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.

Chris Jarmon Named as Candidate for NFF Scholar-Athlete!

Chris Jarmon '12

Selected as one of the best and brightest on the gridiron, Grinnell College left guard Chris Jarmon ’12 (Boulder, Colo./Boulder HS) has been named a candidate for The National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Award.

Candidates for the awards must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.

Jarmon is one of 127 candidates representing all levels of NCAA football, and one of only 30 from NCAA Division III.

Read the official MWC release here and see the official NFF release here.

Pioneers Beat Beloit!

Going on the road and beating the opponent on their Homecoming is always a good thing.  Saturday was one of those days for the Pioneers, defeating the host Beloit Bucs 28-21.

Cody Weber '13

Standout performers on offense were Cody Weber '13 who had 175 all-purpose yards and 2 TDs and Trent Baker '15 with 7 catches for 140 yards and 1 TD.

The defense had a solid all-around performance led by linebackers Jeremy Wiles '14 (6 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 TFL) and Richard Renteria '15 (6 tackles, 2 were TFL)

Jeremy Wiles '14

The win pushes the Scarlet & Black to 3-2 overall and back to 2-2 in MWC play.  Knox College comes to Rosenbloom Field this Saturday after a tough 26-20 loss to Ripon.

Players of the Week Honors went to:
Offense - Cody Weber '13
Defense - Jeremy Wiles '14
Special Teams - Harpreet Singh-Mann '12
Practice - John Mertes '15
Rookie - Trent Baker '15

See the official game story here.  More photos and video to follow later this week!