Recruiting Class of 2017: Reed Winter

Reed is looking excited to sign on that line

Reed Winter is a defensive back and running back from Hanover High School in Hanover, NH.  Reed helped Hanover improve from a 2-win season last year to a 9-2 season and an appearance in the state semi-finals in 2016.  He was named first team all-state as a running back and was invited to play in both the New Hampshire All-State game and the New Hampshire vs Vermont All-Star game as a cornerback.

Heading for daylight

I love Reed's combination of speed and toughness, and I always like guys that are versatile players.  I also love that he helped his high school team make such a dramatic turnaround, and that he wants to be part of another turnaround here as a Pioneer.  Can't wait to get you on board Reed!  Highlights here: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6134558/57e86d17f61708a4e86b094c

Recruiting Class of 2017: Alex Ross

Alex looks good in his Mason Mustang gear, but we need to get that guy wearing an Honor G!

Besides highlighting our award winners from the 2016 season, I'll also be introducing you to our newest Pioneers, those members of our 2017 recruiting class that have already submitted their deposit and have committed to Grinnell.  Unlike Division 1, Division 3 doesn't have a signing day.  Each school does it slightly differently, but at Grinnell we have three rounds of applications (Early Decision 1, Early Decision 2, and Regular Decision), so we really have three separate signing days.  Following NCAA rules, we can announce a "commit" once they have submitted a deposit guaranteeing their spot at Grinnell.

Alex Ross (in the middle) #78

In that light, I'll kick off the class of 2017 with defensive lineman Alex Ross, from George Mason High in Falls Church, VA.  At 5'10" and 230 pounds, Alex played on both the offensive and defensive line for the Mustangs, but he'll likely line up on defense for the Pioneers next fall.  I saw Alex at two separate camps this summer and I'm very excited to add him to the team.  He's coachable, plays with desire, and is quick off the ball.   Can't wait to get him in the Scarlet and Black!  Check out his junior year highlight tape: http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/6379578/video

Ogasawara Featured in the Grinnell Magazine

Senior kicker and defensive back Ibuki Ogasawara was featured in the winter issue of the Grinnell Magazine.  Ibuki finished tied for fourth in the conference, converting 93% of his PAT's this year, and is looking forward to an outstanding track and field season.

2016 Rookies of the Year

As promised previously, I'll be highlighting the award winners that were announced at our post-season banquet.  Each year our players vote for several awards and our coaches select others.  To kick things off we'll highlight our rookies of the year, as voted by their teammates.

Offensively, David Taylor, a wide receiver from Mount Vernon, IA was voted as the rookie of the year.  Starting from day one, David was second on the team with 31 receptions, and led the team with 525 yards receiving and four receiving touchdowns.  He scored the first touchdown of the season for us, and had a huge game in week three.  Against conference foe Beloit College, David hauled in 6 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown.  That total ranks as the 6th best single game total of all time for Grinnell.  David had a great first season and we look for even better things in the years to come.

Rick Johnson, an outside linebacker from Davenport, IA was our defensive rookie of the year.  Rick played in seven games before suffering an injury, but he made the most of his time in the lineup.  His two best games were at home against Trinity (7 tackles, 2 tfl, 1/2 sack, and a forced fumble) and on the road against Macalester (8 tackles and 1 sack).  Rick was improving week to week, and his best football is yet to come.

Overall, seven different first-year players saw significant playing time, and another was slated as a starter before suffering an injury.  We look to build around this solid, young core!

Pioneer Jermaine Marks Selected for Coveted Educational Opportunity

Jermaine is recognized at the football banquet

Jermaine Marks, Pioneer football photographer and manager and student assistant for the men's basketball team, has been selected to participate in the NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program.  This is a great honor for Jermaine and we're very excited for him.  Jermaine shows great promise for a future in coaching!

Congrats Jermaine!

2016 Post Season Banquet

Sr Joe Galaske presents Coach Gene Blalock with a token of appreciation from the DB's

The Pioneers hosted their annual post season banquet last night, where we took the opportunity to recognize the efforts of all over the past year.  We also presented several major awards, including the following:
Dick Ullrich Most Outstanding Offensive or Defensive Back
Abe Rosenbloom Most Outstanding Offensive or Defensive Lineman
Troy Barboza Most Courageous
Lyle Bauman Service Award
Scholar Athlete Award

Winners will be profiled over the coming weeks.

Offensive Line taking a selfie

We also took the opportunity to honor our graduating seniors.  It is never easy to say goodbye to a group of guys that you've gotten to work so closely with over a four year period, but it's also nice when we get a chance to honor them.  I'd like to say a sincere thank you to:

Charlotte Gbomina - filmer/manager
Haley Lopez - training room assistant
Laika Lewis - filmer/manager
Jermaine Marks - photographer
Zach McGriff - slot receiver
Jacob Bernholtz - running back
Kent Hoover - safety
Joe Galaske - cornerback
Ibuki Ogasawara - cornerback
Grant Koch - offensive line
Riley Drexler - defensive line
Matt Medrano - defensive line
Ethan Lahn - offensive line

Thanks all, and best of luck!