Category: Sports

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Inside Wolverine Athletics Podcast: Coach Melissa Lamie

In this week’s episode of Inside the Wolverine Den, coach Melissa Lamie talks about the definition of culture and what is looks like to have a successful culture. With almost 30 years of experience at Grove City College, she has seen the growth and change of the College over time. Lamie gives an insider’s perspective to the Grove City College Women’s Soccer team and how they have created a team atmosphere that strives for success on the field, in the classroom, and for God’s kingdom.

Inside the Wolverine Den: Understanding Culture and The Importance of Culture

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Inside Wolverine Athletics Podcast: Coach Alec Jernstedt

In this podcast episode of Inside The Wolverine Den with your host Maggie Williams, we dive into the topic of creating a winning team. This week’s guest, coach Alec Jernstedt, gives an inside look into the Grove City College Men’s Lacrosse team. Previously an assistant coach at Duke University, coach Jernstedt understands what it takes to strive for success. With only being established as an official team since 2018 at Grove City, the lacrosse team has truly made a statement with conference championships and NCAA appearances. How have they created a winning atmosphere? What is it like to be in a competitive atmosphere as a Christian? What are the characteristics of a winning team? All of these questions and more are coming next.

Inside The Wolverine Den: Creating a Winning Program

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Almost Pro: Intramural Sports

Giving up your high school sport to solely pursue college academics can be a difficult and daunting task for a senior. Sports have an interesting way of grabbing our hearts and gripping tight until we completely fall in love with them. You start as a young kid, maybe because your parents forced you to, or you were sitting around the house bored. Whatever it is, the bonds and memories formed during the participation of that sport hold near and dear to your heart. However, God did not create every high school athlete to go on and play Division 1 or professional football, so like me, you go to college and those exciting sporting events become distant memories.

Going to college and deciding not to play soccer was a difficult decision for me. I constantly weighed the pros and cons of joining the Grove City Men’s Soccer team with my parents, coaches, and teammates. In the end, I decided that sticking to just academics and hanging up the soccer cleats was the best decision for me. This was truly a bummer because I had been playing soccer since I was 3 and felt that a part of me going to be lost. This could not have been further from the truth.

Within my first week at Grove City College, I had multiple friends, upperclassmen, and hall-mates excitedly describe and inform me about various intramural sports that happened on our campus! They explained to me that intramural sports, or IM’s, are a great way to continue playing your favorite sports competitively at a lesser than collegiate level, form new relationships with people, and take a study break from exams and homework. I was instantly intrigued and decided to form various IM teams myself. Everything I heard about IM’s was spot on. They were very competitive, made for a great study break, and helped me to make a ton of new friends. This was the perfect place for a washed-up high school athlete, like me, to go.

Grove City College proudly offers over 20 IM sports that any student can participate in. A few of these sports include but are not limited to soccer, football, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, spike-ball, softball, rocket league (e-sports), and tennis. Almost all of the IM sports offered have a men’s, women’s, and co-ed section. Within these sections, there are different leagues, such as A-League, B-League, and C-League to monitor the level of competition. Winning an IM championship means more than bragging rights over your fellow competition, as each member of the winning team receives a free t-shirt that you design. Grove City College has recently switched over to a fully functional website and app called IMLeagues, which allows for easy signups, game reminders, and stat recording availability. Participating in intramural sports has been one of my best college decisions, and I would highly recommend any incoming freshman looking for fun to give them a try.

This is a picture of my freshman year IM Soccer team winning our first championship. We have played together for four consecutive years now and the bonds could not be stronger.
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Student Athletic Training Spotlight: Gretchen Elsey

Student Athletic Trainer, Gretchen Elsey

Grove City College offers a myriad of career-focused internships and job opportunities on-campus. This past semester, junior Gretchen Elsey had the opportunity to work with the athletic training department as a Student Athletic Trainer. Academically, Gretchen is pursuing a major in Exercise Science and a minor in Nutrition. Outside of classes, she keeps herself busy playing varsity basketball and track and field, while also committing time toward the Exercise Science Club. In the following interview, I had the opportunity to sit down with Gretchen and learn more about her experience as a Student Athletic Trainer.

How do you balance working on-campus, playing two varsity sports, and academics?

Being involved in so many things teaches you time management. I think my high school experience has helped me prepare for the things I do now because I was always involved in a lot of things. Truthfully, I love working, playing sports, and focusing on my studies. I could not see my life without doing all of these things and they make me want to stay motivated to do them.

Tell me about your current role as a Student Athletic Trainer.

https://vimeo.com/359592348

What advice would you give a prospective student hoping to get involved in the STEM field?

The STEM majors are an up and coming career path. Being an Exercise Science major has taught me a lot about different sports and my sport as well. I also have learned about how different athletes can respond to different stimuli, and this will help me in my future career.

Who influenced you to work as a Student Athletic Trainer?

The head athletic trainer, Rick Hawk, needed help for the upcoming football season and he knew I was pursuing a degree in Exercise Science. So, he approached me and asked if I would be interested in learning more about athletic training and truthfully, I believe this was another way the Lord has opened a door of opportunity for me. Also, I work with two other Student Athletic Trainers and they have become very close friends.

Do you envision yourself pursuing a career in athletic training?

I could see myself making a career out of this. I look forward to going down and helping the football team every day, while also growing as a professional in this industry. Finally, I would highly recommend this program and other career-focused programs that Grove City College offers because the relationships I am making now will help me tremendously in my future career.

Thank you, Gretchen, for the great insight. I look forward to hearing more about your experience soon.

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Varsity Women’s Track and Field Spotlight: Rohanna Foote

Grove City College Track and Field

Rohanna Foote, class of 2020, is well-known at Grove City College as one of the top sprinters for the Wolverines Track and Field team. The Ardmore, PA native had a standout season in 2018 and is looking to capitalize on her success for her final year as a sprinter. Academically, Rohanna is majoring in International Business with Marketing and French concentrations. Off the track, Rohanna enjoys spending time with her discipleship group and Students Excited About Diversity (S.E.A.D.). I had the opportunity to sit down with Rohanna and discuss her upcoming track season and the impact Grove City College has had on her life up to this point.

Why did you choose to come to Grove City College and compete on the Track and Field team?

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What would you say is unique about Grove City College’s Track and Field team?

I think the community here is really special. I visited Geneva and Westminster before Grove City, but I felt most at home with the track team here. Also, I enjoy how we are all brought together by Christ. We do Bible studies, team events like tie-dye, and team worship.

Do you find that the coaching staff is approachable when you are seeking advice?

Yes, I think all the coaches are open and great at giving advice. My freshman year, the current Athletic Director, Todd Gibson was the track coach and I remember him inviting me into his office one of the first days of class. He told me if I ever needed help finding a tutor or help with anything, his office was always open. I have found that this is the same with our current track coach, Jessica Smith. I have gone to her office to talk about my personal life, family, track, and academics. She is always easy to talk to and makes herself available.

What has been your favorite track team memory?

My favorite memory was traveling to Ithaca, New York for the All-Atlantic Region Track and Field Conference Championship. It was really fun, from the bus ride to the actual meet. We were all focused and performed our best, then we got to hang out as a team for the remainder of the weekend.

Do you have any specific goals going into your final season?

I want to continue getting personal records in my events, the 60m, 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay. In addition, I hope to set a few school records in my respective events. Aside from sprinting, I am trying long jump for the first time this year and my goal is to get a mark!

What advice would you give a current high school senior who has one track and field season left before college?

Based on my high school experience, I was in my peak condition and I think it is important coming into freshman year of college to continue training throughout the summer. Also, when you get to college stay focused on your academics, but also make time to go to the gym. Track is a team sport, so have a good team spirit because you are contributing to how well the team does overall.

Track and Field

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Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Spotlight

https://vimeo.com/359858024

Many prospective students are interested in playing on a varsity sports team at Grove City College, but the majority of these students are not aware of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) that meets to enhance the student-athlete experience at this college. Hear more about SAAC from Liz Scherer.

How would you describe SAAC to a prospective student? 

SAAC has student-athlete representatives from each varsity sports team on campus. There are 40 members on the committee since each team sends two reps. We come together to make decisions on National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules, Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) rules, events that go on around campus, and basic athletic department decisions at Grove City College. A few of SAAC’s goals on campus include generating a student-athlete voice within the college, PAC, and NCAA structure, serving as a conduit of communication between student-athletes, coaches, and athletic administration, and promote a positive image of a Grove City College student-athlete.

What type of events does SAAC organize on campus?

We do a lot at different sporting events. For example, last year we held a fundraiser during the women’s and men’s basketball games. It was a great time because the entire campus was involved and got to shoot half-court shots and try to win prizes. We are looking forward to doing this event again during the upcoming basketball season. Also, we make sure each team on campus has a brother or sister team paired with them. For example, the Women’s Basketball team and the Men’s Lacrosse team were brother and sister last year, so they both supported each other during their seasons and created a stronger community of athletes.

SAAC initiated the saying, Wolverines Together, what does this phrase mean to you?

Wolverines Together is our motto that we try to embody here at Grove City College, especially as athletes. To me, it means coming together as a community to support one another, and it does not matter if you are in athletics or not. We are trying to be one unit and create a campus-wide community.

SAAC
SAAC organized an event with the Special Olympics.
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On-Campus Job Spotlight: Sports Information Assistant

Sports Information Assistant

https://vimeo.com/359676576

Tell me about the typical day as a Sports Information Assistant in the Athletic Department.

I normally work three times a week for an hour each day. During that time, I help our Sports Information Director, Ryan Briggs, with various tasks. Some of the things I do include researching opponents for upcoming games and matches, processing rosters, schedules, and details for the sporting events on campus. The majority of my work is done on the computer and there are other Sports Information Assistants that help get these tasks done.

Who encouraged you to work on-campus?

My basketball coach, Chelle Fuss, helped me get this job. She recommended me to Mr. Briggs, and ever since then I have been working with him for the past two years. I am very grateful to have a coach who cares so much about her players because without her I am not sure what on-campus job I would have.

How has this position helped you grow as a student?

Working with the athletic department has helped me become more knowledgeable about the sports going on around campus. I am more aware of the athletes who play sports here at Grove City College and that allows me to create more connections and network. In terms of growth, I am more involved with the Grove City College community, and I look forward to growing my relationships here.

How do you balance working on-campus, playing a varsity sport, and academics?

I have a lot of experience with time management coming from high school, and I know my priorities are academics first, then sports and a job. It is important to get yourself disciplined to be in a daily routine and make a schedule that you can stick to.

Do you have any advice for a prospective student who is interested in working on-campus?

I recommend if you are looking to work, I would do an on-campus job because it gets you more connected within the Grove City community. You become closer with professionals around campus, which leads to more connections when you graduate and go to the “real” world. Plus, it is always nice to make money while at college!

Sports Information Assistant

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Varsity Men’s Football Spotlight: Kelsey Tischler

Grove City College Football

How often do you have the opportunity to watch a woman play football at the collegiate level? If you have never witnessed this, I invite you to attend a Grove City College football game at Robert E. Thorn Field this year. Pittsburgh native and senior, Kelsey Tischler, is one of the kickers for the football team, and she makes sure to never disappoint the crowd. Her love for football and the program is something very special. I had the chance to talk with Kelsey and learn more about her decision to pursue collegiate football. Here are her remarks:

At what moment did you realize you wanted to play football?

My junior year of high school, I was sitting in the student section during one of the football games, and I watched the kicker kick an extra point. I thought to myself, that would be fun. So, the next night I was at a neighborhood campfire and I told my neighbor that I wanted to kick for the football team. It was at that moment, there was a fire lit inside of me. I did not realize it then, but that was 100% the Lord giving me His plan.

How challenging is it to be the only female athlete on an all-male team?

I have been blessed with the greatest teammates, and I think it speaks so highly of who they are as men. At times there are personal challenges for myself, but the guys are all so kind to me and they make it pretty easy. Sometimes, it is weird because I look around and ask myself, what am I doing here, but there is nowhere else I would rather be than on this Grove City College football team.

Do you ever question your faith since God has created a path for you that is very different from most college females?

I think there are times when I ask myself why I am here, then I understand that God has sent me here for a reason. So, sometimes there will be moments where I question something but I always go back to the Lord and His plan for me, which I know is good and this is where I am meant to be.

The football team is coming off a great 2018 season, what are the team goals for the upcoming season?

We have had the same goal since day one when I walked in here and we were one of the worst teams in the country. It would be to glorify God in the pursuit of earning a degree, building lasting relationships and competing for PAC championships.

Which coach gives you the most inspiration on or off the field?

Coach Brest just joined the coaching staff this past year as the kicking coach and he has had a really big impact on me. Throughout my three years here, Coach DiDonato has done an incredible job, and it is hard to put it into words. I cannot believe that he is my head coach. He is the best coach anyone could ever ask for, and he incorporates winning but also character, making sure we are developing as young men and women off the field.

Can you tell us about the significance of the phrase, Brick by Brick?

This phrase means a lot to everyone on the football team. To me and a lot of the other players, it means vision, process, and love. We have a vision, our process is to keep laying bricks until it becomes a wall and love is what holds everything together.

Grove City College FootballGrove City College Kicker

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Women’s Volleyball Off To a Hot Start

Grove City College Women's Volleyball

Grove City College Women’s Volleyball team is off to a 5-0 start, which is the best for the Wolverines since 2007. One of the key players on the team is outside hitter, St. Louis, Mo. native, Elisabeth Sems. In the classroom, Elisabeth is a junior majoring in Business Management. While on the court she is a two-year letterwinner and ended her 2018 season second on the team in both points with 242.5 and kills with 221. In the following interview with Elisabeth, you will get an inside look at the Wolverines undefeated volleyball team.

Your season has been off to a great start, what do you attribute to this success?

I believe we work well together and we all love each other a lot. As a team, we trust each other and are always supportive of one another. In addition, I think our coach has been a huge part of our success because in the last two years we had different coaches and it was difficult to get used to a coaching style so quickly. But, this year Coach Sayles has been very consistent and he is very knowledgeable about volleyball.

Speaking of your coach, how has the transition been with the new coaching staff?

The transition has been really good. In fact, it was nice to have a spring season with Coach Sayles because we had the opportunity to get used to how he runs a practice and his expectations for the team. Playing in the spring gave the team an idea of what we should work on during the offseason before going into our actual season in the fall. I think Coach Sayles knows all of us well and truly understands his players. An important quality that I love about Coach is his ability to motivate us and help us work hard to achieve team goals.

What would you say is unique about Grove City College’s Women’s Volleyball team?

The main element of our team that makes us unique is our team chemistry. We have a lot of returners from last season, in fact, only one player did not come back to play this season. On top of having a lot of upperclassmen return, we added several great freshmen who are already making a positive impact on the team. Our team chemistry will continue to grow as we play together as one unit.

If you could give advice to a prospective student hoping to play volleyball, what would it be?

One main point that I would love to share with prospective volleyball players is that you only have four years in college, and it goes by really fast. So, enjoy your time playing this sport and be intentional. I cannot stress that enough – be intentional every time you get to play. You have an amazing opportunity to play for a great college, so play with a purpose and an intention.

Has your faith impacted you as an individual while playing volleyball, and how has it been implemented this year for the team as a whole?

In terms of the team, faith has been a big part of our team identity since Coach Sayles is the Associate Athletic Director for Sports Ministry and he is very knowledgeable on this subject. He makes faith and scripture a part of all our practices and games. Individually, volleyball is very mental and a game of mistakes. So, you have to know where your true identity is, and my faith has helped me find that.

Elisabeth Sems Volleyball

 

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Women’s Rugby Team

https://youtu.be/Hy-Of7vottk

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to the members of the Grove City College Women’s Rugby Team. The team is considered a club team. This means that they compete against other colleges but are not an official varsity sport. The girls on the team come from a variety of years and majors, but all say they have grown really close throughout their season last fall and continual conditioning to prepare for the future seasons. While several of the players take part in other sports at Grove City or have in the past, many of the players had not tried rugby before joining this group. They were enthusiastic to talk about their unique sport and successful games.