Jordan Hall Named Outstanding Scholar Award Winner

Congratulations to Jordan Hall, the winner of our Pioneer Outstanding Scholar Award! Hall, a native of Chicago, IL, had an outstanding season both on the field and off. The Most Outstanding Scholar Award is given to the Pioneer that we believe is the best representation of a true scholar athlete. It isn’t automatically given to the person with the highest gpa, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be the best player, but rather to someone that represents the ideals of a scholar athlete.  The recipient is someone who dedicates their time to their studies and to learning, but also someone who values their athletic endeavors to an equal level, and someone that strives to be the best at both. 

Last year's winner was defensive back and kicker Ibuki Ogasawara, who is now doing very well at Amazon, Japan.  Jordan was an excellent selection this year.  He was named to the Dean's List in the fall of '17, and is well on track to be named Academic All-Conference this year.  He is a leader in our locker room and played very well at corner for us this year.  He's started every game he's been healthy, and we are excited to see what he is going to do in the years to come!  Congrats Jordan!

Jeff Keele wins the Abe Rosenbloom '34 Award

The second major award presented at the postseason banquet was the Abe Rosenbloom ’34 Most Outstanding Offensive or Defensive Lineman Award. This year the award was won by defensive end Jeff Keele.  Keele, a junior this past season, took a major step forward both as a defender and as a leader this year.

The award is name after Abe Rosenbloom ’34 who was an outstanding offensive lineman during his time as a Pioneer, when Grinnell still played in the Missouri Valley Conference. He was undersized, especially against players from the likes of Nebraska and Oklahoma, but he held his own. The game field is now named after him, and we have honored his name since 1997 with the most valuable offensive or defensive lineman award. Notable previous winners include Mark Trocinski (all-american), Matt Amendt (school record holder with 19 sacks in a season), and Sam Jones (4 time all conference).

Keele finished the 2017 season with 56 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovered.  During the second half of the season Keele also saw his role on the team expanded to include some time at tight end.  By the final game he was playing nearly the entire game, and recorded one reception for 14 yards and a first down, and one carry for 28 yards and another first down.  We are expecting big things from the two-time captain, continuing to lead the defense and to play a big role in all three phases.  Keep up the good work Keele!

Ryan Slager wins the Dick Ullrich '33 Award

The Pioneers hosted their postseason banquet this past weekend, and junior linebacker Ryan Slager was named the Dick Ullrich '33 Most Valuable Offensive or Defensive Back award winner.  Slager received the same recognition as a sophomore as well.

The award is named after Pioneer Hall of Famer Dick Ullrich.  Playing both quarterback and halfback, Dick was the leading rusher and leading scorer in the conference, and also averaged over 50 yards a punt.  He was also an outstanding basketball player at Grinnell, being named all-conference twice.  Following his time at Grinnell, Dick enjoyed a solid career in the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears.  From 1955 – 1996 we named a Dick Ullrich Most Outstanding Back and Most Outstanding Lineman, and from 1996 – present it’s been the Most Outstanding Back.  Notable past winners include Dick Yaki Arnell (football and baseball player who is still well-connected with both programs), John Copeland (who has been instrumental in recruiting many talented players from the Bay-area), John Hartung (who played on a conference championship team and served on the Board of Trustees), Barry Huff (school-record holder in the shot put), and Tom Goetz (#4 single season rushing total and who's son TJ played here as well). 

After finishing third in the country in tackles as first-year, and leading the country in tackles as a sophomore, Slager had certainly set the bar high for himself.  Incredibly, he was able to surpass even those lofty standards as a junior.  Slager led Division 3 in tackles yet again, and was named all-conference yet again.  He also broke the school record for career tackles, and was able to add to his list of accolades this year, earning all-region recognition from D3football.com.  Congratulations Ryan, and heres to even better next year!

Pioneers in the News

Head men's cross country and track and field coach Will Freeman was recently quoted in the Washington Post.  Like all of our head coaches at Grinnell, Freeman is a Professor of Physical Education, and his primary course is Psychology of Sport.  The Washington Post reached out to Will prior to the SEC Championship game to see what impact, if any, Georgia's prior loss to Auburn would have.  A former SEC athlete himself, Freeman was a great source for the article, offering these observations, “It is certainly a normal human response to want revenge when we are harmed.  Can it increase motivation? Yes. Can that motivation go bad? Also, yes."  See the full article here.  Like any savvy coach, Freeman wisely avoided making a prediction, but he does offer some great insight!