“I enjoy hitting, but when I’m pitching I can control the pace of the game and get into a rhythm,” Rieuwpassa says. “The strikeout record probably means the most to me because I’m a pitcher first, and that’s the number one thing that is expected of me.” Those expectations have been met so far, as she has recorded seven of the top 14 single-game strikeout performances in school history, including a school record 14 punchouts in a game earlier this season. Last year, against Carroll University, Rieuwpassa reached the ultimate individual goal for a pitcher, tossing a nohitter in a 2-0 victory. “It’s a nice accomplishment,” Rieuwpassa says. “But I don’t try to break records or throw shutouts or no-hitters. I go out on the field and try to stay focused and achieve the goal — to help my team win.” In her three years with the Red Hawks, Rieuwpassa has accomplished that goal more times than not. Ripon is 57-43 in that span, including a 22-12 conference record. She will have a chance to add to her legacy with a big senior season in 2013. Even without that final season, Rieuwpassa already has left her mark on Ripon, while the school also has left its mark on her. “My experience at Ripon College has been outstanding,” Rieuwpassa said. “The campus and atmosphere reminds me of home, which is what I was looking for in a school. I’ve met some really great people here — both on and off the field.” n
By Mike Westemeier Sports Information Director
Ripon Extra: For fall sports schedules, results and more, visit: ripon.edu/athletics
J O S TE NS R E C O G NI ZE S W U R TZ F O R all - around achievement Aris Wurtz ’12 doesn’t seem to have many problems on the basketball court. He finished his Red Hawks career ranked eighth in Division III in scoring with 25 points per game and third in Ripon history with 1,821 career points. His biggest problem off the court may be finding a room large enough to house all of his trophies. A Preseason Third Team All-American entering the 2011-12 season, Wurtz became just the fifth player in program history to be named to the All-American team at season’s end. For most players, that would be recognition enough, but Wurtz received more. He also became the first Ripon and second Midwest Conference player ever to earn the prestigious Jostens Trophy, given to a single D-III player based on basketball ability, academic prowess and community service. “The Jostens Trophy means a lot to me because it’s not just a basketball award,” Wurtz says. “It shows that I made a difference in the community and in my academic areas and represents a well-rounded individual.” Wurtz’s academic awards are on par with, if not exceeding, his athletic achievements. A triple major in economics, business management and philosophy, Wurtz maintained a cumulative grade point average of 4.0. As a result, the Waupun High School graduate was named Academic AllAmerican Player of the Year, and also to the Academic AllAmerican First Team for the second consecutive season. “I’m glad that I came to Ripon because it helped me achieve that distinction,” Wurtz says. “Ripon allowed me the opportunity to be heavily involved in campus activities along with athletics, and I was able to build a close connection with the faculty and staff. The College allows a person to become a well-rounded individual, which helps get you prepared for the ‘real world.’ ” That is a world that Wurtz is ready to step into. He hasn’t nailed down the specific job title he would like just yet, but he does know exactly what that job should entail. “I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” Wurtz says. “There is no documented profession that particularly represents that, but there are plenty of professions that can bring you in that direction. It’s just a matter of finding one thing and having a passion for it.” SUMMER 2012
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