Former Pioneer Excelling in NYC

Tefiro entered the all-time top-ten at Grinnell on this throw

Last spring Pioneer track and field athlete Tefiro Serunjogi accepted an offer as one of six new William R Berkley scholars for New York University's MBA program.  Tefiro swam as a youth in Uganda and was initially a swimmer here at Grinnell.  He spent the last three years of his Pioneer career as a thrower on the track and field team.  Before his senior year Tefiro interned for Goldman Sachs in Salt Lake City, and had to decide between an offer from Goldman Sachs and the opportunity to continue his studies as a Berkley scholar.  Not a bad option to have!

"This experience is opening my eyes to what I can and should be doing with my life, to think beyond what I thought was possible."

Read more about Tefiro's experience at NYU here:  http://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/tales-in-possible/connect-possible-berkley-scholars-2015

Grinnell College Athletic Facilities - From Above

Our swimming and diving teams held an alumni event recently, and friend of the program Danny Engesser used his drone to create a stunning view of the northern part of campus, prominently featuring our athletic facilities.  The Bear Recreation and Athletic Center and Rosenbloom Field are both highlighted quite a bit.  This video is not officially connected with the college in any way, but it does a great job highlighting our campus.  Check it out and enjoy!!

https://vimeo.com/143093436

Kid's Camp a Success

Current and future linebackers

 We hosted our annual free kids camp yesterday, and once again it was a success.  There was a lot of learning and a lot of fun for the local kids,  hopefully some future Pioneers in the group!  Thanks to all who came.

Learning to Catch

Positive Thursday!

It's Positive Thursday once again, and the Pioneers got some encouragement from number 1 fan Frances Pedersen (1st grade).  In case you're having trouble reading them (she writes like her dad), Frances says "I believe in you! Be good out there!" and "Be awesome.  I love football so much! Go Daddy's team!"

After two road games, we are excited to be back on Rosenbloom, hosting Knox this Saturday at 1:00 PM.  The Pioneers last appearance at Rosenbloom was a 28-20 victory over Lawrence, and we're looking for similar results this Saturday!

Beecher Named Semi-Finalist for Prestigious Student-Athlete Award

Jacob Beecher #22, heads to mid-field for the opening coin toss

Senior safety/outside linebacker and team captain Jacob Beecher has been named a semi-finalist for the William V Campbell trophy.  The intent of the award is to honor top academic student-athletes playing football, and it comes with a $25,000 scholarship to be used on graduate school.  Fifteen finalists will be named in late October, and each of those will receive and $18,000 scholarship, and one winner will be named in December and will receiver the $25,000 scholarship.  Beecher is the third Pioneer in the last four years to be named a semi-finalist (TJ Schaid in 2012 and David Ternes in 2014).

Congrats Jacob, and best of luck in getting selected as a finalist!

Arrieta

I usually like to keep these posts at least somewhat related to Pioneer Football, but I'm making an exception today.

First School Record of the Season - Longest Kick Off Return

The first school record of the season has fallen, and it took until week four for it to happen.  During last Saturday's 28-20 victory over Lawrence, Emmi Sandoval set a school record with a 94 yard kick off return for a touchdown.  The previous long was an 84 yarder by Nick Merklin in 2007 and an 82 yarder by Kyle Perry in 2005.  Congrats Emmi!