SPORTS
Here’s who would have competed at Nationals. Clockwise: Birgen Nelson (Fy., Edina, track), Ellen Hofstede (Fy., Hopkins, swimming), Dutch FrankoDynes (So., Minneapolis, swimming), Annie Corbett (Fy., Brookfield, WI, gymnastics), Taylor Rooney (Jr., Andover, track), Matt Allison (Jr., Grand Rapids, swimming), Andrew Becker (Fy., Northfield, swimming), Erik Small (Fy., Hudson, WI, swimming), Tierney Winter (Sr., Waterville, track), Josh Muntifering (Jr., Buffalo, swimming), Steven Orzolek (So., Darwin, field), Nolan Larson (Jr., West Des Moines, IA, swimming).
ON A SEASON INTERRUPTED From CJ Siewert, sports information director
quiet goodbye. My heart sunk for his
definitely fuels the fire for next season.
athletes, and the seven swimmers and
There is motivation that is gained from
The night the NBA announced it was
one gymnast scheduled to compete on
taking something like this from a student-
suspending its season, I was at the
the national stage in the coming weeks.
athlete.”
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
“Seeing the disappointment in my
covering Gustavus women’s hockey in
teammates’ and coaches’ eyes was the
view on the future. “This is a lot bigger
an NCAA opening round tournament
hardest part,” says Tierney Winter (Sr.,
than gymnastics, and sports in general,”
game. As I tweeted game updates, I
Waterville), a contender for All-America
says Annie Corbett (Fy., Brookfield,
scrolled through my feed reading all
status in the mile. Still, “Gustavus track &
Wis.). “I am very lucky in that I am still
the disheartening news, and I realized
field is my home away from home; they’re
only a freshman, and have three more
the hockey game being played in front
my family. I immediately received support
years to try again. Canceling nationals
of me would likely be the last sporting
from many teammates and alumni. I was
allowed me to put even more focus on
event I would cover in person for quite
overwhelmed by the amount of people
school and get back into the gym to
some time.
who reassured me that everything would
prepare for next season.”
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020
The next day, while on the phone
22
The gymnastics team also has a bright
with track & field head coach Aaron Lund (in North Carolina preparing four
be okay and that the season was without a doubt a success.” “As a team, we handled this
The MIAC announced March 13 that the spring sports season was canceled, immediately ending collegiate athletic
Gustie student-athletes for the Division
disappointment well because we know
careers for 34 senior Gustavus student-
III Indoor Championships), we both
we have until next year to prepare and
athletes. To those seniors: Thank you
received an email announcing the NCAA
the training can start now,” says swimmer
for representing Gustavus with pride
was immediately canceling all remaining
Nolan Larson (Jr., West Des Moines, IA),
and class. Your pursuit of excellence
winter and spring championships. There
who was set to swim in the 200 freestyle,
in athletics will no doubt translate to
was a long pause between us, then a
400 free relay, and 800 free relay. “This
whatever you choose to do in life.
