I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Community Outreach 1

Mentors in Violence

Prevention

2

Call for Involvement 2

Pioneer Barrier

Breakers

3

Diversity Diary 3

Leading Pioneers 4

GC PRIDE CUP

CHALLENGE

5

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

Reaching Out In the Community

gc PRIDE NEWSLETTER S P E C I A L P O I N T S

O F I N T E R E S T :

Pioneer Barrier

Breakers

Pioneer Leaders:

Meet Members of

SAAC & PDC

Mentors in Violence

Prevention Program

G C P R I D E

S T E P H E N S @ G R I N N E L L . E D U

6 4 1 - 2 6 9 - 9 7 1 0

The past fall our student-athletes continued to make a presence in the Grinnell community. During Fall break the women’s cross country team went to the Mayflower retirement home. The women enjoyed lunch at the Mayflower and then cleaned the dining room, washed chairs, tables, vacuumed the floor, washed all the hand railings in the hallways of 3 floors and hallowed out a few pumpkins so the residents could easily carve them. A few of the runners also raked leaves outside of the Mayflower.

Over the past two years the Grinnell Women's Basketball team has formed a partnership with the Thunder Cats, a youth AAU basketball team. The Women’s team spends time with the Thunder Cats at practice, hold clinics and scrimmages for them, and in return, the Thunder Cats have become the Lady Pioneers, biggest fans. Coach Kate Gluckman shared that “It is a great community outreach opportunity that we have to engage young girls with the game and get interest in our team and program from local families.”

A major salute to our teams and athletes that make a commitment to the community and upholding Grinnell College’s core value of social responsibility!

Athletic

Accomplishments!

6

As an advocate of Grinnell College, we encourage you to get involved with the Pioneer student-athletes. There are several ways you can

be involved. If you are interested in the cultivation of Grinnell Student-Athletes, please contact Taunita Stephenson at (641)269-9710 or

by email at stephens@grinnell.edu

P A G E 2 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

On Monday, October 22 & Tues-

day, October 23, 18 student

athletes, representing 12 of our

athletic teams participated in a

two day Mentors in Violence Pre-

vention (MVP) Training workshop.

This program, presented in part-

nership by the Center for the

Study of Sport in Society and the

National Consortium for Academ-

ics and Sports, focuses on gender

violence, bullying, and school

v i o l ence p reven t ion tha t

encourages young men and

women to take on leadership roles in their schools and communities. The program was funded by the NCAA

Choices Grant.

Teams specifically were educated about the skills needed for active bystanderism and how to create a positive

impact on campus. Throughout the session they were required to take the information they were provided and

apply it to some of the problems and issues specific to their team. We would like to thank our facilitators, Alan

Heisterkamp from University of Northern Iowa and Tess Cody from the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence

for the great impact they had on our student athletes.

Call for Involvement

Mentors in Violence Prevention

V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1 P A G E 3

PIONEER BARRIER BREAKERS

Senior, Jay Dreier (Tinley Park, IL) has

shown a commitment to taking the extra step to be an impact on the field

and in the community. A Biology major, with a concentration in Neuroscience, Jay has become involved with the

Liberal Arts in Prison Program as a volunteer. Every Tuesday during the fall, Jay

would leave practice early to mentor a neuroscience class called “Brain Science” taught by Professor Lindgren at the Newton Correction facility. “Professor

Lindgren is both my academic adviser, and my research adviser (I did a MAP with him this past summer). He asked me if I would be interested in mentoring his

class at the prison and I jumped at the opportunity.” Still deciding on his next steps (either medical school to prepare to become a doctor or graduate school

and eventually teach), Jay states that “The Prison Program is a great opportunity

for me to practice teaching, especially because of the diversity of the students in the program. Whatever career path I choose, the Prison Program has changed

my perceptions of criminals and the setup of the penal system.” Coach Brian Jaworski spoke volumes about Jay’s extra steps: “He does an amazing job on the

field and in the prison--he is dedicated to making a difference at both venues. I

admire that about Jay.”

Dreier’s Extra Steps Make Heavy Impact

The Diversity Diary features the stories of our student-athletes of multicultural and first generational background.

This month get to know 3rd Year, Track and Field Team Member Christine Ajinjeru who used the fall to study in an off-campus program in Oak Ridge, Tennessee!

During my college search, I knew very little about the US college system but I was fascinated by the idea of a liberal arts education which was quite different from my British

education background. I knew I wanted to come to Grinnell when I met with the international students’ dean of admissions. He painted a vivid picture of Grinnell that

made me long to be part of it. I was not disappointed when I arrived as a freshman

because Grinnell had that strong community aspect that made me feel welcome and immediately establish Grinnell as a second home. At Grinnell,

I’ve made lifelong friends and established lasting relationships with both staff and students that have made my transition into

college life and on a broader scale the integration into American culture so much easier.

I’m from Kampala, Uganda which is miles away but when I’m not in Uganda, my heart is not heavy because I have another family in Grinnell.

As a student-athlete, I receive immense support and encouragement from my coaches

and teammates in regard to accomplishing my goals on and off the track. I’m currently

in an off-campus program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory doing research in

Biochemistry. I work alongside the nation’s leading scientists and although it felt

intimidating at first, I realized that they treated me as a colleague. Doing research is

very similar to being part of an athletic team. On a team, everyone shares a similar goal

and by collaborating we achieve our goal faster and that is the main reason I enjoy

doing research and playing sports because I am a team player. As I continue with my

journey at Grinnell, I hope to leave with the satisfaction that I lived up to the

“No Limits” motto that first attracted me to Grinnell.

Diversity Diary: Christine Ajinjeru ‘14

SKYDIVING IN THE SMOKIES!

Leading Pioneers

P A G E 4 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

Leading Pioneers gives readers the opportunity to get to know the

leaders of the Grinnell student-athlete community each month. This

month, the focus is on introducing the Presidents of Student Athlete

Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Pioneer Diversity Council (PDC).

SAAC SAAC SAAC is a nominated group of student-athletes that works as a liaison between teams, administration and the Grinnell community. We provide oppor tuni t i e s f o r l eade rsh ip , networking, community service and campus outreach. SAAC believes in the f o l l o w i n g c o r e v a l u e s : community, teamwork, passion, hard work, dedication, communication, integrity, accountability, tolerance, support, and fun!

Jordan Young Soccer 3rd Year Biology Major

Get to Know Jordan: Hometown: Mapletown, MN

When’d You Become Involved With SAAC: This is my third year on SAAC and my second year on the leadership board. This year I am also the chair of the Midwest Conference SAAC.

Dream Job: Environmental Concentrator Why’d You Become Involved With SAAC: I was nominated by a

coach and saw it as a great leadership opportunity on campus. Favorite thing about SAAC: The progress I have seen over the past three years in terms of commitment, productivity, attendance, and involvement on campus.

Favorite SAAC Event: The SAAC Night we hosted at the beginning

of this year has probably been my favorite event because it kicked off the year on a great note and made SAAC a name more well-known on campus. (As for PDC, my favorite event was definitely the Dougie to Darby Blackout my first year!)

Aamir Walton Football/Basketball 2nd Year Sociology and Education Major

Get to Know Aamir: Hometown: Chicago, IL

When’d You Become Involved With PDC: My Freshman Year

Dream Job: Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls

Why’d You Become Involved With PDC: I was invited to a meeting by a teammate and when I attended I really loved and related with the goals and mission of PDC!

Favorite thing about PDC: The people in the group! Everyone

involved comes from different backgrounds and has amazing personalities! Anything we do as a group, whether a meeting or an event, has one thing happening consistently: WE HAVE FUN!!!!!

Favorite PDC Event: My favorite PDC hosted event was the Graffiti Art Show in May 2012. It brought people from different

parts of campus who I had never seen before. We all joined together to see something that I wasn't used to seeing which was art done first hand with a poem, song, or dance! It was

an exciting event!!!!

PDCPDCPDC owns the mission to empower Pioneer athletes to meet the challenges associated with social, cultural, economic, and other forms of diversity. We p rov ide P ionee r a th le tes opportunities to strengthen their understanding of one another. We represent Pioneer athletes’ concerns about diversity and support, promote, and organize programs, events, and forums which encourage an inclusive

environment.

Aamir Walton Football/Basketball 2nd Year Sociology and Education Major

Get to Know Aamir: Hometown: Chicago, IL

When’d You Become Involved With PDC: My Freshman Year

Dream Job: Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls

Why’d You Become Involved With PDC: I was invited to a meeting by a teammate and when I attended I really loved and related with the goals and mission of PDC!

Favorite thing about PDC: The people in the group! Everyone

involved comes from different backgrounds and has amazing personalities! Anything we do as a group, whether a meeting or an event, has one thing happening consistently: WE HAVE FUN!!!!!

Favorite PDC Event: My favorite PDC hosted event was the Graffiti Art Show in May 2012. It brought people from different

parts of campus who I had never seen before. We all joined together to see something that I wasn't used to seeing which was art done first hand with a poem, song, or dance! It was

an exciting event!!!!

P A G E 5

On October 29th, The GC Pride Challenge was launched as a competitive challenge among Grinnell student-athletes with the aim to

generate more participation in PRIDE events, promote student-athlete involvement in department and campus-wide programming,

community service and leadership opportunities, as well as help them prepare for life after collegiate sports.

Goals of GC PRIDE CUP CHALLENGE:

• Foster a competitive format allowing student‐athletes and coaches to embrace opportunities,

while striving to win the prestigious GC PRIDE CUP

• Promote student‐athlete involvement in campus‐wide programming, community service and

leadership opportunities

• Recognize the importance of athletes supporting athletes at events

• Provide increased accountability, incentive and team unity in programming

• Recognize coaches, teams and individual student‐athletes committed to total‐person

development

• Enhance individual preparation for life after sports

Each team has the opportunity to earn points by participating in the following categories:

Team Enhancement

Outreach

Athletes for Athletes

Personal Enhancement

Leadership

Scholarly Success

Athletic Excellence

Above and Beyond

Find out more about THE GC PRIDE CUP CHALLENGE here:

http://pioneers.grinnell.edu/documents/2012/10/29/GC_PRIDE_CUP_CHALLENGE37.pdf?id=176

Kudos to the Women’s Basketball Team! They are currently leading with 1300 Cup Challenge Points! Find out where your favorite

Pioneer team ranks here:

http://pioneers.grinnell.edu/documents/2012/11/8/GC_Pride_Cup_Challenge_Tracking_Sheet.pdf?id=178

GRINNELL COLLEGE ATHLETICS

LAUNCHES THE GC PRIDE CUP CHALLENGE

V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

Grinnell College

1201 10th Avenue

Grinnell, IA 50112

Phone: 641-269-3800

P A G E 6

Taunita Stephenson - Diversity, Inclusion & Achievement Coordinator

Heather Benning - Senior Women's Administrator/Assistant Athletic Director

Andy Hamilton - Assistant Athletic Director

Greg Wallace– Athletic Director

Athletic Highlights! Women’s Basketball’s Michelle Briggs '13 became the top shot-

blocker in MWC history during the Pioneers' game against

Benedictine College. Briggs swatted away eight shots giving her

250 for her career. The previous MWC best was 243.

Women’s Cross Country's Sarah Burnell '14 raced to a

48th-place finish in a field of 263 runners at the NCAA Division III

Cross Country Championship. She was only 17 secs away from

placing All-American. Teammate Stephanie Rouse '13 placed

164th.

Women’s Golf’s Mallory Messin '13 earned All-MWC women's golf

honors for the 4th time in her career at the league meet as the

Lady Pioneers took 2nd in the tournament.

Women’s Soccer earned the Team Academic Award from the

National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Grinnell is one of 149 schools to have both its men's and women's

squads win the award. Coach Heather Benning's '96 squad had a

GPA of 3.50, which ranked 10th among NCAA Division III squads

and 47th overall. A total of 498 women's teams received the

honor.

Softball had five players earn Scholar-Athlete honors from the

National Fastpitch Coaches Association for the 2012 campaign.

Making the list were Amanda Stromquist '12, Jayme Wiebold '12,

Aniela Wendt '14, Jennifer Fulton '15 & Summer Wilke '15. In

order to be honored, players must have a grade point average of at

least 3.50.

Women’s Swimming claimed the 3rd Pioneer Classic title in a

row! Emma Fulley ‘15 was named the MWC Women’s Swimming &

Diving Performer of the week (12/3/12).

Women’s Tennis claimed 4 singles crowns at MWC

Championships from Constanza Alarcon '13 at No. 3 singles,

Hanna Feldman '14 at No. 4, Catherine Fitch '13 at No. 5 and

Julia Rumley '16 at No. 6. Feldman & Rumley also were the No. 3

doubles champions. Clothiilde Thirouin ‘14 & Shirlene Luk ‘15

clamed the No. 1 doubles title. Also, Laura Krull ’13 won the ITA

Midwest Regional & competed in the ITA National Small College

Championships in Mobile, Al, placing 6th in the nation.

Volleyball’s Cheyenne Hickcox ’15 has been named to the All-

Midwest Conference Team for the 2012 campaign. Over the

semester break Natalie Duncombe ‘15 will visit Christine Ajinjeru,

‘14 in Kampala Uganda. We wish them safe travels!

Baseball is excited about their recruiting class. After winning

their third consecutive MWC South Division title, the baseball

Pioneers arguably landed their most decorated first year class.

12 new student-athletes have deposited to attend Grinnell

College with intent to play baseball. Head coach Tim Hollibaugh

returns 30 players (23 letter winners) from the 2012 team.

Men’s Basketball’s Jack Taylor was named the MWC Men’s

Basketball Performer of the Week (11/26/12) following his

national record-breaking outing, after scoring 138 points in the

team’s victory of Faith Baptist.

Men’s Cross Country's Frank Canady '14 wrapped up a strong

2012 cross country season by finishing 94th in a field of 280

runners at the NCAA Division III National Championships.

Football had seven players named to the 2012 All-MWC Foot-

ball Team. The Pioneers had 5 second-team selections – Cody

Weber '13 (wide receiver), Tom Brinkman '13 (defensive line),

Drew Blumberg '13 (defensive back), Andrew Clark '14 (return

specialist) and David Ternes '15 (linebacker) - and a pair of hon-

orable mentions: TJ Schaid '13 (running back) & Graham Fisher

'16 (punter). Additionally, Ternes was named to the All-West

Region Team by D3Football.com and Blumberg was named to

the CoSIDA Academic All-District team.

Men’s Golf earned national All-Academic honors from the Golf

Coaches Association of America.

Men’s Soccer’s Joseph Brown '15 was named to the 2012 All-

MWC Men's Soccer First Team. Two other Pioneers, Jay Dreier

'13 and Benjamin Warner '15, were second-team selections.

This is the 6th year in the last 7 years that the soccer team has

received All-MWC honors.

Men’s Swimming’s Michael Brus '14 has been named the MWC

Men's Swimming & Diving Performer of the Week (11/20/2012).

Gus Fulgoni ‘15 received the same honor during the week of

12/3/12.

Men’s Tennis’ Elliott Czarnecki '15 led a strong charge by the

Grinnell College men's tennis team at the 2012 USTA/ITA Re-

gional Championships. Czarnecki advanced to the round of 16

in a 128-player singles field.

GC PRIDE