thunder, the greatest place in the world for four days in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

Favorite Food: 

Probably a well-marinated and cooked steak.  Also anything with lots of cheese.

Favorite Course at Grinnell: 

My history seminar.  It was titled Family History as American History.  Basically, I got to interview my grandpa about his entire life and figure out when major historical events impacted his personal life.  I wrote what was more or less a short biography filled with these interaction points.  I learned a ton about my grandpa that I hadn't known, including the fact that he had worked on the guidance system for the Apollo missions.  Pretty cool stuff.

Interesting facts about you: 

I really enjoy singing and I sing here at Grinnell in the student-run male acapella group called the G-Tones.  We sing pretty much anything and really have a lot of fun together.  We aren't the best, but people are still really supportive.  Definitely nice to be involved here at Grinnell.

Photos from Lawrence Game!

Some photos from the Pioneers victory over Lawrence University.  As always, our Flickr account has these and many more pictures for your viewing!

All photos are courtesy of Pioneer Football's official photographer, Alysia Horcher '15.  Thanks Alysia!

Robert Seer (#82) '12 gets a congratulatory hug from Cody Weber (#5) '13 after breaking the Grinnell career TD receptions record

Pregame breakdown

Kelsey Davis '12 celebrates his INT

Logan Granera '12 hurdles a defender while Brian Taylor '13 has an upclose view

Isaac Chadri '15 enjoys the Pioneer victory

Pioneers Drop Close Contest!

In a closely contested game the entire way, the host Pioneers lost to the visitors from St. Norbert 30-28 on Saturday.  Both offenses put up close to 500 total yards, but turnovers proved to be costly, as Grinnell offered up the football back to the Green Knights on 4 different occasions.

Robert Seer '12

Robert Seer '12 had another massive day for the Scarlet & Black with 14 receptions for 204 yards and 3 TDs.  Quarterback Mike McCabe '13 threw for 470 yards, which was good for 2nd most all-time in Grinnell history, and 4 touchdowns.

Defensively, safety Drew Blumberg '13 had 13 tackles and a pass break-up while his safety counterpart, Kelsey Davis '12 added 8 tackles and his own pass break-up.

Max Jacobson '14 continued to impress in the kicking game, blocking his third kick of the season, this one a 30 yard 3rd quarter attempt from St Norbert.

Max Jacobson '14 (#8) continues to block kicks

Grinnell's four game-win streak is snapped and falls to 5-3 overall and 4-3 in MWC play and is tied for 5th place.  St Norbert is now 5-3 overall as well but sits at 5-2 in the MWC.

See the official game story here.

Players of the week:
Offense - Robert Seer '12
Defense - Drew Blumberg '13
Special Teams - Max Jacobson '14
Rookie - David Ternes '15
Practice - Jimmy Borrasso '12

2011 Senior Profiles: Matt John

Each week this season we will highlight a member of our 2011 senior class, up next is senior defensive end, Matt John!

Name: Matthew John

Hometown: Plymouth, MN
High School: Breck School
Major: Computer Science

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell? 
Being at Grinnell gives me the opportunity to pursue a wide open academic curriculum, while at the same time being a part of an extremely close-knit football team. Also, the location was ideal, allowing me to get away from home a bit, but close enough to make coming home for holidays relatively easy. Plus, I get to hang out with a wide variety of characters, ranging from the calm, collected Chris Jarmon to the fiery, dragon-like Robert Seer.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment? 
Without a doubt, my favorite moment would be beating Monmouth last year, and celebrating with our fans as they crowded our bus when we arrived on campus.

Plans after graduation? 
I will likely pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science immediately after graduating from Grinnell. From there, the possibilities are endless, as I have considered almost every field from private industry computer work to government work (military/intelligence) to football coaching.

Favorite Professional Sports Team: 
Minnesota Vikings

Favorite Division I team: 

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Favorite Song: 

"Kickstart My Heart" by Motley Crue

Favorite Book: 

"One Bullet Away" by Nathaniel Fick

Favorite Movie: 

Predator (What other 80's action movie can claim two governors as part of its cast!)

Favorite Food: 

Brats fresh off the grill with ketchup and mustard

Favorite Course at Grinnell: 

Computer Science 207: Algorithms and Object-Oriented Design

Interesting facts about you: 

I might be legitimately the only half-Indian, Computer Science Major, Defensive End in the NCAA.

2011 Kids Camp!

On Tuesday afternoon, over 45 local kids came to Rosenbloom Field to get a football experience provided by some of the Pioneer rookies!  Below are some of the pictures from the event, all were taken by assistant coach Tim Hollibaugh!

Coach Marquis Bradley '11 talks about a drill

Daniel Ryerson '15, Rich Renteria '15, and Eddie Guen-Murray '15 lead the charges

All of the 2011 Kids Campers!

Perhaps the most important lesson taught yesterday... "Stay off the Honor G!"

Sam Offenberg '14 and Trent Baker

Pioneer Football Flickr Photostream!

Check out our new Grinnell Pioneer Football Flickr Photostream!

Logan Granera '12 leaps over a defender for a first down.
Courtesy: Alysia Horcher '15

Plenty of photos like this one already uploaded and plenty more to come soon!

Brian Taylor Named MWC Defensive Player of the Week!

From our Sports Information Department:

Grinnell College’s Brian Taylor ’13 has been named the Midwest Conference Football Defensive Performer of the Week.

Taylor, a 6-2, 230-pound defensive end from Andover, Kan. (Independent), recorded 3.5 sacks, just a half-sack shy of the Grinnell school record, in the Pioneers’ 17-15 victory over Lawrence University on Saturday.

He also had a team-high six tackles as Grinnell stretched its winning streak to four games, the longest for the Pioneers since the 1999 season.

See the official MWC release here.

Longest Win Streak Since 1999!

With a thrilling 17-15 road victory over Lawrence University, the Pioneers have run their current winning streak to four games.  The longest in program history since 1999!

Both offenses struggled to consistently gain any momentum with winds over 30 MPH blowing throughout the afternoon.  Rob Seer '12 was perhaps the least affected, hauling in 2 TDs, both from non-quarterbacks (Kelsey Davis '12 and Trent Baker '15).  And with those two scoring catches Seer tied and then over took Richard Wemer '99 for the Grinnell career receiving touchdowns record with 42.  Congrats Rob!

Brian Taylor '13 paced the defense with 6 total tackles but 3.5 were by sack for a combined negative 21 yards.  Drew Blumberg '13 also posted 5 tackles including a couple big hits and a pass breakup.

Punter Logan Granera '12, also set a school record for longest punt in Pioneer history.  Granera boomed a 79 yard kick in the 1st quarter to help flip the field for the Scarlet & Black.

Players of the week:
Offense - Kelsey Davis '12
Defense - Brian Taylor '13
Special Teams - Colton Feller '14
Practice - Drew Blumberg '13

The win bumps Grinnell's record to 5-2 overall and they play host to St. Norbert this Saturday.

Highlights From Win Over Knox!

Check out our most recent highlight video from our 43-35 win over Knox College last Saturday!

2011 Senior Profiles: Chris Jarmon

Each week this season we will highlight a member of our 2011 senior class, up next is senior offensive guard, Chris Jarmon!

Name: Chris Jarmon
Hometown: Boulder, CO

High School: Boulder High
Major: English

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell?
I was in the second semester of my Freshman year at Colorado College when the Board of Trustees decided to drop our football program. It was a painful time. I knew that I wanted to continue playing football, so I visited several schools to consider transferring. The guys on the team at Grinnell were absolutely amazing and I knew I wanted to be a part of this family. I still miss my teammates from Colorado College, but transferring here was the best decision I've ever made.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment?
Beating Monmouth last year, 17-15. I had come from losing programs in high school and at Colorado College, and this game was the first time where I was on a team that said, "We're not putting up with losing anymore." I'm incredibly proud of helping to start a winning tradition here.

Plans after graduation?
I've worked at NFL Films and ESPN the past few summers, so I'm definitely looking to get into sports media after I graduate.

Favorite Professional Sports Team:
If they're from Denver, I love them.

Favorite Division I team:
Colorado Buffaloes

Favorite Song/Book/Movie/Food:
"Way Back Texas" by Pat Green/The Holy Bible/Rudy/The 14" Buffalo Wing sub at Deli Zone

Favorite Course at Grinnell:
Coaching Methods with Coach Professor Hollibaugh 

Interesting facts about you:
My blog about playing football at Grinnell has been featured in Sports Illustrated's "Campus Clicks" section three times.

Pioneers Run Win Streak to Three Games!

Under unseasonably warm conditions the host Grinnell Pioneers defeated the visitors from Knox 43-35 at Rosenbloom Field.  It was a tightly contested game until just into the fourth quarter when the Scarlet & Black ripped off 3 straight scores in a 4 minute span to take control of the game.

Kickoff Coverage Unit
Courtesy:  Caleb Williams, d3photography.com

Statistically, the defense was led by Ryan Creps '12 who had 12 tackles (3.5 TFL) and Andrew Clark '14 (2 INT) while the offense was paced by the two senior wide receivers, Logan Granera '12 (7 catches for 101 yards) and Rob Seer '12 (6 for 99 yards and 3 TD).  In the kicking game, Max Jacobson '14 blocked his second kick of the season, this one a PAT attempt after Knox's third score.

The victory takes the Pioneers to 4-2 overall (3-2 in MWC) and it's back on the road next Saturday, at Lawrence University (1-5, 1-4 MWC) in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Players of the week are:
Offense:  Jason Peters '14
Defense: Andrew Clark '14
Special Teams:  Kickoff Unit
Rookie:  Emmi Sandoval '15
Practice: Max Jacobson '14

 See the official game story here.

Highlight Video From 1st Five Games!

Song "All Black" by Nick Hinojosa '13

National Hispanic Heritage Month Featuring Nick Hinojosa '13!

 Grinnell Athletics is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and the diversity of those in the Hispanic community at Grinnell College. Each Wednesday throughout the celebratory month, the Grinnell Athletics website will feature a Q&A with a Hispanic student-athlete. The national celebration spans September 15 – October 15 annually.

This week’s feature is on Nick Hinojosa ‘13, a football player and an art history major:

Q: What first got you interested in your sport(s)?
A: My dad’s passion for the game rubbed off on me at an early age. I was playing three sports at a very young age and I loved every moment of it. It was a way for me to connect to my pops and make a lot of friends.

Q: Besides your sport(s), what other activities do you enjoy?
A: I love writing and recording music. I hope to start working on a mixtape once the season is over.

Q: As a current student-athlete at Grinnell, what advice would you give to prospective students who are interested in participating in varsity athletics at the collegiate level?
A: Learn to manage your time and be ready to compete.

Q: Talk about your typical day while you’re in season – what does your schedule look like?
A: Mainly classes in the morning and afternoon, practice early evening, then homework, and lastly relax with some friends.

Q: How do you get focused and/or hyped before a game?
A: First thing I do is get into the Bible and read a few verses and of course listen to some music which gets me hyped.

Nick Hinojosa '13 heads downfield in 2011

Q: What is your favorite part about being a Pioneer athlete?
A: The facilities are great along with the the staff and everybody is supportive in our community.

Q: What is your favorite music genre?
A: Hip- hop (Curren$y, J. Cole, Dom Kennedy)

Q: What are your favorite food and your favorite D-Hall entrée?
A: I usually go for the pasta or get creative with some type sandwich. And cereal is on point, cinnamon toast crunch all day.

Q: Hispanic/Latino/a culture comprises more than 20 countries/nationalities and numerous ethnicities, how would you describe your Hispanic/Latino/a identity?
A: Mexican

Q: What does your Hispanic/Latino/a heritage mean to you?
A: It’s a part of who I am. It’s something that I am proud of and it’s giving me my own swagger. My heritage allowed me to have a unique upbringing that has made me into the person I am today.