Ritter Wins Primary

Former Pioneer linebacker Pat Ritter '08 won the Democratic primary election in Iowa State House District 55, covering parts of Winneshiek, Fayette, and Clayton counties. His campaign platform involves fully funding public schools, passing a clean water initiative, and improving programs for small business startup and growth. Pat lives in West Union with his wife Chandra and two children.

The Iowa Starting Line blog recently ran a story featuring Ritter, which you can read here: http://iowastartingline.com/2016/06/13/youth-movement-democrats-turn-to-younger-candidates-in-primary/

His website is http://www.ritterforiowa.com/

Good luck Pat!  Keep up the good work!

Pioneers Lose an All-Timer

The Pioneers recently lost one of their all-time greats, running back Nick Ryan.  A member of the class of 1955, Ryan played in an era when offenses were less dynamic than those of today, and a quality back was of utmost importance.  He certainly fit the bill, finishing the 1954 season as the #12 rusher in the country, setting the single game rushing record in the process.  Ryan finished as Grinnell's single-season and career rushing leader.

Many current Pioneers were able to connect with Ryan in the fall of 2014.  Long overdue, Ryan was inducted into the Grinnell Hall of Fame in August, and we were able to hear of some of his exploits at a social gathering later in the fall.  It was great to hear from one of the all-time greats, but also comforting to hear that players of that era experienced many of the same high's and low's we do today.

Nick remained a fixture on campus and in the community, and his smile and energy will be missed.

Summerfest and Grinnell Games

After ten long days on the road at camps across the country, I returned home Saturday evening in time to join my family for the very end of Summerfest.  I wish I'd been able to catch more of it, as well as the Grinnell Games which took place earlier in the day.  I feel very fortunate to live in a place with such a sense of community.  Looking forward to the rest of a fun and exciting summer in Grinnell!

Track Alum Honored as Co-Coach of the Year

Jacqui during her running days

One of the best parts of my job is seeing the great things our alums wind up doing.  Many are powerful doctors, lawyers, and businessmen and women.  However, I always hold a special place for those who wind up in education, and coaching in particular.

One of those is Jacqui (Vautin) Krueger, class of 2013.  Jacqui ran cross country and track for us, and was a fixture in our athletic department.  There wasn't a person in the department that didn't have a positive relationship with Jacqui, from coaches to administrators, from support staff to our student-athletes, everybody knew Jacqui.

It was no surprise when she pursued a career as a teacher, and even less of a surprise that she got into coaching as well.  After moving to Randolph High School, she was given the opportunity to serve as the head coach.  Jacqui led both her boys and girls teams to great finishes, and was named Co-Coach of the Year for the Huntsville Metro Area.  I'm sure it's just the beginning for her, I hope she'll continue to coach, mentor, and guide our youth for many years.

Congratulations Jacqui!  Well-deserved!

Grinnell Swimming and Diving Coach Honored

Earlier this spring Grinnell Swimming and Diving coach Erin Hurley was presented with the Richard E. Steadman Award by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America.  The award is presented annually to the coach who "does the most to spread happiness" in swimming.

The way in which Coach Hurley runs her men's and women's teams is something to be both admired and emulated.  Hurley's teams have achieved unparalleled success, winning a combined 29 MWC team titles in her time, earning team academic all-american recognition every year, and keeping a healthy perspective about all of it.

Congratulations Erin, you're setting the standard for the rest of us!

Grinnell College Reunion and Scarlet & Give Back Day - Update

Grinnell College hosted the second annual Scarlet & Give Back day this past April, and it was a huge success.  With over 3,300 unique donors giving close to $285,000, and one generous (and anonymous) alum making good on the challenge they issued, the College brought in close to $1.4 million in one day!

I mention these gifts today for two reasons.  First, because our annual alumni reunion kicks off tomorrow, and my class is one of those invited back to campus.  We are part of the 15 year cluster ('00, '01, and '02), and my wife and I will likely both have many classmates and friends on campus this weekend.  My summer camp season actually kicks off tomorrow as well, so I'll miss the festivities, but the people of Grinnell are truly what separates us from other schools.  We come from across the globe to central Iowa for a world class education, and we end up forming lifelong friendships in the process.  It's always great to reconnect with old friends at reunion, but Grinnellians find a way to stay connected on a daily basis by giving back in a number of ways.  The Scarlet & Give Back numbers are one indicator of this.

I also mention it because I've recently gotten the numbers back for football in specific.  Alums are asked to give to the College in any way they see fit, and the football team benefited nicely in the form of designated gifts.  Twenty-eight alums gave a total of $3771 in one day!  Immediately following the campaign, we received another donation of $3000.  These donations will go directly towards making our student-athlete experience better, and for that we're very grateful.

Thanks so much to those who give of their money, but also to those who give in other ways.  As the head coach of the Pioneers, I truly feel great support from our alums, and I know I can count on continued support.  Thank you all!