Pioneers Fall in Season Finale

It was Senior Day and the Season Finale this past Saturday at Rosenbloom Field and the host Pioneers fell short against the visitors from Carroll University, 31-21. 

Despite gaining more total yardage (403-282) and winning the turnover battle (3-1), Grinnell wasn't able to over come the field position battle and fell behind early before the late rally fell short.

Offensively, Robert Seer '12 and Logan Granera '12, one last time, paced the Scarlet & Black with a combined 256 yards receiving and 1 TD among their 14 catches. 

Defensively, the Pioneers were about as balanced as possible.  Drew Blumberg '13 led the unit with 11 tackles, but 10 players had at least 5 tackles AND at least .5 TFL.  The Pioneers also had 2 INT (Andrew Clark '14 and Max Keller '14).

Drew Blumberg (#44) '13 and Max Keller (#20) '14 combine for a tackle

Players of the week:

Offense: Logan Granera '12
Defense: Matt John '12 and Ryan Creps '12
Practice: Harpreet Singh-Mann '12

The Pioneers finish the 2011 campaign at 5-5 (4-5 in MWC) good for 6th in the league.  The last two seasons have been the most successful back-to-back years since the 1999-2000 seasons that combined for 12 victories.

We bid farewell to Jimmy Borrasso, Ryan Creps, Kelsey Davis, Logan Granera, Chris Jarmon, Matt John, Stephen Hudak, Robert Seer, Harpreet Singh-Mann, and Brian Westerlind!  Thank you for all that you have done for Grinnell College Football.  You will be missed!

2011 Senior Profiles: Matt John

Each week this season we will highlight a member of our 2011 senior class, up next is senior defensive end, Matt John!

Name: Matthew John

Hometown: Plymouth, MN
High School: Breck School
Major: Computer Science

Why did you choose to attend Grinnell? 
Being at Grinnell gives me the opportunity to pursue a wide open academic curriculum, while at the same time being a part of an extremely close-knit football team. Also, the location was ideal, allowing me to get away from home a bit, but close enough to make coming home for holidays relatively easy. Plus, I get to hang out with a wide variety of characters, ranging from the calm, collected Chris Jarmon to the fiery, dragon-like Robert Seer.

What is your favorite Pioneer football moment? 
Without a doubt, my favorite moment would be beating Monmouth last year, and celebrating with our fans as they crowded our bus when we arrived on campus.

Plans after graduation? 
I will likely pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science immediately after graduating from Grinnell. From there, the possibilities are endless, as I have considered almost every field from private industry computer work to government work (military/intelligence) to football coaching.

Favorite Professional Sports Team: 
Minnesota Vikings

Favorite Division I team: 

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Favorite Song: 

"Kickstart My Heart" by Motley Crue

Favorite Book: 

"One Bullet Away" by Nathaniel Fick

Favorite Movie: 

Predator (What other 80's action movie can claim two governors as part of its cast!)

Favorite Food: 

Brats fresh off the grill with ketchup and mustard

Favorite Course at Grinnell: 

Computer Science 207: Algorithms and Object-Oriented Design

Interesting facts about you: 

I might be legitimately the only half-Indian, Computer Science Major, Defensive End in the NCAA.