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S
eptember is always an exciting time to be on a college campus. Tens of thousands of students once again converge on the University of Minnesota to start another academic year and, here at the Bierman building, we see the smiling faces of hundreds of Gopher student-athletes eager to reunite with their teams and get back to classes and competition. The enthusiasm that these young men and women bring with them energizes me. This is my favorite time of the year. The unique energy that swirls throughout our athletics department every autumn comes from the passion our student-athletes and coaches have for their sports and their commitment to be great at what they do. Every story in this issue of Ski-U-Mah shows that
passion and commitment, even if those values come to life in many different forms. I invite you to read through the magazine to learn more about the leadership Joey King showcases every practice through relentless effort; how Sara Groenewegen evolved from an under-recruited college prospect to one of the top softball pitchers on the planet; and, how former student-athletes located across the country (and the world) are returning to the U of M to finish their degrees with the help of the pioneering Gopher Graduation Program. The promise of upcoming games, matches and tournaments is another reason the energy of September is so invigorating. Every Gopher team and every fan understands the powerful pull of anticipation for the season to begin. That anticipation becomes a great feeling, one of hope and excitement, as our teams take the field in front of home crowds here in the Twin Cities. I love that feeling. I hope to see you on campus throughout the fall, winter and spring so you, I and all of our student-athletes can experience it together. Go Gophers!
Beth Goetz, Interim Athletics Director
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 1
SEPTEMBER t he
official
2015
/
ISSUE
magazine
of
10
/
Gopher
VOL.
II
At hlet ics
features 12
GOPHER GRAD PROGRAM
22
DALY SANTANA & DALIANLIZ R O S A D O
26
JOHN CARLSON
30
JOEY KING
34
SARA GROENEWEGEN
30
additional content 3
NEWSWOR THY
4
OPENING NIGHT
8
REMEMBERING ROY
10
CREDITS
18
GOPHER GLOBAL GOES TO C A N A D A
19
HEALING HAITI
20
INSIDER: JON CHRISTENSON
21
INSIDER: HANNAH BRANDT
38
THE HALL AWAITS
40
WHERE ARE THEY NOW:
22
34
TOM ROTHSTEIN 42
BEHIND THE SCENES: BRITTANY FRANCIS
44
PAR TING SHOT
for these stories and much more, visit the home of Gopher Sports at gophersports.com.
2 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
12
26
Kierra Smith won the gold medal in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. She also claimed a silver medal in the 4x100-meter medley relay. Smith, a senior at Minnesota, will redshirt the 2015-16 season to train for the Olympic Games and return to the U in 2016-17 for her final campaign. Graduated senior Kiera Janzen also won a gold medal at the Pan Ams in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay. Gopher freshman wrestlers Ben Brancale, Fredy Stroker and Larry Early each won ASICS Junior National championships in July. Brancale claimed the title in the 138-pound Greco division while Stroker took the title in the 145-pound Freestyle division. Early won the 152-pound Freestyle title.
NEWSWORTHY Kaitlyn Richardson, one of the mostdecorated players in Gopher Softball history, was named All-NPF (National Pro Fastpitch) in her first season as a professional with the Dallas Charge. Richardson hit .304 in the regular season, which ranked eighth in the league. The Gopher men’s basketball team traveled to Spain, August 10-20. They played two games in Barcelona, going 2-0, before heading to Madrid where they also posted a 2-0 record. The Gophers also were able to take a boat tour around Barcelona and toured the Real Madrid Bernabeu Stadium.
Among the postseason championships that the U of M will host this year are Big Ten Men’s Tennis Championship (April, Baseline Tennis Center), NCAA Men’s Hockey Regional (April, Xcel Energy Center), NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Regional (April, Sports Pavilion) and the WCHA Final Faceoff (March, Ridder Arena). Senior golfer Jon DuToit won the 2015 Minnesota Golf Association Amateur Championship at Northland Country Club, shooting a 68 in the final round to overcome a five-shot deficit. Sophomore Heather Ciskowski was the runner-up in the Women’s State Amateur held at Interlachen Country Club.
MINNESOTA HOSTED SECOND-RANKED TCU TO OPEN THE 2015 FOOTBALL SEASON IN FRONT OF A STADIUM RECORD CROWD OF 54,147.
Eight Gopher women’s hockey players represented their countries in the annual three-game series between the U.S. Under-22 Team and Canadian National Women’s Development Team in August. Sydney Baldwin, Hannah Brandt, Dani Cameranesi, Kelly Pannek, Cara Piazza and Lee Stecklein suited up for Team USA while Sarah Potomak and Amanda Leveille represented Canada.
PHOTO BY ERIC MILLER
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 3
54,147 TCF BANK STADIUM ATTENDANCE RECORD
OPENING NIGHT
4 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
PHOTOS: ERIC MILLER, JIM ROSVOLD, BRACE HEMMELGARN, COURTNEY ANDERSON
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 5
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ROY
REMEMBERING
O
n July 9, 2015, the University of Minnesota
where he served from 1944-46 during World War II in
community lost one of its all-time greats
the South Pacific. When he returned home, he earned
with the passing of Roy Griak. Griak be-
bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University
came the men’s cross country and track
of Minnesota and earned letters on the cross
and field coach in 1963, where he led the
country and track and field teams. He was a
Golden Gophers for 33 years (1963-1996) and worked
middle-distance runner for head coach Jim
as an administrative assistant from 1996 until his death,
Kelly from 1948-50. After a successful
totaling 52 years of service to the U of M.
decade-long stint as the head track and
He coached the Gophers to Big Ten Cross Country
cross country coach at St. Louis Park
titles in 1964 and 1969 while leading Minnesota to a
High School, Griak returned to the U
Big Ten Track and Field title in 1968. He coached a
of M to succeed Kelly in 1963.
total of 49 All-Americans and his athletes earned 61
More important than the cham-
individual Big Ten Conference crowns. He also served
pionships and accolades is the im-
on coaching staffs of more than 10 U.S. International
pact Roy had on everyone in his
teams, including the 1972, 1980 and 1984 U.S.
life. Roy had an amazing ability to
Olympic track and field teams. He is a member of the
make everyone feel important.
Drake Relays Coaches Hall of Fame, the University of
His smile was contagious and
Minnesota ‘M’ Club Hall of Fame and the U.S. Track &
genuine. The ripple effect of his
Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In 1996, Min-
influence will be felt for gener-
nesota honored Roy by naming the nation’s largest an-
ations. Roy’s spirit lives on in
nual cross country meet after him.
the hearts of those who knew
Griak graduated from Morgan Park High School in Duluth before enlisting in the United States Army
8 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
him.
ROY’S IMPRESSIONS OF A LIFETIME 1. Cross Country is the best time of the year. 2. Golf Courses should be used for Cross Country competition, NOT golf. 3. Track and Field is special. 4. Don’t miss the wonders that surround you. 5. Be enthusiastic, that’s the key. 6. Don’t expect life to be fair. 7. You are never tired. 8. There is more than one way to skin a cat. 9. Criticize only in private. 10. Be neat. 11. Be on time. 12. Don’t miss class. 13. Smile a lot. 14. Don’t be afraid to lose. 15. Look people in the eye. 16. Have a firm handshake. 17. Say “thank you” a lot. 18. Take out the garbage without being told. 19. Never forget your mother. 20. Be the first to say, “hello.” 21. Never give up on anyone. 22. Respect your elders, teachers, police. 23. Slow dance. 24. Be nice to people because you’ll meet them later in life. 25. Lay down on the floor and listen to good music, preferably Shirley Horn. 26. Listen to your athlete. 27. Education first. Running second. 28. Athletics should be an educational experience. 29. Appreciate your officials. 30. Every hour of sleep before midnight is worth double the hours after midnight. 31. Beautiful sunsets always remind me of my mother. 32. You’re either a pumpkin or a jug head. 33. When I came back from the South Pacific, I wasn’t coming back to the United States but paradise. 34. Go for a walk alone once a week. 35. Strive for excellence, not perfection. 36. Chase your dreams and give it all you’ve got. 37. There are very few Bruce Mortensons, Steve Hoags, Don Timms, Colin Andersons, Tom Stuarts, Ed Twomeys, and no Garry Bjorklunds. 38. Never, ever look back, especially in the 4 X 100 Relay. 39. Run and finish beyond the finish line. 40. Always think positively about yourself. 41. I appreciate my army buddies more with every passing day, especially my fox hole buddy. 42. Always put down the toilet seat. 43. Deep appreciation for all my athletes from St. Louis Park; I’ll never forget what they did for me. 44. Buddy Edelen came from a fat little kid in St. Louis Park to a world record holder. 45. Teacher first, coach second. 46. Always replace the cap on your toothpaste. 47. Never be the first to let go of a hug, especially if you like them.
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 9
SKI-U-MAH Issue
10
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Beth Goetz SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Chris Werle EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ASSISTANT ATHLETICS DIRECTOR FOR CREATIVE SERVICES Jeff Keiser EDITOR / WRITER Jake Ricker
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kevin Kurtt, Justine Buerkle, Michael Molde, Mark Remme, Rachel Timmerman CONTRIBUTORS Paul Rovnak, Michelle Traen, Brian Deutsch, Cody Voga, Hannah Barnes DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Miller CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Christopher Mitchell, Courtney Anderson, Brace Hemmelgarn, Jim Rosvold, Nicole Leone Advertising: 612.626.2300 GOPHERSPORTS.com Ski-U-Mah is written and designed by University of Minnesota Athletics and is provided as a courtesy to our fans and may be used for personal and editorial purposes only. Any commercial use of this information is prohibited without the consent of University of Minnesota Athletics. for questions about the editorial content in this issue of Ski-U-Mah, please email keiser@umn.edu.
GOPHER SOCCER OPENED THE SEASON AGAINST NORTH DAKOTA STATE BEFORE A PACKED CROWD AT ELIZABETH LYLE ROBBIE STADIUM.
10 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
PHOTO BY CHRIS MITCHELL
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BY JAKE RICKER
P H O T O S : PAT R I C K O ’ L E A R Y ( A B O V E ) , E R I C M I L L E R ( B E L O W ) & NICOLE LEONE (RIGHT)
A
Stanley Cup. A Lombardi Trophy. An international medal. A
Hall of Fame ring. The trophy cases of former Gopher studentathletes are packed tightly with some of the most exclusive honors sports has to offer.
This display would dazzle most observers, but a
plagued each of them for years. Practical concerns
modest piece of paper stood out as conspicuously ab-
about time management and class selection piled up
sent when Bobby Bell, Nicole Branagh and Ben Clymer
quickly, making the challenge of returning to school ap-
evaluated their accomplishments. There was not a de-
pear insurmountable.
gree from the University of Minnesota among those accolades.
As a whole, Gopher student-athletes graduate at exemplary levels. The vast majority of student-athletes
Though their lives are considerably different in many
leave campus holding a degree. But no school, includ-
ways, all three coveted a college degree to add to their
ing the U, boasts a perfect graduation rate. Some stu-
lengthy list of achievements. Questions of when and
dent-athletes will finish their Gopher careers without a
how they’d complete their undergraduate studies
degree for a variety of reasons. SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 13
P H O T O S : R O B E R T B E C K , AV P ( L E F T ) , E R I C M I L L E R ( T O P ) & N I C O L E L E O N E ( B O T T O M )
BRANAGH LEFT THE U IN 2001 TO TRAIN WITH TEAM USA AND PURSUE A CAREER IN PROFESSIONAL VOLLEYBALL. MORE THAN 12 YEARS LATER SHE COMPLETED HER DEGREE BY TAKING CLASSES REMOTELY.
The Gopher Graduation Program offers these student-athletes the opportu-
former student-athletes return to school and graduate is the right thing to do.
nity to finish their undergraduate degrees at the University of Minnesota after
We’re proud that this program was among the first in the country and set an ex-
their playing careers are over by providing financial and academic support, as
ample that we now see other Division I institutions following.”
well as guidance on class selection and other logistical concerns. The pioneering
While the U of M was ahead of most Division I schools in this regard, the
program launched in 2007 and, to-date, has helped nearly 100 former Gophers
new program didn’t enjoy instant, widespread visibility. In fact, some are still
return to school. Among those, almost 50 have earned their undergraduate de-
learning about it today.
grees, while others continue to work toward graduation.
“I had one former football student-athlete who said ‘Now with this new NCAA legislation, I want to come back and get my degree,’” Ryan recalled. “I
DOING THE RIGHT THING
said, ‘You didn’t have to wait this long! We could have done it a while ago.’”
Nearly a decade before honoring lifelong scholarships became a standard practice across the Power 5 conferences, the University of Minnesota undertook the
N E V E R T O O L AT E
effort independently. A taskforce co-chaired by Joel Maturi, who was the Uni-
It’s been more than 50 years since Hall-of-Famer Bobby Bell last wore a Min-
versity’s director of athletics at the time, created a new program that would bring
nesota Golden Gopher uniform. In those colors, he won a national champi-
together athletics administration, compliance and the McNamara Academic
onship and earned multiple All-America awards before moving on to pro
Center to welcome back former student-athletes and assist them in completing
football, where he won a Super Bowl and made multiple All-Pro teams with the
their undergraduate studies.
Kansas City Chiefs. That half-century gap seemed like an eternity when Bell de-
“There were many good reasons for us to create the Gopher Grad Program, but the most important reason was to honor the educational covenant we have
cided he would return to school to earn his degree and the University had to dig up his old transcript.
with each and every one of our student-athletes,” said Marc Ryan, senior asso-
“When I asked the guy from the athletics department what I needed, it took
ciate athletics director and the program’s coordinator. “Offering support to help
him a couple months to find [my transcript],” said Bell. Discovered deep in the
14 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
University of Minnesota’s file archives, Bell’s yellowed transcript was barely legible, the hand-written records just managing to withstand the passing years. “Everything was done in pencil back then,” he added. The aging transcript provided a perfect visual representation of just how long it had been since Bell left the University. His story about coming to the U of M in the first place shows how much time has changed from a world in which Bell, at age 18, came to Minnesota instead of in-state schools like North Carolina or Duke because “they didn’t accept black [players] at that time.” “All I wanted out of life was the same opportu-
“
Offering support to help former student-athletes return to school and graduate is the right thing to do. We’re proud that this program was among the first in the country and set an example that we now see other Division I institutions following.
“
– MARC RYAN, ASSOCIATE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
nities as everyone else and I owe that to the University,” said Bell. “I didn’t get the chance anywhere else.” Minnesota presented Bell with another opportunity 55 years later, this one to finish the degree he came within a few classes of completing during his first stint on campus.
school. “I’m sitting here as a 74-year-old man … and I’m telling people you can still learn.”
A LW AY S P A R T O F T H E P L A N Nicole Branagh couldn’t refuse the chance to play for her country. Her collegiate volleyball career ended following a Big Ten co-Player of the Year season as a senior at Minnesota and she immediately transitioned into the U.S. National Team program in Colorado Springs. Before leaving for the Rockies, Branagh talked it over with her coach, Mike Hebert. The move would leave Branagh 20-some credits short of her degree nearly 1,000 miles from campus. “It was a great opportunity,” Branagh said. “In my head, I was going to do that and come back (to Minnesota) in the fall. But that’s when playing pro came up.
One thing led to another, doors open and then, all of a sudden, here I was however many years later.” In the time that passed from that initial decision to leave Minnesota, Branagh spent several years playing indoor with the National Team, a stint
“It was tough. I spent a lot of nights on the road with my iPad. I called
which included a bronze medal at the 2003 Pan American Games, and then
friends and asked for help,” Bell said, smiling as he reflected on returning to
launched a successful beach volleyball career, one that’s included professional
MORE THAN 50 YEARS AFTER LEAVING THE UNIVERSITY TO EMBARK ON A HALL OF FAME PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL CAREER, BOBBY BELL COMPLETED HIS DEGREE IN 2015.
PHOTOS: NFL PHOTOS, COURTNEY ANDERSON (TOP)
CLYMER EARNED HIS DEGREE FROM THE CARLSON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, MORE THAN 15 YEARS AFTER LEAVING THE UNIVERSITY FOR A FRUITFUL CAREER IN THE NHL.
does with almost every athlete, that realization brought a sense of dread.
success as well as a quarterfinal appearance in the 2008 Olympics. One Olympiad later, while expecting her first child and a dozen years after
“Life after sports is scary. It’s all you’ve known. It’s what you’ve been focused
her most recent college class, Branagh began the final leg of her academic
on having as a career since you were a little kid,” said Clymer. “Making the de-
journey.
cision (to go back to school) was hard. Making my first appointment with (aca-
“It was always part of my plan (to go back to school) but it just seemed to not fit into my plan each year,” said Branagh. “When I knew we were going to try to have a baby, it was a good time for me. … I wasn’t going to be playing volleyball so it seemed like I would have time. “I just feel like it was a monkey on my back all those years. I always wanted to graduate and each year that passed I wondered ‘Am I ever going to get this done?’”
LIFE AFTER SPORTS (I S S CA RY ) Ben Clymer realized he’d lost a step, “that step” as he called it, following a pair of knee injuries during his
demic counselor) Chris Cords was hard. But it
“
I’m thankful that I made the choice. I try to challenge some of the guys I see now to go back and get their degree. If they chip away slowly with a night class here or there, if you can get them to take that first step, they’re going to follow through. – BEN CLYMER
time with the NHL’s Washington Capitals. At the time, he’d played nearly a decade of professional hockey, a stretch that included a Stanley Cup-winning season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Clymer knew he wasn’t the same player and his time in pro hockey was coming to an end. As it 16 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
“
got better when I was in there. It was like getting ready for a game. I had this new challenge that I had to tackle, that I wanted to tackle.” Clymer hadn’t tackled a class in 15 years when he walked in for that first day. As he pushed himself through the Carlson School of Management he knew the classwork would be difficult, but there were also psychological challenges Clymer had to creatively conquer. “I sat in the front row all the time, or I tried to anyway,” said Clymer. “I knew if I sat in the front row, I could look at the teacher and I could pretend everybody behind me was my age and I didn’t have to be the old guy in class.” The ability to imagine all the other students
were also in their mid-30s quickly faded though. “They went to a frat party on Friday night and I didn’t, so that part was certainly far different,” Clymer said with a broad smile.
JUST DO IT
clad in his cap and gown on his graduation day last
long ago when he graduated, even if it took a bit
The prospect of returning to school after 10, 15 or
spring.
more time than he originally anticipated.
50 years away would overwhelm almost anyone.
“I promised my dad if [Minnesota] gave me a
Those initial steps to start again, those first days of
T H E G R E AT E S T T R O P H Y
scholarship that I would get my degree at Min-
class and that first mid-term all appear as towering
Graduating college is among the greatest life ac-
nesota. He said, ‘You can do it,’” Bell recalled.
hurdles off in the horizon. Viewed in retrospect
complishments for most people but, to be fair, most
“Coach [Warmath] told me I got the scholarship
though, they’re smaller, less intimidating. Veterans
people haven’t played a sport at the highest level
and I promised my dad I would finish school here.
of the Gopher Graduation Program are as quick to
and captured some of the most notable prizes ath-
“This is top of the pyramid,” Bell added, specif-
point that out and encourage others to go back to
letics has to offer. But even in these instances,
ically addressing where graduating fits within his
school as they are to share their stories of anxiety
among those whose trophy cases can barely con-
lifetime achievements. “I know he’s looking down
and trepidation.
tain every ribbon, ring and medal, a college degree
and saying ‘I told you that you could it.’”
“I would say to not be scared” about going
holds a special spot. Often that’s because the de-
back to school, Branagh said. “At first, it’s a little
gree means as much to others as it does to the
overwhelming … but it was a really good experi-
graduate. “In terms of internal pride for what you did, it
ence.” Clymer agreed. “I’m thankful that I made the
certainly ranks near the top. It was my challenge
choice. I try to challenge some of the guys I see
and it was on me to get it done,” said Clymer. “I
now to go back and get their degree. If they chip
never wanted my kids to think if they were success-
away slowly with a night class here or there, if you
ful at sports it meant that school didn’t matter.”
can get them to take that first step, they’re going
Jake Ricker is an associate athletic communications director at the University of Minnesota. Contact him at rick0127@umn.edu.
Branagh felt like she needed to set a strong example for her daughter as well, but she was also ex-
to follow through.” “Minnesota came up with this program for play-
cited to share her graduation with her former coach.
ers who have played here on scholarships that gives
“[Mike] would always email me or call and ask
them another opportunity to come back and get
me what my plans were for getting my degree,” re-
their degree. They take care of that program and
membered Branagh. “When I first told him I was
that’s just awesome. I want to encourage all the
headed back, I knew that he would be the first call
other players that leave here or any school to get
when I finished. He was thrilled.”
back and get your degree,” Bell proclaimed while
The oldest of the group fulfilled a promise from
Building Success, Story by Story
S
ince launching in 2007, the Gopher Graduation Program has helped nearly 100 former Gopher student-athletes return to the University of Minnesota to continue their education. The premise of the program is
closely to develop a formal graduation plan that in-
ing classes in Minneapolis and St. Paul, others utilize
relatively simple and based on
cludes a roadmap of the classes needed to earn that
online classes that can be taken from anywhere with
common sense, as is the case with
elusive degree. Beyond having a day-to-day contact
nothing more than a desire to learn and a dependable
many good ideas. Any student-
to provide guidance from the first day in the program
internet connection. Anywhere in the world, academ-
athlete who was on scholarship and left the U of M in
to graduation day, former student-athletes also have
ics, compliance and athletics administration can pro-
good academic standing – excluding those who trans-
access to support resources such as tutors, computer
vide the same assistance as they provide on campus
fer to other institutions – is eligible to apply for assis-
labs and other services provided by the MAC.
to help former student-athletes graduate.
tance through the Gopher Graduation Program. If
“We’ve heard from former student-athletes that
“Life gets busy,” said Ryan. “The great thing about
accepted into the program and re-admitted to the Uni-
one of the biggest deterrents is apprehension about
world-class universities is the flexibility they can pro-
versity, a wealth of resources become available. While
navigating a University that they have been away from
vide students to learn from anywhere, whether that’s
many Power 5 conference schools soon will have these
for years, many years in some cases,” said Marc Ryan,
Minnesota, California or Austria. It opens up a lot of
types of lifelong scholarship programs for their stu-
senior associate athletics director and the program’s
opportunities for former student-athletes that didn’t
dent-athletes, Minnesota’s has existed for nearly a
coordinator. “One of the key assets that we provide,
exist decades ago when things had to be done on
decade.
through help from University advisers and MAC coun-
campus.
Not only does the program offer financial assis-
selors, is that ability to navigate the University. Coming
“This program has helped create some incredible
tance on a case-by-case basis that ranges from
back can be a daunting task, but we’ve helped break
success stories and there are many, many more that
stipends for books to full tuition, it also provides ac-
down some barriers and ultimately get a growing num-
are still in the building phase,” added Ryan. “It’s a pro-
cess to the academic support resources Gopher stu-
ber of our former Gophers back on track to graduate.”
gram that all of us associated with Gopher Athletics
dent-athletes enjoy every day. Those in the program
The support system provided by the program, like
and the University of Minnesota can be really, really
are assigned an academic counselor from the McNa-
the University itself, can stretch across the globe. While
mara Academic Center (MAC), with whom they work
many graduates have déjà vu experiences by attend-
proud of.”
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 17
Front row (L to R): Peyton Owens, Sam Macken (softball), Ellie Arveson (soccer), Paige Palkovich (softball), Derek Wiebke (track), Syndey Fabian (softball), Ken Anderson. Back row: Becca Weiland (swimming), Kelsey Joson (track), Tess Wasowicz (track), Tereza Brichacova (tennis), Danielle Parlich (softball), Anissa Lightner, Kaela Anderson, Erica Meyer (softball).
GOPHER GLOBAL GOES TO WINNIPEG BY RACHEL TIMMERMAN
I
t was a warm Sunday morning in July when 14 Gopher student-ath-
the student-athletes that went, it was a new perspective for them and I think
letes and staff filled a bus for an eight-hour drive to a foreign land –
they all gained from that.”
Canada. The trek to Winnipeg, Man., was the first international service trip for Gopher Global, following earlier ventures to South Dakota and Chicago. “The trip in general was just a huge step for Gopher Global,” Kelsey Joson, founder of the program and former Gopher studentathlete said. “Being able to go [abroad] is something that I’ve always
wanted and envisioned for the non-profit.” The volunteer organization is a collaboration between Gopher student-athletes and alumni looking to serve communities nationally and internationally. On their first morning in Winnipeg, the volunteers spent time at homeless shelter Siloam Mission – a new experience for many. “I think that it’s something more people should experience,” track/crosscountry’s Derek Wiebke said of volunteering at the homeless shelter. “I think all
18 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
For Tess Wasowicz, track/cross-country runner and Gopher Global studentathlete chair, her experience talking to people at the homeless shelter was the most eye-opening. “That was really cool because we got to interact on some common level,” Wasowicz said. “It was more of a relationship or a connection instead of this wall between us and them.” During their four-day trip, the group also volunteered at Winnipeg Harvest, packaging and sorting food. One of Joson’s favorite things about the trip was not having any cell service. “It really forced us to get out of our comfort zone of always being on our phone, and just enjoy wherever you are [and] the people you’re with,” Joson said. For alumna Joson, the trip created a sense of community between current and former Gopher student-athletes.
“There were a lot of softball girls [on the
It’s also something that student-athletes
trip], and I could see myself going to a cou-
can afford, as the Gopher Global volunteers
ple softball games this year with my daugh-
fundraise year-round to cover all the costs.
ter to support them like they supported me with Gopher Global,” Joson said.
The team has already begun thinking about their next international location, using
Wiebke saw the trip as a way to not only
the trip to Canada as a building block.
serve, but also as an alternative to studying abroad.
“We crossed an international border, it was a really cool experience but now we
“As a student-athlete, you don’t get a lot
want to take it further,” Wasowicz said. “The
of opportunities to study abroad or get
biggest part that we have taken away, and
some of those experiences,” Wiebke said.
that we can apply to our future trips, is that
“Even though Gopher Global is only a cou-
we need to go in with the mindset that we’re
ple days or a week traveling, it’s something
ready to learn about a new environment and
that a student-athlete can fit in their sched-
learn about new ways to help people in
ule.”
need.”
HEALING HAITI BY RACHEL TIMMERMAN
R
ecent University of Minnesota
poverty and everything that’s going on there. You
graduate Christian Isackson was
have a lot of mixed emotions.”
part of the first class in modern
Isackson said the children helped him learn to
Gophers hockey history to win
love and be happy with the simple things in life.
conference championships all
“They are just so happy to have someone hold
four years, helping the team to
them. Some of the kids can speak pretty good Eng-
four-straight
lish so talking to them, they have so much excite-
NCAA
tourna-
ments and two Frozen Four ap-
ment just to talk to someone.”
pearances. This June, he traveled to Haiti to help a
Back home, Isackson is no stranger to giving back
different kind of team. Isackson joined a group of 10
to the community. Along with teammate Seth Am-
volunteers from Healing Haiti for a week of giving
broz, Isackson was one of the team’s top players for
back.
community relations last year. The two volunteered
“It was always a goal of mine to do some type of
at youth clinics in Battle Creek last winter, where they
mission trip,” Isackson said. He said it was his best
would run drills for kids who wanted to play but
friend, who had already completed a trip with Heal-
couldn’t afford to go to a clinic. They also volun-
ing Haiti, who had a big impact on his decision to
teered with MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)
go.
Muscle Team Minnesota. “I was a little hesitant at first, but then she went
“It was just an amazing experience, the kids were
on the trip and then it took away all the fears or any-
really happy to see us,” Isackson said of volunteering
thing that came with going to a different country.”
at a gala for MDA Muscle Team Minnesota. “They
Fears, such as getting sick without the comforts
wanted us to sign stuff and they also gave us cards
of home. Which ended up happening to Isackson.
that they signed. I still have those. Seth actually
“That was really scary for me because I couldn’t
bought a picture that one of the kids painted at the
just go to the doctor. But they do a great job with
auction.”
having the right medical supplies, so I ended up get-
With Healing Haiti trips almost every week
ting better within a day.”
throughout the year, Isackson said he hopes to go
After recovering from the illness, he was able to
back to Haiti next year, and will continue to volunteer
continue the regular volunteering activities, such as
back home.
delivering water. Volunteers traveled to the poorest slum in Haiti, Cite Soleil, to give water to the residents. “We’d get off the truck to give them water, and there’d be like four or five kids that would leech
“My faith in God has inspired me to [volunteer]. I and wouldn’t let go of you.” It was these moments that made Isackson stop and think about what was happening around him.
onto you because they’re just starving for attention
“You’re seeing all the happiness with the people,
and someone to hold them. They would squeeze
but looking around you’re trying to take in all the
think that will always be a part of my life. I think we’re called to serve others and that’s part of who I am.”
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 19
GOPHER INSIDER
JON CHRISTENSON Year: Redshirt Senior Position: Offensive Line Height: 6-4 Hometown: Minnetonka, Minnesota High School: Minnetonka Major: Biochemistry (graduated with B.S., 2015) Pursuing master’s in public health administration and policy
Redshirt senior offensive lineman Jon Christenson has been consequential in the turnaround of the Gopher football program, both on and off the field. The Minnetonka, Minn. native has been tabbed as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar twice and an Academic All-Big Ten selection three times during his career. Through his hard work and determination, the former walk-on earned a scholarQ: When you first arrived at Minnesota to play Big
ship from head coach Jerry Kill following his sophomore season. His resiliency was put on full display again when he suffered a season-ending leg injury in 2013, but has since battled back and returned to the lineup on the offensive line in 2015.
A: I knew immediately my leg was broken on the field.
Biochemistry and am now getting my master’s in Public
When I held it up, my whole ankle complex just held-
Health Administration and Policy, which will add to my
A: It was a mindset that I had to prove myself as a walk-
down. I knew there was no structure left in my shin. The
resume heading into med school.
on. I just gave it everything I had – and the coaches
previous year an offensive lineman had the same injury
gave me a good shot. I had the vision of a walk-on as
and it ended his career so I didn’t know if I was going
the guy who holds the bags or whatever it may be, but
to run or walk again, let alone play Division I football
Q: Why do you push yourself so hard academically? A: I’ve always been very convinced that every single
the coaches were really good to me. They made it clear
again. It was amazing the peace that came over me
minute and moment is given to us for a reason and we
that they were going to put the best five out there no
that if I didn’t get to play again, that’s alright. Thanks
need to use our time as much as possible. We all have
matter if they were on scholarship or a walk-on. My
to God’s grace I was able to push through and I got
24 hours in a day but how we use it is different. As a
mentality coming in was that I can stick with these guys
help from a lot of other people. I’m glad I’m back. It
Division I football player with a redshirt year, I get five
and that I was going to be one of the starters soon.
was a trying time lying on that field not knowing what
years and I need to figure out how I am going to use
was going to happen.
that. Now I’m on a scholarship and get to go to school
Ten football as a walk-on, what was your mentality?
Q: What do you remember from the day you were
told you would be on scholarship at the U of M?
A: That was unbelievable. I had saved up enough
for free. It’s a gift and I feel very compelled to use every
Q: What are your thoughts heading into this sea-
son?
money for two years to attend the University of the
A: I’m so excited. Getting all the hardware out of my
Minnesota and I was down to about $200 in my bank
leg and feeling great for the first time in a couple years – I can’t wait to get going.
account. I was actually going to have to quit football or figure something out. Within two weeks, Coach Kill came to me with a scholarship. I called my mom and she started to cry. It was a very emotional experience for me knowing I could stay here at the U and play.
Q: What interests you about the focuses of your
schoolwork?
A: Right now, I’m on the trajectory of medicine. I had
moment I have to propel forward rather than letting myself slack off.
Q: Once college football is over, what’s next for you?
A: After college football is done, I’ll definitely try for the NFL. That’s a dream of any Division I or even high school football player. I’ll try out for that but, if it doesn’t work out, then it will be med school.
some aunts and uncles that were doctors. They showed
Q: What was your first thought when you were injured back in 2013?
20 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
me how neat and rewarding that career was. I was in the College of Biological Sciences, got my degree in
interview by Cody Voga
GOPHER INSIDER
HANNAH BRANDT Year: Senior Position: Forward Height: 5-6 Hometown: Vadnais Heights, Minnesota High School: Hill-Murray Major: Health & Wellness
To say senior Hannah Brandt has played a key role in the Gophers’ dominance in recent years would be an understatement. The two-time defending WCHA Player of the Year has helped the Gophers to two national titles and three-straight WCHA regular season crowns in her first three seasons. She is also a three-time
worker and is fun to watch. If I can work half as hard as
success in your college hockey career?
he does, I consider it a success.
vidually, things have gone pretty well so far, but I am
Q: If you could play another sport in college besides
A: It’s been fun for our team to be so successful. Indijust happy to have the national championships. Most
hockey, what would it be?
Q: How does it feel to have helped build a women’s hockey dynasty at the University of Minnesota?
A: It started the year before I came since they won the national championship then, too. My freshman year, we went 41-0, so that was pretty special for everyone who
people are happy to win one, or any type of trophy in
A: I would probably play soccer since I played it all
their college career. We’ve already won two national
through high school, although I don’t like running very
ing. I think the culture of the team is we’re going to win
championships and a few WCHA titles. It’s definitely
much, so the practices would be tough. That’s one of
every game and have fun doing it. We have been able
fun to win. It makes the experience even better. Every
the good things about hockey, I actually like the prac-
to do that so far and hopefully we can keep it going. I
day it is fun to be a part of this team, and winning just
tices.
can remember every single loss that I have had. There’s
adds a little extra.
Q: What do you remember from scoring the game-
winning goal in the 2015 national championship game?
A: That goal was kind of funny. Coach Frost and I joke
about it all the time. I was hopping over the bench and he said, “All right, get one right now, we need one,” since it had been 1-0 for so long. I stepped out on the ice, received a nice pass from Maryanne Menefee in the slot and then the puck was in the net. It happened so quickly. Frosty tries to take credit for the goal.
Q: Who is your favorite professional hockey player? A: I would say Zach Parise because he is such a hard
Q: What was it like to be able to represent your
country at the 2015 IIHF Women’s World Championships with the U.S. National Team? A: It was pretty cool. It was tough leaving the morning after we won the national championship to go play more hockey, but as soon as everything settled down, it was unbelievable to represent my country. To win a gold medal was even better. It was a good couple of weeks for Lee Stecklein, Dani Cameranesi and I, winning a national championship and then a world championship. Both are very special and different since I am together with one group for nine months and the other for just two weeks. Anytime you get to put on the USA jersey, it’s pretty special.
was a part of it. Since then, it’s been pretty smooth sail-
only four of them. You know it’s good when you can remember every loss.
Q: What has been your favorite part about playing for the Gophers?
A: I think the best part is when I go to the games and there are so many little girls in the crowd. You know that you’re their role model and they look up to you so much. I remember being one of those little girls that went to the games, so to make such a big impact on them is special. They will tell us, “We want to be Gophers one day,” so we try to give them something to strive for.
interview by Hannah Barnes SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 21
PHOTO: BRAD REMPEL
Q: How does it feel to have already had so much
Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist and a two-time first team All-American. Entering her senior year with 221 career points, Brandt is one of just 27 women’s college hockey players all-time to surpass 200 career points. She’ll serve as a team captain next season as the Gophers look to defend the 2015 NCAA title.
D
aly Santana scrolls through her smartphone, burrowing through her photos looking for just the right image to share. The album isn’t what you’d expect from a 20-year-old college student — photo after photo showcases delicious-looking platters of entrees she’s prepared. Puerto Rican dishes, double-
decker chicken sandwiches, fettuccine casserole. Photos that would make Emeril Lagasse jealous. She has them for a reason. Back in her native Puerto Rico, Santana admits she didn’t cook at
home. The photos are evidence sent to her mom showing that she does, in fact, prepare meals while at college here in Minnesota. Typically not just for herself, either. Neighbors and friends — particularly her roommate, Dalianliz Rosado — are part of the dinner planning. Come meal time, the two have a pretty regular routine. “I dirty the dishes, and [Rosado] cleans them,” Santana said, smiling. “When she cooks, I only have to clean the kitchen,” Rosado smiled back. A perfect match. And that’s just the beginning. Rosado and Santana have known each other for years going all the way back to their elementary school days in Puerto Rico. They grew up 11 miles away from one another — Rosado in Morovis, Santana in Corozal — playing against each other in club and high school volleyball before becoming teammates on Puerto Rican National Teams. Both were recruited by the Gophers and both chose Minnesota without knowing the other was being recruited. Now here, more than 2,400 miles from home, they are sharing a two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit at Roy Wilkins Hall and growing closer than they’ve ever been. There’s a bond developing that neither can truly explain. As Santana enters her senior year as a Gophers’ outside hitter, she and Rosado — a sophomore libero — are determined to work together and help Minnesota rebound from a disappointing 2014 with a memorable tournament run this fall. Both will be significant contributors on this Gopher team. Santana was a 2014 AVCA AllAmerica honorable mention and an All-Big Ten honorable mention. Rosado led the team with 296 digs last year as a freshman. Statistically, they’re important pieces in the Gophers’ potential success. As individual competitors, their roles fuel them to help the team succeed. The fact that they’re doing it together makes their situation, their upcoming season, even more special. “We are not just friends. We’re more like family,” Rosado said. “I love her as my older sister. She’s here, she’s my older sister. So I trust her as my sister — probably something I couldn't do with others.”
The Early Years It wasn’t always that way. Neither Rosado nor Santana can recall the very first time they played one another in Puerto Rico. Santana, nine months Rosado’s senior, was about nine years old when they first squared off. She recalls Rosado’s dad being an intense coach on the sidelines and Rosado being a doeverything player for her team. What they both remember is how competitive the other was on the court and how neither liked losing when they squared off. “I’d say this is the closest we’ve ever been,” Santana said. “Because we knew each other, we hated each other when we played each other.” Today, those wins and losses don’t matter as much to the duo. They can’t recall who holds a better head-to-head record — both decided Rosado’s club team likely held the edge while Santana won more games in high school. What does matter is the friendship and respect that developed. During elementary school, they were merely standout players whose teams faced one another due to geographic proximity. Then they began spending time together at weekend-long tournaments. Soon their moms were hanging out, watching games together on the bleachers. Santana and Rosado began riding to tournaments together, having sleepovers and making plans outside the gym. In 2011, they were teammates on the Puerto Rican Youth National Team that competed in 22 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
HERMANAS por siempre
IN ANY LANGUAGE, THE BOND FORGED BETWEEN D A LY S A N TA N A A N D D A L I A N L I Z R O S A D O I S M O R E T H A N F R I E N D S H I P. — S T O RY BY M A R K R E M M E
the Peru International Cup. In 2012, they were teammates at the Pan American Games. “We got closer in high school,” Santana said. “We were playing against each other, and on the National Team we were playing together. We went to Mexico together, Peru, Guatemala. We’ve been to a thousand places.” What the two didn’t realize was they were about
The one thing that formed this bond more than anything was the fact that they’d taken similar paths to get here. It’s something unique to them that
to develop a bond neither saw coming — one that
no one else — regardless how
began in their home country but was nurtured thou-
close — can fully appreciate.
sands of miles away.
“We probably didn’t make it happen, it just happened,” Santana said. “You can’t just make a friendship like this happen. And it feels great.”
Growing Up — And Together — On Campus Santana was already an established, key player for the Gophers by the time Rosado arrived in 2014. She had two seasons under her belt, including a unanimous selection to the 2012 Big Ten All-Freshman team and a spot on the 2012 NCAA All-Tournament team. As a sophomore, she led the team in aces and was top-five
Choosing the Gophers
It was an inviting feeling, one that a high school stu-
Minnesota recognized their talents and was interested
dent so far from home could appreciate. Making the
“She’s always had a wonderful passion for the
in having them join its roster in the Big Ten. Former
move to the United States was one thing, but moving
sport, and I think she now has a greater understanding
Gophers assistant coach Laura Bush, who frequently
to Minneapolis was quite different. This was not a
of the nuances of it,” said Gopher head coach Hugh
recruited in Puerto Rico, played a big role in both
puddle jump to Florida. This was the Midwest, so the
McCutcheon, whose first year at Minnesota was San-
players choosing Minnesota. She began watching
comfort level in the volleyball program and on cam-
tana’s freshman season. “She could always hit it hard,
Santana at tournaments, talking to her about career
pus had to be there.
no question. But she’s really developed control under
on the Gophers in attempts, kills and kills per set.
goals and Santana’s interest in Minnesota, and those
It was.
hand, she can pass really well and she has a great
conversations led to a recruiting visit to Minneapolis.
“I really liked how people treated each other, hon-
serving attack with great range. I think she’s more well-
Rosado had already considered Minnesota after
estly,” Santana said. “It was all about, ‘Here is who we
rounded and she has worked well at being good at
attending a volleyball summer camp here in 2010. She
are as a team, as a program, and this is what we have
different aspects of the game.” This four-year journey has taught Santana a lot, admittedly, both on and off the court. She’s learned to be independent—to be strong and responsible while being so far away from home. She knows her last season is coming up. While it’s bittersweet, she has gained perspective and excitement for what lies ahead. Santana said she notices how she’s developed into a smarter player. She understands those nuances McCutcheon mentioned and she sees the importance of reading the game rather than simply reacting. She’s developed a comfort level in taking on more leadership and responsibilities to help push the team to success. “I just think being more comfortable with myself and trusting myself,” Santana said. “The decisions I made on and off the court, it’s helped me in life and with my leadership outside of volleyball.” Leading the team in digs as a freshman, Rosado came in with the ability to make an impact. Now, she’s working hard to translate her growing level of comfort level in her new home into even more success in 2015. And she’s working on the little things that will help take her to that next level.
to potentially playing for the school in the future. MILLER
PHOTOS: ERIC
liked the experience and was immediately interested
to offer.’ A take it or leave it kind of thing.”
“Mechanically she’s cleaned up a lot,” Mc-
It was around the time that Santana committed to
Cutcheon said. “She’s very, very talented and has a
“After I was done with camp, they told me to keep
Minnesota in 2012 and prepared to make the move
great feel for the ball. She’s done some things that
learning English because at the time I didn’t know any
for her freshman season that the two made the con-
changed the way she goes about executing the fun-
English,” Rosado said. “So I kept learning until I com-
nection. Rosado would not join the Gophers for two
damentals that are much more consistent in terms of
mitted. That was pretty much it. I came on two official
seasons, but at that point the two realized they would
ability and getting to the next level.”
visits here.”
likely, once again, be teammates.
Rosado said she feels that confidence boost al-
It only took Santana one visit to realize Minnesota
Together they’d experience getting an education,
ready as a sophomore. Away from volleyball, she’s
was the right place for her to go to school. She liked
playing competitively in the United States and grow-
feeling much more comfortable as well. Adjusting to
the culture and the people that she met on campus.
ing an inseparable friendship.
taking classes took time, particularly since English is
24 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
her second language. Homework took a bit longer
result, but one that perhaps provided the team a new
than it might as a native speaker.
understanding of what needs to transpire to compete
And being away from her parents was an adjustment as well.
among the nation’s elite. So the 2015 season essentially started the day after
“I used to do everything with my family,” she said.
the 2014 season ended. There was a reflection period,
“But I don’t have them here. So I have to do things by
one that yielded new goals, understanding of needed
myself, which helped me grow as a person.”
individual growth and an overall refreshed focus. Each
What both also came to realize very quickly is the bond they share because of their long history playing together and the friendship that continued to grow. When Rosado arrived on campus, the two began spending more time together. That led to the decision to become roommates in this final season together on the team.
day, the team agreed, it would get one percent better. “We know what needs to be done,” Santana said. “These are the steps. These are the things we need to follow. We’re not moving on until we fix that or improve that.” It has been a spring and summer filled with trying to go one extra step in order to improve by that one
The one thing that formed this bond more than
percent. It has been early morning runs, extra film ses-
anything was the fact that they’d taken similar paths
sions, attention to detail and focusing on one thing at
to get here. It’s something unique to them that no one
a time. Santana and Rosado have used this time to
else — regardless how close — can fully appreciate.
help keep one another focused and accountable at
“We have friends, we have teammates, we have
every workout. As teammates, roommates and close
coaches — but it’s not the same,” Santana said. “It’s
friends, they watch out for what each other is doing
not the same as family. So in those moments, we look
and make sure each day’s workout and practice yields
for each other. Just to help each other not feel like
the necessary results.
there is something missing. We fill that spot for each other.” “I feel the same way,” Rosado said.
McCutcheon has watched his team’s focus throughout the spring and said these incremental improvements are certainly noticeable. “Our athletes have developed a capacity for hard
TAKING THE GOPHERS TO THE NEXT LEVEL The Gophers finished the 2014 season with a 19-12 record, including a 9-11 conference mark, and missed the NCAA tournament. It was an admittedly frustrating
work, and I think before they understood the words but didn’t understand the actions that would commiserate with championship behaviors,” McCutcheon said. “Being in the toughest league in the country, you have to bring it every night. They made the decision on who they were going to be and the commitment they were going to have toward improvement.” That drive for success in their final season together is one more special bond that Santana and Rosado share in their friendship. Being able to take the Gophers back to the NCAA tournament is a goal both feel great responsibility to help bring to fruition. They’ll do it one step at a time, getting better one percent each day. They’ll do it through long practices and cooking sessions and time away from the court. They’ll do it together as friends — really, as family. “It’s not only knowing we’re close — that’s not enough,” Santana said. “It’s not just that we’re teammates or we’re from Puerto Rico — that’s not enough. Just being aware of our connection, if that makes sense. I don’t know how to explain it. Just being aware of what we have makes us really close.” Sometimes, being unable to explain a connection is enough. “We don’t have to show anyone,” Rosado said. “We know.”
Mark Remme is a freelance writer for Ski-U-Mah. He can be reached at mark.remme@gmail.com.
Rosado and Santana grew up 11 miles from each other in Puerto Rico. SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 25
BLUE COLLAR GOLFER JOHN CARLSON TOOK A CIRCUITOUS ROUTE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA,
BUT THE STOPS ALONG THE WAY ALL HELPED SHAPE HIS CAREER AS THE GOPHERS’ HEAD MEN’S GOLF COACH. BY JUSTINE BUERKLE
J
ohn Carlson has been an assistant golf professional, a clothing sales representative, a cologne salesman and a wine deliveryman — all at once. For a three-year span, he pieced together multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Now, Carlson has cut down to one job: head men’s golf coach at the
said. “Most golfers know that sometimes it takes three years to shoot 49.
University of Minnesota. He went from instructing country club members
So immediately, he was like, ‘You might have a knack for this. You’re not
to teaching Big Ten-level golfers, from selling the latest scents to selling
that fast, you can’t jump that high and you’re really not that good of a
recruits on the latest accomplishments of his golf program.
shooter. So basketball might not be in your future. Golf might be your
The Golden Gophers won the 2014 Big Ten title and have finished in
ticket.’ That’s how I got started.”
the conference’s top three for three straight years. Carlson had no experi-
Carlson’s first three clubs were a heavily-used 5-iron, 7-iron and 9-iron
ence in college or high school coaching before his arrival at Minnesota,
from a neighbor. Soon he was playing all the time, up to 54 holes a day,
but his background and connections have served him well. His program’s
with those clubs at Twin Pines Golf Course. He would golf with anyone,
success has been because of, not in spite of, his indirect path to coaching.
and if he was lucky he could even hitch a ride on his playing partners’ golf cart.
PHOTOS: ERIC MILLER
Golf in the back yard and the graveyard
Carlson’s blue-collar golf upbringing meant picking up all the balls he
Growing up in the northern Minnesota town of Bagley, Carlson did not play
hit at the driving range, including those that ended up in the cemetery at
his first round of golf until age 11. Dan Fischer, a friend who would become
the end of the 200-yard range. He broke several nearby apartment win-
a prolific high school basketball player, brought him along to the course
dows and even one-hopped a ball through a police car’s back window. If
during a break from hoops.
he wasn’t at the course or the range, Carlson could often be found chip-
“The very first round that I ever played with him, I shot 49,” Carlson
26 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
ping into empty coffee cans scattered around the family’s yard.
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 27
In lieu of formal instruction, young
and became the assistant pro, re-
Carlson and his father, Doug, who
maining there until joining the Go-
was the long-time athletic director
phers’
and track coach at Bagley High
tournaments and leagues at first,
School, would bring issues of Golf Di-
which would later help him orches-
gest to the driving range. Carlson
trate the Gopher Invitational. During
picked up most of his golf ability just
the latter part of his time at
by practicing and trying to copy the
Wayzata, he primarily gave lessons
likes of Payne Stewart, Tom Lehman
to members.
and Phil Mickelson.
staff.
Carlson
ran
Due to the seasonal nature of
Carlson got his first set of tour
being a golf professional in Min-
model clubs around ninth grade. In
nesota, Carlson still had to make
12th grade, Bagley squeaked into its
ends meet and did so with a unique
sectional tournament (“It was five of
collection of jobs. He worked for
the most nervous people you’ve ever
Straight Down Clothing, drove a
seen on the first tee.”), and Carlson
wine truck delivering to area liquor
was the star of the team. He won 12
stores and worked at the Macy’s
straight junior events that year and it
cologne counter. Carlson continued
became clear that he had a shot to
to play in tournaments as well, win-
play Division I golf.
ning his second straight Tapemark Charity Pro-Am in 2008. After a few years at Wayzata, a
New opportunities
fork appeared in the road, in the
Carlson took a handful of official vis-
form of a job posting for the Go-
its, including one at the U. Though he
phers’ associate head coach posi-
would have liked to attend his home
tion. Carlson could see himself
state’s flagship school, he ended up
becoming a head pro, but at the
choosing one of the Gophers’ rivals.
same time was intrigued by coach-
“John Means was the coach (at
ing and the opportunity it presented
Minnesota) at the time,” Carlson said.
for more time with family in the sum-
“He knew I was on the edge of being
mer. Around that time, he played in
a pretty good player. They offered
a pro-am with Kurt Schuette, who
me a small scholarship, but my parents were both teachers and it was really important for me to go where the money was, and also where the playing time was. (Minnesota) had an extremely good team here at the time. Wisconsin had five seniors when I got there, so I thought when that turned over maybe I’d be able to play right away.” On campus, Carlson finally began receiving indepth technical golf instruction. And although he
“He called me on the phone and he’s like, ‘That’s a great opportunity. Go do that in Minnesota and don’t look back.’”
grew up with teachers and coaches as parents — Doug even recalls coaching at a wrestling tournament with baby John behind him in a bassinette — Carlson cites college as the time when he truly began considering a coaching career. “I saw my assistant coach in college, Pat Gorman, just loved to be around us,” Carlson said. Thus the coaching idea was firmly planted, but Carlson had other options to pursue first. Following his four years in Madison, he began a professional career that saw him win 14 tournament titles on the Nationwide and NGA Tours. Then on the Fourth of July during his best season, his wife, Caese, called him from Lake Minnetonka with some of their friends. “I was in a casino in 110-degree weather down in Owasso, Oklahoma,” Carlson said. “I just decided at that point I was done. I was missing out on everything.” Carlson wanted to spend more time with his family and friends back in Minnesota, so he interviewed with Wayzata Country Club professional Dick Walters 28 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
was the coach at Pepperdine and later the director of golf at USC. The two stayed in touch following the event and Carlson asked Schuette for his advice about getting into coaching. “He called me on the phone and he’s like, ‘That’s a great opportunity. Go do that in Minnesota and don’t look back,’” Carlson said.
FROM BADGER TO GOPHER Carlson followed Schuette’s advice and arrived on campus in the fall of 2010. When director of golf John Harris left and the men’s and women’s golf programs were split, Carlson had an unexpected opportunity to become a head coach less than a year after his coaching career began. He had to reapply for the job while he and Caese were in the process of buying a house and daughter Collins was on the way. Carlson was offered the job over dozens of other candidates, including many with head coaching experience. “It was surprising and it was also an extremely stressful time for me,” he said. “But, you know what? Everything’s been a little unconventional. From there on, it’s been a nice journey.” During those first few years at the U, Carlson had a lot to learn. He knew the game, he knew how to build relationships and he knew how to stay organized. He even knew a little bit about recruiting from volunteering for family friend Mike Roysland, the women’s basketball coach at Minnesota-Crookston. But things like budgeting, scheduling tournaments and dealing the team component of coach-
A GREAT
ing were new. Carlson used his resources, frequently asking his dad and Schuette for advice. “It wasn’t so much about the swing mechanics,” Doug said. “It was more the team part of it, dealing with a lot of the different personalities you could end up with.”
RETURN
Doug wanted his son to know the importance of being organized, communicating reasons for his decisions and instilling a positive team attitude in his student-athletes. John placed an emphasis on academics, competing in strong tournaments and working with the players who were already in the program rather than looking past them at “his own” future recruits. In 2013-14, Carlson’s third year as the head coach, the Gophers won four tournaments, including the Big Ten Championship. The improvement of seniors Jon Trasamar and Alex Gaugert, two “inherited” players, was a major factor. Of course, winning the Big Ten title meant beating his alma mater. Carlson, whose wife ran track at Minnesota and whose daughter wears a lot of Maroon and Gold, is happy to have switched sides in the Border Battle. He has enjoyed seeing his student-athletes mature and graduate, and connecting with the program’s alumni. “I feel a real sense of pride being from Minnesota, having wanted to be a Gopher,” Carlson said. “I just wasn’t quite good enough at the time. Now we can go ahead and compete against the Badgers.” This upcoming season, Carlson would like the Gophers to be more consistent at all five starting positions, not just the top few spots. He tells them, “I want all of you guys to compete to be the No. 1 guy.” As the program progresses, Carlson has felt strong support from the Bagley community, an area that doesn’t yield a high volume of Division I athletes or coaches. His family in particular has had a front row seat witnessing him synthesize his past experiences into something new. “Each area, he’s learned a little bit and brought that into his coaching,” Doug said. John’s parents’ examples showed him the time, effort and attitude it took to be a coach. Playing and practicing in Bagley gave him a work ethic and a start in golf. From college golf, he took the finer points of the game and the joy of being around a team. As a pro player he fell in love with practicing, learned from other players around him and built connections to secure sponsorships. His assistant pro role introduced him to teaching golf and organizing events. His part-time jobs reinforced the importance of relationships in all aspects of life. Carlson has considered bringing his Gophers with him to Twin Pines, where he still occasionally goes to play. He tells them anecdotes about his background, partially for the conversation, but partially hoping that his story can inspire them to do their best. “You can be as good as you want,” he said. “I tell my guys that all the time. You don’t need the best of everything. You really need to have an inner drive that’s a lot more than the person next to you.” Justine Buerkle is an assistant athletic communications director at the U of M. She can be reached at jbuerkle@umn.edu.
L
ast fall, Carlson brought back a highly-decorated Gopher alumnus as his assistant coach. Justin Smith (2001-04) was a member of Minnesota’s national championship team in 2002 and earned individual accolades on the conference
and national level. He then played on the NGA and Web.com Tours, collecting several wins and top-10 finishes. He stopped playing professionally in 2012. “I always thought with professional golf, it’s got to be all about you in order to really succeed and I’m not like that as a person,” Smith said. “I wanted to give back and I realized that college golf was the best time I ever had.” Being a Gopher and being friends with Carlson, Smith found the perfect opportunity when assistant Tyler Stith took the head coaching job at Iowa in 2014. Smith’s first time walking the course with his old team, he “was a nervous wreck,” second-guessing himself now that the reads he was making would affect someone’s game besides his own. Going into his second year, he looks forward to a more confident start to the season at the Gopher Invitational on Sept. 13-14. Smith can certainly be confident in his ability to help his team select the right equipment. Between his
Smith drained the putt that clinched the 2002 NCAA Championship for Minnesota. The Gophers became the first Northern team since 1979 to win the NCAA crown.
retirement from the pro circuit and his return to the U, Smith worked for a golf equipment retailer. He kept up with golf’s changing technology and learned how to fit people for clubs based on multiple factors, and his knowledge has made an impact. “I wanted to help kids hopefully pursue some things that I was able to do,” Smith said. “It all goes back here to Minnesota.”
In 2014, Carlson led Minnesota to its first Big Ten team title since 2007 and freshman Jose Mendez (left), tied for medalist honors.
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 29
KING
ITS GOOD TO BE BY MICHAEL MOLDE
30 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
JOEY KING, THE WINNING-MATTERSMOST HEART OF THE GOPHER MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM, DOESN’T ALWAYS DO HIS JOB WITH STYLE AND GRACE, BUT HE ALWAYS DOES HIS JOB BY KEVIN KURTT
I
’m not much of a basketball guy. My lone season of “compet-
and exhilarate Minnesota fans. It’s something that has not gone un-
itive” hoops came in middle school and it included a game in
noticed.
which I played a grand total of one second - the game’s final
“I always have Gopher fans coming up to me and saying, ‘Oh
second. Needless to say, my mother was none too pleased
Joey frustrates me at times’ and I sit there and laugh,” Pitino said.
with the coach.
“Joey is the [last] person on our team that ever frustrates me. He
Truth be told, I didn’t care much. I was happy on the end of the bench, watching my taller, more talented teammates gobble up the playing time.
“You’re going to hear the noise no matter what,” King said. “You’re going to be loved one day and hated the next.”
When I did get in a game, it usually involved me turning
the ball over or, at best, getting the ball out of my hands and to a teammate as soon as possible. I’m pretty confident the longest I ever touched the ball was when they handed it to me - out of pity, I assume - for the team picture.
But why? What is it about King that creates such a conflicted relationship with Gopher fans? Haugh’s theory involves King’s image as a player. “I think it might just have to do with his athleticism. When people think about a Di-
I’m still not much of a basketball guy. Sure, I can dribble (with
my right hand exclusively) and shoot (right-handed layups for this guy), but the only 1-on-1 game I’m likely to win these days is against my seven-year-old.
vision I athlete, they’re picturing some big, tall, muscular, athletic guy and that’s not how Joey is.” Pitino thinks it has to do with the way King plays the game. “It may not be flamboyant or the prettiest looking thing, but Joey is
Likewise, I don’t totally get basketball strategy. Explain a team’s offense or defense to me and you’ll likely be rewarded with a blank stare and a quick attempt to change the subject.
going to make the right play and be effective in doing it.” For King himself, he attributes the love-hate relationship to his willingness to do whatever it takes to win. “I’ve grown up wanting
However, I wholeheartedly enjoy watching basketball, though only the college version and usually just when the Gophers are on TV or when I can wrangle up a ticket to Williams Arena. And the player I enjoy watching the most is senior forward Joey King. Unlike me, he’s a basketball guy.
to win and I wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of that, so I think that’s why I’ve had mixed reviews.” He also thinks if fans really knew him, they wouldn’t be so tough when things don’t go his way on the court. “I like to keep myself out of the spotlight. I don’t run around on social media making
“In high school, he would actually spend, not kidding, like four
noise. You know, it’s not something I stress over. People will have
hours a day in the gym shooting,” junior guard Darin Haugh, a long-
their opinions and they’re entitled to them. I’ve got great people
time friend of King’s, said. “He would put his headphones in and he
who surround me. They love and care about me. I’m in great hands
didn’t care if he was there all day.”
so I don’t have to worry about those who are against me.”
More specifically, Joey King is a Gopher basketball guy. He’s
Despite being a player who draws his fair share of criticism, King
been a Minnesota fan since childhood. The guy bleeds maroon and
has a decidedly positive attitude about what others think of him. It
gold.
hasn’t always been that way.
“Joey grew up singing the Rouser and dreaming of putting on
“I’ve grown as a person every year,” King said. “Maybe back in
the Minnesota jersey,” third-year Gopher head coach Richard Pitino
high school I wasn’t the most respectful player around or the friend-
said. “He truly does play for the name on the front of the jersey. He
liest. But that’s because I’ve always wanted to be a winner. You can’t
loves playing for this basketball program.”
make everyone happy. “
“Being a Gopher is his dream,” Haugh said. “This is home for
“I know at first (the criticism) used to bother him,” Haugh said.
him. He always talked about it growing up and he finally made it a
“Growing up he would always say, ‘Did you see that someone said
reality. I know that this means the world to him.”
this and someone said that?’ He would use it as motivation, even
”
While I enjoy watching King, for a percentage of Minnesota fans, PHOTOS: ERIC MILLER
does so many little things really, really well.”
there exists a love-hate relationship with the 6-9 native of Eagan, Minn. It’s most evident on Twitter during TV broadcasts of Gopher games. By nature, social media is a place for instant reaction laced with emotion, especially while fans are watching their favorite team. But for some reason, King experiences both the praise and the wrath of Gopher faithful.
though it used to bother him. He would use it to work harder.”
It may not be flamboyant or the prettiest looking thing, but Joey is going to make the right play and be effective in doing it.
”
– HEAD COACH RICHARD PITINO
To wit: On Feb. 21, one person tweeted, “Joey King should not touch a basketball ever again.” Six days later, another tweeted, “I'm so proud of how Joey King plays Minnesota Gophers basketball.”
Working hard is a theme you hear often with King. It’s a reason for his success and a guiding principle for everything he does, both on the court and off. Last season, Pitino had the entire team - coaches, players, staff - do a self-evaluation. Part of that process was an anonymous survey that rated everyone in the program in a variety
of categories. King was consistently ranked as the team’s hardest worker. “He has everybody’s respect because every possession of every practice or game he’s giving it his all,” Pitino said. “It all comes down to practice and bringing it every single day,”
It’s a dynamic that plays out during each Gopher basketball game. For some reason, King is so often the player to both infuriate
King said. “Over the years I’ve built my own brand as being the hardest worker - on and off the court.” SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 31
“
JOEY DOESN’T CARE WHAT POSITION
”
HE PLAYS, HE DOESN’T CARE IF HE PLAYS 30 MINUTES A GAME OR 10
MINUTES A GAME, HE JUST WANTS TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO WIN. – RICHARD PITINO
Off the court means Big Ten Distinguished Scholar
team to a 68-18 record over three seasons. He finished
headed to Des Moines, Iowa to join the Drake Univer-
recognitions (awarded to letterwinners with a GPA
his career ranked first in program history in season
sity basketball program. In one season with the Bull-
bove 3.7) and nearing a degree in Communications
points (693 in 2011-12 for 23.9 ppg) and season field
dogs, he was named to the Missouri Valley Conference
with a minor in New Media Technologies.
goal percentage (64.0 in 2011-12), second in career
All-Freshman Team after averaging 6.9 points and 2.9
“I do very well in the classroom and I take care of
points (1,368) and career field goal percentage (56.5),
rebounds while shooting 35 percent from three-point
all my studies, but then I don’t let that affect my bas-
third in career rebounds (382) and fourth in career
range.
ketball,” King said. “Even if I’ve had a long day, I’m
three-point field goal percentage (42.5).
A coaching change at Drake and an effort to be
still going to come and compete in practice every sin-
In the spring and summer, King played AAU ball
closer to his younger brother, Erik - who was battling
gle day. I think that’s what has given me a lot of suc-
with Minnesota Southside, a blue-collar, no-frills team
cancer and is now in remission - led King to transfer to
cess.”
coached by Bill Olson and Haugh’s father, Dan. It was
Minnesota after the 2012-13 season. Since joining the
with Southside that King credits gaining his strong
Golden Gophers, King has averaged 8.3 points and
work ethic and toughness.
2.8 rebounds per game and shot 47 percent from the
King began his successful athletic career growing up as a three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. Towering a head taller than his team-
“I can’t stress enough how important the Southside
mates and opponents for much of his life and entering
coaches were to me and my teammates for our daily
high school at about 6-6, King gave up the gridiron
improvement,” King said. “They stressed the impor-
“The more you watch Joey, the more you appreci-
and diamond, and focused on the hardwood.
tance of being a good person and a hard worker. They
ate how much he brings to a team,” Pitino said. “He
told us that will get us places instead of just our tal-
does so many little things that don’t show up on a box
ent.”
score. He makes what we call ‘winning plays.’ He’s a
As a three-year letterwinner and two-time all-state honoree at Eastview High School, King led the Lightning to a pair of state tournaments, while helping the
32 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
After a standout prep and AAU career, King
field. His career 39.5 three-point percentage ranks just outside the top-five in Gopher history.
guy who wants to take the last shot and believes it’s
going in. He’s got great inner confidence
doing the right thing, focused on academics
and mental toughness. He can definitely
and basketball. He’s the guy that should sepa-
shoot the basketball and was playing really
rate himself as one of the best leaders on our
well towards the end of last year. He was
team.”
somebody, when we got him, we were ex-
“Having a winning mentality of a leader on
cited about and I think we were right to be.”
the team actually picks up other people, especially during drills,” Haugh said. “He can get
Stats don’t do much for King. Neither
frustrated if something isn’t going his way, but
does starting or coming off the bench. He’s
then on the next possession he will go all out.
not the player poring over the box score to
Other people see it and he brings them with
check his numbers at the end of the game.
him. It’s pretty cool to see.”
“It really comes down to playing the
“As a senior leader, I’m trying to continue to
game I love, so I’m going to do what Coach
push these young guys forward to be success-
wants me to do so I stay on the court,” King
ful,” King said. “I’m also trying to teach them
said. “If I’m not playing, I know I’m doing
how to go about every single day the right way,
something wrong and, of course, that’s when
on and off the court.”
I’ll make changes. I don’t care who makes a
Although Joey King is a Minnesota native, a
basket, I just want to win. When it comes to
longtime Gopher fan, a hard worker, a standout
stats, the only thing that really counts for me
shooter, a team player and a leader, he’s a light-
is wins and losses.”
ning rod for criticism from so many fans. It does-
It’s a trait that Pitino cherishes on his
n’t make sense, but it’s certainly not something
team and one that he hopes King passes on
about which King seems to worry.
to his teammates.
“It doesn’t affect me one bit,” King said.
“Joey doesn’t care what position he
“Fans will stand with you, then be against you.
plays, he doesn’t care if he plays 30 minutes
That’s the nature of the sport.
a game or 10 minutes a game, he just wants
“It’s really all about how you react to it. Are
to do whatever it takes to win,” Pitino said.
you going to take a step back and feel bad for
“We’re trying to teach other guys to be like
yourself? Or are you going to erase that mistake
that because that’s such a unique quality to
on the next play and move forward? That’s what
have. Not all guys are made like that.”
I’ve learned to do. If I make a mistake, I’m going
King’s willingness to sacrifice for the team
make a positive impact on the next play.”
in pursuit of wins has turned the senior into
Words to live by, whether you’re a basket-
the consummate team player. During offsea-
ball guy or not.
son practices, King has been paired against freshman
Murphy makes a mistake guarding King a certain way,
forward Jordan Murphy. According to Pitino, Murphy
King will tell him what he’s doing wrong.
JOEY KING ON...
has called King the most helpful player on the team. If
“He’s an outstanding kid,” Pitino said. “He’s always
Kevin Kurtt is the editor of Let’s Play Hockey and is a freelance writer for Ski-U-Mah.
u GOING BY JOEY AND NOT JOE
so much that I can’t go out there without confidence. I
now, we’re building something here for the future. I’m
“I’m not really sure, actually. The only person who has
know I’ve put in the work and the time and I think that
so thankful for the opportunity to play here and entertain
ever come up to me about changing it was Andre
disperses across everyone on the floor with me. I know
fans on a daily basis. It’s really special for me. Being that
(Hollins). He was like, ‘Dude, why don’t you go by Joe?’
that the guys out there have put in the time with me; all
first guy with Coach Pitino’s new start here and spending
But I don’t really know. No one has ever really talked to
the long days and nights of hard work. I think that com-
his first three years with him has just been a blast. I
me about it.”
petitive spirit we have gives us confidence on the floor
wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
u COMING HOME TO PLAY FOR THE GOPHERS
to compete at the level that we know we can.”
u CREATING A LEGACY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
“For a while it was pretty surreal. Growing up you would
u OPPOSING FANS
see it and think, ‘OK, it might happen.’ But the first time
“I don’t hear much from the fans because I block it out.
“Growing up here, it’s such a cool experience for me be-
I got to go into Williams Arena and shoot around by my-
I’m so focused on trying to get my team rallied together.
cause I feel like I am a part of laying that foundation for
self I was thinking, ‘I made it here, finally.’ Obviously, it
Obviously, fans get after everyone, that’s the Big Ten for
a brighter future. If players from Minnesota can follow in
took a lot of work and preparation over the years. It was
you. But if you can’t handle it, then maybe playing at
my footsteps and continue to make this basketball pro-
a great feeling to be able to go down to the locker room
this level wasn’t meant for you.”
gram rise every single year, I think that is what makes it
and all of those places I was visiting as a kid and be able to finally call it mine.” u WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE TEAM “I think I bring confidence. I invest myself in the game
u WHAT HE WOULD SAY TO THE FANS
MINNESOTA
special for me. I knew coming into my basketball career that I wasn’t always going to be the most talented
“I would say what’s going on behind the scenes here is
player, and that wasn’t what it was about for me. It was
a great thing. We’re in year three with Coach Pitino and
about playing the game the right way and using basket-
he’s already doing great things here. It’s not about right
ball as a tool to improve myself as a person. “ SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 33
NORTH STAR AFTER SLIPPING THROUGH THE CRACKS OF EARLY SOFTBALL RECRUITING, CANADIAN SARA GROENEWEGEN HAS TURNED INTO ONE OF THE WORLD’S FINEST PLAYERS, NOT ONLY IN THE CIRCLE, BUT AT THE PLATE. story by Michael Molde
M
innesota softball player Sara Groenewegen is reign-
White Rock, British Columbia, which she calls “the most beautiful place in the
ing co-Big Ten Player of the Year, a National Fast-
world.” Located 15 miles from the Washington state border, and about two
pitch Coaches Association All-American, and was
hours from Seattle, the suburban town of White Rock is unlikely to make any-
the lone underclassman among 10 finalists for USA
one’s list of softball recruiting hotbeds.
Softball’s 2015 National Player of the Year award. To
But Head Coach Jessica Allister, who now enters her sixth year at Min-
add to that, her summer was highlighted by pitching
nesota with an impressive mark of 191-88 and three-straight NCAA Tourna-
Canada past a heavily-favored United States team to earn her nation’s first
ment appearances, is truly fortunate one of her current star players flew under
gold medal at the Pan American Games since 1983.
the recruiting radar.
With all of those honors, it might come as a surprise that the right-handed
“Sara was playing for the Washington Sidewinders and she absolutely
pitcher and designated player was not heavily-recruited, but more of a dia-
slipped through the cracks,” Allister said. “Recruiting in softball has gotten to
mond in the rough.
the point where schools recruit earlier and earlier, and some players who don’t
“I wasn’t highly recruited and there were really only a couple schools that showed serious interest in me,” Groenewegen said. “It’s funny, because I hon-
get the same exposure as others can be overlooked. Sara was one of those players and the University of Minnesota has benefitted greatly from it.”
estly didn’t even know where or what Minnesota was. I knew where Washing-
Having first seen Groenewegen compete at tournaments in Seattle and
ton and Oregon were, just because they’re close to where I grew up, but I was
Portland, Allister immediately knew she had discovered a player who could
like, ‘What the heck is Minnesota?’ I had never heard of it.”
help her program succeed. But it took some convincing to get Groenewegen
That might seem absurd to most Americans who read this but, honestly, how many American high school students can correctly answer questions about Canadian geography? Groenewegen spent her entire childhood in the same house in picturesque
34 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
to agree to visit the Twin Cities. “I received an email from Coach (Piper) Ritter. She was so adamant about getting me on campus for a visit. She just kept insisting that I come check it out and that I’d love it,” Groenewegen said. “So I finally took a visit during
PHOTOS: ERIC MILLER
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 35
“
”
“I WASN’T HIGHLY RECRUITED AND THERE WERE REALLY ONLY A COUPLE SCHOOLS THAT SHOWED SERIOUS INTEREST IN ME. IT’S FUNNY, BECAUSE I HONESTLY DIDN’T EVEN KNOW WHERE OR WHAT MINNESOTA WAS.
my junior year. They were right. I loved the campus
just the third player in Big Ten history to earn both
one of my first days at practice with Coach (Jessica)
and the girls were so welcoming. I just felt right at
awards in the same season.
Merchant and Coach Allister, they handed me a bat
home. There’s no better feeling than to feel at home when that place is half-way across the country.”
Her recently completed sophomore season resulted in a pitching record of 31-7 with a 1.67 earned
and were like, ‘Here you go.’ And I was thinking, ‘Okay, I’m glad we’re on the same page.’”
After her first two seasons with the Gophers, Groe-
run average and 379 strikeouts. She became Min-
Groenewegen says she’s always felt that she had
newegen has helped keep Minnesota softball in the
nesota’s first Big Ten Player of the Year since 1991, and
raw ability as a hitter but she had never formally been
national spotlight, contributing to the team’s 93-23
is just the third player in the conference’s history to
taught how to hit. She’s quick to credit Allister and
record. Minnesota finished 44-12 and advanced to its
have earned the Big Ten’s Player, Pitcher and Fresh-
Merchant for helping to develop those skills, especially
first-ever NCAA Super Regional during 2014, and the
man of the Year accolades.
with her mental approach to hitting and learning to be
Gophers recorded a team-record 49 wins before
“Obviously, she’s very talented. Sara’s not afraid of
falling to Arizona in the Tucson Regional title game this
the big stage. She wants the ball in big situations or
“When we recruited her, it was as a pitcher, but
past season.
more selective at the plate.
she wants to be in the box. She relishes those oppor-
that’s mostly because we hadn’t seen her hit all that
Groenewegen knows she and her teammates have
tunities,” Allister said. “To this point, we haven’t seen
much,” Allister said. “We didn’t know what kind of a
the talent to advance farther in the tournament, and
a stage that’s too big for Sara. She rises to the occasion
hitter we were getting. But she proved she could
their sights are set on making it to the Women’s Col-
and she’s just so competitive.”
swing the bat, and I think it’s her competitiveness that
lege World Series (WCWS) in Oklahoma City.
Her success at Minnesota extends beyond the cir-
makes her so good. She has a great zone, she reads
“Our main goal is to get to the WCWS, and we
cle, though. When Groenewegen is pitching, she still
pitches well and she has tremendous power. She’s
have the motivation and the drive to do it,” Groe-
contributes on offense, and when she’s not striking out
been a staple in the middle of our lineup.”
newegen said. “I think our postseason experience the
opposing batters, she serves as Minnesota’s desig-
Allister said she and her staff had been told by
past two seasons will really help us. It’s the biggest
nated player. She owns a career batting average of
many of Groenewegen’s former coaches that Sara was
stage in collegiate softball. We want to get the Go-
.338 with 23 doubles, 23 home runs and 86 runs bat-
a tremendous hitter. In fact, during her recruitment,
phers there and then to do well in those games.”
ted in. Not too bad for a player who wasn’t sure she’d
coaches kept coming up to Coach Ritter and saying,
even have the chance to bat when she signed with the
“Man, Sara is such a great hitter.” And the Gophers’
Gophers.
pitching coach would say, “I don’t care if she can hit. I
Individually, Groenewegen became Minnesota’s first-ever Big Ten Pitcher of the Year recipient during her first season with the Gophers, while also earning
“When I came here, I wasn’t really sure if they were
the conference’s Freshman of the Year award. She was
planning to have me hit,” Groenewegen said. “But, on
36 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
need her to pitch.”
This summer, Groenewegen focused completely
player we have wants to be able to step foot on that
can throw to as a pitcher, the more tools you’ll have to
on pitching. With her performance at the Pan Ameri-
field in Oklahoma City (at the WCWS). One of the
get batters out.”
can Games near Toronto, she now enters the conver-
wonderful things about Sara is that it’s not just about
As she prepares for her first season as an upper-
sation as one of the best pitchers in the world.
her, it’s about what the team can do. She embraces
classman, Groenewegen couldn’t be happier with her
that and she loves her team.”
decision to spend her collegiate career at Minnesota.
Groenewegen appeared in six of Canada’s eight games, making three starts, going 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA
This fall, Groenewegen said she’ll continue to work
“I honestly believe that Coach Allister is one of the
and 38 strikeouts in 27 innings. She limited the top hit-
on adding a new pitch to her repertoire. She insists
best coaches in the country,” Groenewegen said. “We
ters in the world to 16 hits and five runs (three earned),
that mix currently includes three pitches, even though
all have so much respect for her. She doesn’t do any-
while walking just six.
Allister sees things differently.
thing wrong. Every player on the team trusts her and
In the championship game against Team USA, a 4-
“Coach Allister and I always debate about this, but
we know that she’s going to allow us to compete at
2 win in eight innings, Groenewegen went the distance and surrendered just six hits and two runs (one earned), while striking out seven. Among the Team USA players she faced was Michigan All-American and co-Big Ten Player of the Year Sierra Romero, who was held hitless in four at-bats for the first time in the tournament. “I still get goose bumps just talking about the gold medal game against the United States,” Groenewegen said. “The crowd was so loud (when we clinched the win). I just dropped my glove and jumped in the air like, ‘Yeahhhhh!’ My catcher, Kaleigh Rafter, ran toward me and everyone dog-piled around us. I’m still on Cloud Nine. It’s unreal. “Being able to beat the U.S. team gives me confidence and an edge, knowing that I’ve faced the best hitters in the world and won. I’ll always be able to have that thought in my mind when I might have a moment of self-doubt. I think that will help me when I’m facing collegiate hitters.” Allister echoes that sentiment. “I don’t think you can put a value on the experi-
I throw three pitches – a screwball, a changeup and a
ence she gained on an international stage,” Allister
curveball,” Groenewegen said. “It’s funny, because I’m
“A lot of people don’t think about the fact that
said. “She was facing the best hitters in the world on
able to ‘climb the ladder’ and make my screwball go
Coach Allister was an All-America catcher at Stanford.
her home turf (in Canada), which added another level
up or down, and (Allister) likes to think I throw a rise
But that’s always in my mind when she comes out to
of pressure and excitement, and she’s going to be able
ball.”
the circle to talk. I know she’s been through the same
to draw from that experience as we go into the upcoming season.”
the highest level.
“What we call are screwballs, curveballs and
types of situations that Taylor (LeMay) and I face, so
changeups, and sometimes her screwballs and curve-
it’s calming to have her come talk with us. She always
Now that Groenewegen is back on campus to begin
balls go up, so therefore to me they are rise balls,” Al-
knows the right things to say.”
her junior season, her focus has returned to the same
lister said. “She has spin on her pitches that is going
Asked what motivates her and allows her to reach
goals with which the Gophers begin each season.
to break upwards, but also east to west. So even
such high levels of success as a softball player, Groe-
though she doesn’t claim to throw a rise ball, that’s
newegen’s answer was simple and succinct.
Groenewegen says the first email the team receives every August has the same, simple message. Last year, it was ‘2015 Big Ten Champions,’ and this year it’s ‘2016 Big Ten Champions.’
what her pitches do.” As for that pitch Groenewegen will be working into her arsenal?
“The thing that drives me the most is when I’m told I can’t do something,” Groenewegen said. “Growing up, I got a lot of that. So, when someone tells me I
“My first year, I didn’t really understand it, but last
“The Canadian National Team’s coaches want
year it meant so much more,” Groenewegen said.
pitchers to have a down ball, so I’ve been working on
“That’s just Coach Allister for you. She’s very good at
that and it’s one of my goals for the upcoming sea-
It’s easy to imagine there were people who told her
getting us to focus on goals and to understand that
son,” Groenewegen said. “It’d be nice to have a drop
that she and her Canadian teammates would not be
we need to work hard during the offseason in order to
ball in my back pocket to be able to use in a game
able to beat Team USA for that gold medal this sum-
achieve them. If we put in the work this fall, I know we
when I need it.”
mer. Now, it’s hers to keep for the rest of her life.
can be Big Ten champions.”
can’t do something, I’m going to do everything it takes to prove them wrong.”
Allister said Groenewegen actually worked on it
Maybe someone, somewhere, will tell Sara Groe-
During 2015, Minnesota was an eyelash away from
with Coach Ritter a little bit last fall, and even threw it
newegen that she can’t lead her college team to that
achieving that goal. The Gophers went 20-3 in Big Ten
a fair amount in games during the spring. The hope,
WCWS field in Oklahoma City. Gopher softball fans
play, just one game behind Michigan, which ended its
of course, is to continue improving it to make it more
would be forever grateful.
season as NCAA runner-up.
effective.
“If you ask Sara or any other player on our team,
“I think the goal for anyone is just to continue to
the goals are to win a Big Ten championship and to
evolve as a player and to be the best possible player
compete for a national title,” Allister said. “Every
that you can be,” Allister said. “The more planes you
Michael Molde is a freelance writer for Ski-U-Mah. He can be reached at michaelmolde@hotmail.com.
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 37
THE HALL AWAITS Fourteen Gopher greats will be inducted into the Minnesota ‘M’ Club Hall of Fame in October. The University of Minnesota "M" Club, one of the nation's oldest and largest varsity letter-
athletes and entrenching themselves in the history of our university. It will be an honor to
winner organizations, announced a class of 14 inductees to its 2015 Hall of Fame class. The
recognize the 2015 Hall of Fame class and to ensure their spot in Gopher Athletics' her-
ceremony to officially welcome these latest additions to the Hall of Fame will be held in the
itage."
DQ Club Room at TCF Bank Stadium on October 15. "Competing as a varsity athlete wearing the University of Minnesota colors is a remarkable achievement," said ‘M’ Club Director George Adzick. "Members of the `M' Club Hall
This year's 14-member class, which represents competitors who wore the Maroon and Gold in eight different decades dating back to the 1930s, will stretch the Hall of Fame's total membership to 334 individuals across 27 different varsity sports.
Prior to Luke Becker's career at Minnesota, no Gopher grappler had been a four-time All-American and a national champion, the latter of which Becker achieved in 2002. To this day, he is one of just six to have achieved both. In addition to his individual honors, Becker was also a key contributor to three-straight Big Ten team titles (2001-03) and the first two national titles in program history (2001, 2002). Since his wrestling career
Hockey, 2000-03
Wrestling, 2000-03
of Fame achieved something even greater than that, setting the bar high for all collegiate
ended, Becker has been a part of Minnesota's coaching staff, where he presently serves as assistant coach. During his time on the staff, Becker has worked with more than 50 All-Americans and six national champions.
RONDA CURTIN LUKE BECKER
Ronda Curtin became synonymous with firsts during her
Swimming, 1995-98
CHRIS DARKINS
gram's first national title -- the AWCHA National Champi-
factor in both was his unbelievable running abilities. On the gridiron, Darkins earned
onship in 2000 -- she became the program's first two-time
First Team All-Big Ten honors in 1994 by setting a school record with 1,443 rushing
All-American by earning First Team honors in both 2002
yards on the season. Darkins career rushing total of 3,235 yards was third on Minnesota's
and 2003. Those same seasons she was First Team All-
all-time list when his career ended and remains fifth-best in program history, and his
WCHA, as well as WCHA Defensive Player of the Year. To
294 rushing yards against Purdue in 1995 is still the highest single-game total in Gopher
this day, she is the only Gopher to earn the award twice.
football history. On the track, Darkins followed up a runner-up finish in the 55 meters at
She also was WCHA Player of the Year in 2002, anchoring
the 1995 Big Ten Championships with a Big Ten title in the 55 meters in 1996, estab-
the defensive core of a Gopher team that swept the WCHA
lishing a school record time. Following his collegiate career, Darkins was drafted in the
regular season and tournament title that season.
fourth round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.
Already a deserving member of the U of M Aquatics Hall of Fame, Olga (Splichalova) Espinosa earned seven All-America honors during her career at Minnesota and was a five-time individual All-American. At the time of her graduation, her five individual All-
Hockey, 1946-49
Football, 1992-95; Track, 1993-96
playing career at Minnesota. After contributing to the proChris Darkins stood out in two sports during his time at the U of M, but the unifying
America medals were the most in school history. She captured three Big Ten titles during her collegiate career, winning both the 500 free and 1650 free in 1996, and repeating as the 500 free champion in 1997. Espinosa also was an 11-year member of the Czech
ROLAND DEPAUL
National Team, competing in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
No one provided more offensive pop for the Gopher hockey team in the late 1940s than Roland DePaul. He led the team in scoring in each of his three seasons with the
OLGA SPLICHALOVA
Baseball, 1988-91
Gophers, averaging almost two points and about one goal Before being selected in the first round of the MLB Draft by Oakland in 1991, Brent Gates put together one of the most exceptional individual seasons in Gopher baseball history. He hit .412 that season and knocked in 60 runs, credentials that earned him First Team All-Big Ten, First Team All-America and Big Ten Player of the Year honors, accolades that piled on top of his 1989 Freshman All-America and 1990 Second Team All-Big Ten recognitions. Still second on Minnesota's career batting average list (.387), Gates went on to enjoy a seven-year MLB career.
BRENT GATES
38 / SKI-U-MAH / JANUARY 2015
per contest during that stretch. As a junior in 1948, DePaul was named Second Team All-America. As a senior the following season, DePaul served as the captain of the 194849 team and went on to post career highs in goals (24) and points (40).
Football, 1930-32
Wrestling, 1936-38
In the early days of the NFL, Jack Manders was known as one of the league's most consistent and dependable placekickers. Before his professional career, he led the Gophers in rushing in both 1930 and 1931, finishing both of those seasons as a Second Team All-American. In 1931, he also earned First Team All-Big Ten laurels as the conference's scoring leader. He went on to an eight-year professional career, a tenure that included three All-Pro seasons as a running back and a kicker and two NFL scoring titles. Manders' 78 consecutive PAT conversions during one stretch of his career set an NFL record at the time.
CLIFTON GUSTAFSON One of the earliest stars in Gopher wrestling history, Clifton
JACK MANDERS
Gustafson was the program's first multiple-time All-AmerTennis, 1989-92
ican, finishing third at heavyweight at the 1937 NCAA tournament and then finishing as runner-up the following season. Gustafson was also a two-time finalist at the Big Ten tournament, winning the conference title in 1937 and finishing as the runner-up in 1938. Beyond his accomplishments in conference and NCAA events, Gustafson won the
When Jennie Moe finished her playing days at Minnesota, she sat atop every list of career wins in the Gopher record books. She earned 92 singles victories, which was the most in program history at the time. To this day, her doubles wins (89) and wins overall (181) remain the most by any Gopher woman in the modern era. All that winning led to big-time honors as well - Moe was named First Team All-Big Ten three consecutive times to finish her career (1990-92). She was the first Gopher to earn three First Team nods
1938 AAU national championship.
and is just one of four as of today. With her induction, Moe becomes just the third second-generation Hall of Famer in Gopher Athletics' history. Her father, former Gopher
Hockey, 1952-54
football and basebell star and U of M Director of Men’s Athletics Tom Moe, was inducted in 2000.
Track & Field, 1959-61
JENNIE MOE
DICK MEREDITH Before he had even graduated from the U of M, Dick Meredith had emerged as one of the top American hockey
came in 1960, when he became the first Gopher to win the Big Ten Indoor title in the 70-yard hurdles. During the outdoor season later that year, Odegard claimed the conference crown in the 120-yard hurdles. He advanced to compete in the 110-meter high hurdles at the NCAA Championships, where he finished as the runner-up. His performance earned him All-America honors, an unprecedented feat at the time for any Minnesota hurdler, and propelled him to the No. 12 spot in Track & Field News' world hurdle rankings. Odegard's accomplishments led to his enshrinement in the USATF
players in the country. As a freshman, Meredith earned
Minnesota Track & Field Hall of Fame.
NCAA All-Tournament team honors in 1953. Following his junior year, he was invited to join the U.S. National Team
Dave Odegard was the first great hurdler in Minnesota history. His signature season
DAVE ODEGARD
and competed in the 1956 Olympics, scoring two goals for Hockey, 1972-75
the U.S. en route to a silver medal. Four years later, Meredith added two more goals as the U.S. team won its first gold
Gymnastics, 1981-84
medal in ice hockey at the 1960 Olympics.
As an upperclassman, Bill “Buzz” Schneider was a leader for Minnesota's first NCAA championship team in men's hockey in 1974. That team also won the 1974 WCHA tournament, the first of three straight conference crowns as the program went on to sweep the regular season and tournament title in 1975 before reaching the national championship game for the second straight year. Known as a scorer at Minnesota -- he accumulated 91 points in 115 career games, including 50 goals -- Schneider went on to play for five U.S. National Teams, including both the 1976 Olympic team and the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team. Schneider led the gold medal-winning U.S. team in scoring in the 1980 Olympics with eight points (five goals).
BUZZ SCHNEIDER
Track & Field, 1949-50, ‘56
JOEY RAY Joey Ray's path to accumulating six individual Big Ten championships began his freshman season with titles on pommel horse and parallel bars, the latter opening the door to racking up four straight Big Ten titles in the event, making Ray one of only two Gophers to win four Big Ten titles in a single event. In addition to his acumen on the bars, Ray also finished first or second in the Big Ten all-
When it came to throwing the discus, Byrl Thompson was not only one of the best at Minnesota, he was one of the best in the nation. As a high school athlete, Thompson set what was then the national high school record for discus with a toss of 176-4 while at Southwest High in Minneapolis. During his Gopher career, he was a two-time Big Ten outdoors discus champ and finished runner-up at the 1949 NCAAs in the event. He ranked third and fourth in the U.S in discus in 1948 and 1949, respectively, and was an alternate for the 1948 U.S. Olympic team. Thompson is already a member of both the Drake Relays and USATF Minnesota Track & Field Halls of Fame.
around all four years he competed, earning the conference title in 1983. Ray's contributions were critical to Big Ten team titles for Minnesota in both 1982 and 1984. For his
BYRL THOMPSON
efforts his senior season, Ray was awarded the 1984 Big Ten Medal of Honor and First Team All-Big Ten recognition.
SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 39
where are they now
TOM ROTHSTEIN
W
hockey / 1987-90
After wearing the “C” for the Gopher men’s hockey team, Tom Rothstein now captains a successful direct marketing agency in the Twin Cities. hen Tom Rothstein left competitive hockey in the mid-
Following a strong on-ice career at Minnesota that
1980s, he didn’t know exactly what he would do, but
saw him average better than a point per game his jun-
it seemed almost predestined that his path would lead
ior and senior seasons and become the team’s captain
him to starting his own business. Raising a family of 11
for the 1984-85 season, Rothstein has gone on to start
kids on Minnesota’s Iron Range, Rothstein’s father
several direct marketing firms in the Twin Cities. Today,
shepherded each of his children through college,
along with former Gopher football player Jay Carroll,
largely thanks to starting and sustaining a pair of suc-
he owns and operates SeQuel Response, a rapidly
cessful businesses. The lessons from his father were
growing direct marketing agency based out of Eden
not lost on Rothstein.
Prairie, Minn. that was one of the 20 fastest-growing, private companies in the Twin Cities in 2014. interview by Jake Ricker
40 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
Q: How did you end up playing hockey at Minnesota? A: I’m from a large family in Grand Rapids [Minn.]. It was the heyday of the Halloween Machine of Grand Rapids hockey. It was an exciting time for me, being able to go to the state tournament three or four years in a row and then winning it my senior year. My older brother John played at UMD and my older brother Bill played at Notre Dame. I wanted to go out on my own and set my own mark, so rather than following either of my brothers it was nice to stay home and go to the U and put my own thumbprint on that. Q: You certainly did that, especially in your last two seasons at the U. What do you recall from those season when you were a major contributor to the team’s success? A: Unless you’re an incredibly elite player like a Kyle Rau or a Nick Bjugstad, there are just so many talented players in front of you [as a freshman]. By the time you get to your junior year or sometimes your senior year, that’s where you really start to get your own ice time. It’s a tough program to step in and be an impact guy [immediately]. It allows you time to become a leader, to watch the older leaders and what they do, so when your time comes you’re ready for it. Q: Speaking of leadership roles, you’re a part of an elite fraternity of men’s hockey captains. What did that mean to you then and what does it mean to you now when you look back on it? A: At the time they announced me as captain at the banquet I was filled with a lot of pride and gratitude that the other players recognized Tommy as one of the leaders on the team. Today, as people introduce me, often they’ll say, “This guy was the former captain of the Gopher hockey team.” It brings back a lot of good memories. I certainly carry that with a lot of honor and I’m proud to say I’m part of the Gopher family. Today, I try to do what I can to make the University better, whether it’s financially or whatever I can do to support all of Gopher Athletics. Q: While you were playing hockey at the U, what were your plans for when hockey was over? A: I grew up in a family where business and academics were very important. My dad owned two businesses, a finance company and a real estate company. My other brothers who played college hockey either graduated early or went on to get their master’s in business. I wasn’t the best student. I probably got too focused on hockey, but I always wanted to get into business. Coincidentally, three or four of my brothers own their own business like my dad. He set the tone for us early. Q: Did he ever have any advice for you and your brothers about starting and owning a business?
that we felt would better serve the industry. My dad was right, it took a lot more money and a lot more time because the investment was so significant.
Rothstein racked up 161 points in 158 career games as a Golden Gopher. When he graduated in 1985, he ranked 10th all-time in career scoring. In 1983-84, Rothstein netted 30 goals and led the Gophers with 64 total points as a junior.
A: On the practical side, he said, “It’s always going to take twice as long and twice as much money as you figured, so you better bake that into the formula early.” Growing up around him and [seeing] the values he had and the confidence he had, I think I’m just trying to mirror how he treated people extremely fairly and with high integrity. He instilled that in me and my siblings, and gave us the confidence that we could accomplish pretty much anything we set our minds to. Q: How did you end up in the direct marketing business? A: I didn’t even know how to run a copy machine when I started in marketing. I was playing golf at Southview in St. Paul and a friend of mine that I had gone to the U with – he played football – was there playing with another member. He pulled up in a Mercedes and I was like, “Good God, what are you doing?” He said, “Well I’m in the direct marketing business.” And I said, “Well you’re dumber than I am, I think I should be in that business.” They ended up convincing me to come work for them. That was my introduction to the business. Q: How did you go from working for someone’s direct marketing company to founding your own? A: I had started a business in 1995 called Direct Marketing Group. They’re still there today. [My current business partner] Jay came to work for me around 2005. He had a long history in the printing business. I knew him from the U. We both lived at Sanford Hall in 1980. We decided that we wanted to start more of an agency type of direct mail business. In 2010, we built an agency around the direct mail business
Q: What’s your elevator pitch to describe what your company does? A: A client will hire us – for instance, pick an insurance company – and they want to sell a certain insurance product. They’ll hire us to build a program. We source data and build data models with our data and analytics team which identify who would be the best candidates to purchase that insurance product. We’ll then create a creative package, produce those and mail them to get people to raise their hand and respond and ultimately purchase those products. At the end of the day, we’re measured by the true acquisition cost to put that new customer on the books for our client. If we’re really good at that and their acquisition cost is lower, then they come back and order more. It’s really a sales company. We’re using marketing tools to arrive at a statistical outcome – an acquisition cost that’s affordable. Q: Do you feel like being a student-athlete here at the U prepared you to succeed in the business world? A: I think there’s a great tie to it. They’re very similar. We tagline as a performance-based company, so we are measured on how we do. I think that is very true of college athletics and athletics in general. You could say, “He’s a pretty skater” or “He’s got a nice shot,” but, at the end of the day, he’s going to make the team based on what he accomplished on the ice. That’s true of business, too. You’re only as good as your last shift or your last direct mail program. You better bring it every day or you won’t be asked back. Q: What did you take away from your experience at the University of Minnesota that you feel has helped you succeed later in life at the level you have? A: There are just so many things that come to mind. I look at the U today and how it’s come so far in regard to how it’s perceived as an academic institution. I was really fortunate to go there. Going from a small town of 7,000 people to an academic college of 50,000 students, it was an eye-opening experience. I had to find my own way, but the resources, the education, the people, the institution – I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Q: Normally that would be a good last question but it has to be asked – do you have any good stories about former teammate and current Associate Head Coach Mike Guentzel? A: He was pretty good. You know, I hate to say it, but he was the model student-athlete. You can see why he ended up being a coach. I took my liberties to have a little fun along the way. He did things the right way all the time. SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 41
BEHIND THE SCENES foot bal l staff d iet ician Brit tany Francis
THE FORMER CAPTAIN OF THE GOPHER WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM NOW WORKS CLOSELY WITH MORE THAN 100 GOPHER FOOTBALL STUDENT-ATHLETES TO INCORPORATE MODERN DIET AND NUTRITION INTO THEIR TRAINING PROGRAM. Whether it was growing up under the supervision of a health-conscious mother, making her own misguided dietary choices as an underclassmen on the Gopher women’s hockey team or simply fate, Brittany Francis and a career in diet and nutrition found each other. During her playing career at Minnesota (2006-2010), Francis racked up 130 points in 153 games and earned the opportunity to be the team’s captain for her senior season. After graduating, the Thunder Bay, Ont. native stayed close to the U of M, completing her master’s and pursuing Q: What was your experience getting the chance to play hockey at the DI level here at Minnesota? A: It was incredible. I always wanted to go to a Minnesota school. Getting the opportunity to be here on scholarship was amazing. Coach Halldorson and Coach Frost were phenomenal coaches. They taught me so much, hockey-wise and person-wise. Q: What was your major at the U? A: That’s a funny story. I started out in Kinesiology and I took a physics class. I did awful in it. So I was like, “I can’t do sciences.” Then I did Business and Marketing Education. My senior year, I was in a 42 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
her dream of one day working as a sports nutritionist or dietician at her alma mater. Though a full-time position didn’t exist at Minnesota at the time, Francis’ willingness to learn as much as she could about the field and dedication to staying close to the school paid off last year when she was hired as a full-time nutritionist for the Gopher football team, a brand-new position she’s defining with her work every day.
business stats class and I was like, “This is the most boring thing ever.” So I came back and asked my advisor how I could do nutrition. I’ve always been interested in nutrition. My mom’s a huge health freak. Growing up, she’d make her own yogurt and bread. She was extremely health-oriented.
Q: Does your mom ever take any credit for your success since she introduced you to healthy eating? A: She hasn’t yet but maybe deep inside she thinks that. She’s healthier than I am to this day. She’s a good influence.
Q: She was ahead of the trend, right? It seems like creating your own food from scratch has become a popular thing to do. A: Exactly. Growing up, I hated it [but] she just wanted us to be healthy.
Q: Anyways, back to your major… A: So my senior year, I minored in nutrition, just to get those classes in. Then I took a year of basically pre-reqs and applied to the master’s program. To be a dietician, you have to do a one-year internship, too, and I did that here at the University of Min-
PHOTOS: ERIC MILLER
MORE ON FRANCIS Hometown: Thunder Bay, Ontario High School: Hammarskjold High School (Thunder Bay) Bachelor’s Degree: B.A., Minnesota, 2010 (Education) Master’s Degree: M.S., Minnesota, 2013 (Nutrition) First Year at Minnesota: 2014 Hobbies: Spending time at the cabin, playing hockey, going to country concerts, lifting, running, and hanging out with my family and friends as much as my job allows! nesota. It crosses over with the Emily Program, which is an eating-disorder clinic. Q: What was your experience with nutrition as a student-athlete? A: Everybody puts on a little weight freshman year. I had put on a little weight and I was a little uncomfortable with it. I sought out advice from a couple of different places and got some not-so-good advice. I lost a bunch of weight, but in my play you could tell [it wasn’t good weight loss]. I went from first line and first power play to third line. … I just didn’t have energy to perform. Realizing that, I started to think, ‘This isn’t working. I need to figure this out.’ I started eating the foods I’d taken out of my diet and building my strength back up for the next year. Q: What kind of bad advice were you getting? A: It was when Atkins [diet] was in, so people were saying, “Just don’t eat carbs.” I took that to the extreme and was like, “I don’t eat bread. I don’t eat pasta,” which, as an athlete, is insane. Q: Do you ever hear advice other student-athletes have received that’s a little crazy? A: I’ve heard a lot. [Working with the football team] I’ve heard they’ve received advice to take insane amounts Francis starred on the Gopher women’s hockey team from 200610, helping the Gophers win WCHA titles in 2009 and 2010. of protein. Or take protein powder with two ounces of water and take it like a shot, which can stop your kidneys. Q: How did you end up getting involved again with the athletics department and the football team? A: In my master’s program, my thesis project was titled, “The Benefits of a Sports Dietician in College Athletics.” I worked with [director of athletic medicine] Moira Novak. … I had also shadowed another dietician in grad school, Rasa Troup from cross country. During my internship, I did everything I could to stay in sports nutrition. I shadowed Carrie Peterson, who works with the Wild, the Twins and the Timberwolves. … There are a couple of different [local] sports nutrition places – like Viverant – where I shadowed and learned from different peo-
ple. Then I found out that there was possibly a position open here. I reached out to get an interview, interviewed with Coach Klein, the head strength coach, and then Coach Kill. I ended up getting it [and] it is a dream job. Q: Was it an existing position or newly created when you applied? A: I’m the first full-time dietician for any [Gopher] program. Q: What are the benefits and challenges of being the first person to have a newly created position? A: Nobody knew what to expect, so everything I did was like “Oh my gosh! This is amazing! She’s doing so much for the team.” But not having that guidance or path to follow [was challenging]. I was a hockey player. I didn’t know all the ins and outs of football and what they would need. … Getting through my first year, I learned so much about what I could do better the next year. Q: How do you handle diet plans for the team? A: I do one-on-one nutrition counseling with each player. Usually, it’s twice a year. In the summer, I meet with all of them because they’re all trying to reach their weight for the season, reach their strength or make sure they prevent injuries. Then, during the season, it’s a maintenance period where I’m making sure they’re staying where they need to be. I try not to make big changes because that can alter their performance. They come back from their break in January and everyone wants to meet because they all want to make these huge improvements before spring ball. Q: Is it ever a challenge for you to set a good example for those guys with your own eating habits? A: That’s probably the most annoying thing about being a dietician or a nutritionist. Everything you do, they either comment on it like “Oh, that’s so healthy, that’s because you’re a nutritionist” or, if you have something that’s maybe unhealthy, they’ll be like “You can’t eat that, you’re a nutritionist.” I try to tell them I do generally like to eat healthy and put good food in my body. It makes me feel better. It makes everybody feel better. Q: How closely do you work with Coach Klein and his staff to coordinate your plans for student-athletes with their workout regiments? A: We work together completely. … Right now they have a 6 a.m. run. Before that, my interns or I have a pre-fueling station out. We have Powerade, oranges, bananas, sport beans – which are energy fuel stuff – fruit snacks, energy gels and granola bars [available] just to make sure they hydrate, grab a simple carb and have the energy to hopefully prevent injuries and get through their run without feeling terrible. It’s also there afterwards because a lot of them go lift, so they can replenish that fuel [before they lift]. … We do that same thing for practices. We have a pre-fueling station, simple carbs and hydration. We have little backpacks and we’ll walk around and make sure that if someone’s exhausted and needs a “fuel booster,” we have something like energy gel. Then, postpractice, they can walk to that same table and it’s their recovery fueling station. Q: You mentioned earlier that this is a dream job – what makes it a dream job for you? A: Having been an athlete here, having gotten so much from this school and [with] how important nutrition became to me, it’s amazing being able to give that back to this school. Knowing how much I wish I had more access to a dietician then, being able to do that for the athletes now is great. I always wanted to be a sports dietician at the University of Minnesota. I never thought it would happen because we never had one full-time. Being able to work with athletes who are excited about nutrition, excited about getting better and how to do that, I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. interview by Jake Ricker SEPTEMBER 2015 / SKI-U-MAH / 43
Parting Shot PHOTO BY ERIC MILLER
44 / SKI-U-MAH / SEPTEMBER 2015
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