I can’t believe the end of the school year is already here. As a senior, I’ve been reflecting on my time at Olaf and part of that is reflecting on my sports career. I’ll always cherish the time I spent playing hockey here at Olaf and I know all of my senior athlete friends feel the same way. It seems that every year in sports brings wild ups and downs, so I thought I’d compile a list of some of the highlights in athletics from this past school year.
The Oles beat No. 12 Bethel 24-17 at home. The team also named Craig Stern as the new head coach.
Men’s Cross Country ranked 14th in country at the NCAAs this year. Phil Lundin was named MIAC and region Coach of the Year while Grant Wintheiser (’15) was named United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Central Region athlete of the year. Women’s Cross Country takes 8th at NCAAs.
Men’s hockey fell in playoffs but twin brothers and Jeff Harris ’14 and Kevin Harris ’14 earned some hardware. Jeff was league MVP and second team All-American while Kevin was an All-MIAC selection.
Men’s Swim and Dive took 11th at NCAAs. Michael Gratz ’15 earned 2nd best individual mark for school history in 200 Individaul Medley All American. Women’s Swim and Dive took 16th at NCAAs.
Dave Lillehaugen ’13, cross-country and track all-star, earned the prestigious Dave Hauck award, given to one senior who demonstrates excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.
Women’s Basketball captain Mackenzie Wolter ’13 got her 1000th point vs. Carleton and ended her career as a three-time All-MIAC selection.
Golfer Molly Erickson ’13 earned MIAC golfer of the year while the team won the Fall Season MIAC champs. Luke Benoit was also named MIAC Coach of the Year.
Women’s Hockey took summer trip to Italy and Switzerland, but narrowly missed playoffs. Nicole Stumpf ’13 ends her career as a four-time All-MIAC selection.
Paige Schember ’14 led Nordic skiing to Nationals and won two events, while the team took home the USCSA combined title.
Women’s soccer made the playoffs for the first time since 2004, but fell short.
Women’s Track took 3rd in the MIAC Conference Championships.
I just want to congratulate to all my fellow senior athletes on the completion of their careers. I will miss my time as an athlete at Olaf but am excited to say that after a lot of relaxing this summer, I will be attending William Mitchell College of Law in the fall! Good luck to all the Ole teams next year! UM YA YA!