Scott Koenning '10 Working At The NCAA!

Scott Koenning graduated from Grinnell in 2010, having played linebacker and kicker while playing football for the Pioneers.  After a few years working for some non-profits that assisted high school students with finding college opportunities.  He is now heading to work for the NCAA in Indianapolis and these are his words:

In the spring of senior year at Grinnell, the school's Career Development Office sponsored a trip to a Selective Liberal Arts Consortium Recruiting Day in Chicago. There, I interviewed with several companies and organizations in a variety of fields. One of these organizations, the Schuler Scholar Program, ended up being the home of my first 'real job'. At Schuler, I provided academic support and leadership development programming to a caseload of talented high school students, managed the organization's website, and assisted with annual workshops for prospective college athletes. After two years with Schuler in the Chicago area, I headed to Boston where I currently work with Bottom Line, an organization that helps disadvantaged students gain access to college, graduate from college, and prepare for life after college. I serve over 80 students at three area colleges, providing support with challenges related to academics, financial aid, life issues, and career planning.

During my time with Schuler and Bottom Line, I developed a passion for student service. I realized I wanted to find a way to combine this kind of work with my interest in collegiate athletics. I expressed this interest to Coach Pedersen and Grinnell's Director of Athletics and Recreation, Greg Wallace, who were encouraging, engaged, and more than willing to help, as Grinnell faculty tend to be. This winter, I applied for the NCAA's Postgraduate Internship Program, a program the NCAA describes as providing "on-the-job learning experiences for college graduates who express an interest in pursuing a career in intercollegiate athletics administration". In June, I will enter the program interning in the NCAA's department of Inclusion and Leadership Development, where I will work on a variety of projects centered around student-athlete affairs and inclusion.

In the coming years, I hope to pursue a graduate degree and ultimately work in athletics administration at a selective college or university. My enjoyment of my time at Grinnell fostered my passion for athletics administration. I hope that in my work at the NCAA and beyond, I'm able to help student-athletes enjoy similarly challenging, nurturing, and diverse experiences.

Top 5 Special Teams Plays of 2012!

The first in a series of "Top Ten" plays from our 2012 season, this is the Top 5 Special Teams Plays of the Pioneer Football 2012 Season.

Be sure to Like Grinnell College Football on Facebook!

Pioneer Prospect Football Camp!

Pioneer Football is excited to officially announce the dates of our annual Pioneer Prospect Football Camp!

This year's camp will run on June 28th and 29th.  Please see the above brochure or this link for more information.

Registration is online here!

2013 Pioneer Passing League!

The 2013 Pioneer Passing League has been officially announced by Coach Jeff Pedersen!  Three consecutive Sundays in June (9th, 16th, 23rd) will be the dates for our annual 7-on-7 high school passing competitions.  Last year was an immense success with 3 of the programs involved having gone on to quarterfinal or better finishes in their fall season.  

Check out our flyer for all information!  

Contact Coach Pedersen for registration and any questions!

Max Keller Abroad in Australia!

This spring we'll be bringing you posts from a few Pioneers that are studying abroad this semester.  Defensive back Max Keller '14 is currently in Melbourne, Australia and this is his second installation.

In an Art History paper I completed recently I wrote, “This would beget the question, why would a representation of the sacrament in a Last Supper not function as a representation of the sacrament in a monastic dining room?” Then I thought to myself, “This would beget the question as to whether or not I knew what the hell I was talking about?” This final line of questioning seemed the more logical to me for a couple of reasons. One being, that I am pursing a Biological-Chemistry major with a concentration in Environmental Studies. Lastly, and most importantly, I was only a four hour flight from Cairns, Australia. This would be the start of a twelve day, ~ 4,000 kilometer (2,500 miles) excursion from the northern end of Australia to Sydney’s port.  

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef is a dream shared by many. It is the equivalent of a six year old boy dreaming to be a fireman, a four year old girl a princess, or vice versa. But even my six year old self who can fondly remember the excitement of climbing into a Fire Truck, couldn’t prepare me for this. After a sleepless night full of anticipation and excitement I was snorkeling and scuba diving along the interior edge of the reef. Within twenty minutes I had exhausted myself chasing countless fish and inhaling more ocean water than air. Being both stubborn and enthusiastic I forced myself to stay out, drifting more than swimming, yet enjoying the wonders and intricacies of life below the surface.

            

People often use the metaphor “it left me speechless”. Until this trip I do not believe I’ve ever had the privilege of being ‘left speechless’. Whether it was hiking through Mossman Gorge, plunging into the icy water beneath a waterfall, or watching a friend struggle with traveling along the left hand side of the road; I was often ‘speechless’. Things I will save for another time however. For now I would like to share one of my more memorable experiences from the trip. 

One night we came upon a camp site along the beach just before dusk. I asked the campers where the head office was and they pointed me in the direction of a small camper. Soon enough I found myself looking into the camper observing a small card table; holding a pack of cigarettes, an ash tray, a box of wine (called ‘goon’ here), and an older lady sitting behind it. Poking my head inside, afraid I would soon be checking for a pulse, I asked how much for a site? She replied, “For you, six dollars per person”. Luckily being speechless wasn’t a trend throughout the entire trip. Quickly walking a fine line between flirtatious and friendly, I coaxed camp fire privileges from her in addition to her spare lighter. That night we enjoyed a fire on the beech beneath a palm tree; fed by driftwood and coconut husk. I was left speechless. As I crawled into my sleeping bag that night, the campers next to us began playing the song Springsteen. And for a moment I was back home in Minnesota, but perfectly happy to be where I was currently at. 

I Chose Grinnell