KnightWatch - January 2009

knightwatch M a rt in Lu t h e r Coll e ge

JANUARY 2009

january 2009

• Knights Sports • The Low-Down on Pre-Seminary Studies • Needed: More Early Childhood Teachers

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It’s a Boy! “It’s a boy!” said the ultrasound technician as I sat gazing speechless at the miracle God created inside my wife Katie’s belly. Now the next question: “What will be his name?” Dustin Jr.?

Jake? Nicholas? Bennett? Philip? Billy Bob? (If you have suggestions, please email sieverdd@mlc-wels.edu!) In fact, I’ve already received a few names for consideration. Both his grandpas (Frederick and Dennis) have chimed in to have the baby be their namesake.

No chance we’re picking those names!

Sorry, Gramps!

“It’s a boy!” said Gabriel to a startled Mary. And not just any boy, but a miracle baby with a special purpose. His name would be Jesus, alerting us that he came to save. As Mary pondered this angelic announcement she couldn’t help but ask, “How will this be?” Soon she would realize that “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37) and that she was the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

“It’s a great idea!” I shouted to my wife after reading an email from retired MLC professor Darvin Raddatz. “Let me suggest

Micah. He turned the eyes of many, many people to Bethlehem where the Savior would be born, and so have you (Dustin) turned the eyes of many youths and their parents to a sleepy little college set ‘on a hill’ like Bethlehem, where Christ’s mission might be born and begin to mature in the hearts of these young men and women.”

“It’s a secret!” My wife and I will reveal the name of our newborn, Lord willing, in early April. But Micah is now on our list, and it’s a joy to have a wise prof put into perspective what we admissions counselors do and what MLC is all about. It’s not about twisting your arm to enroll at MLC, but pointing you to your Savior and the awesome mission Christ asks us to consider. It’s about telling kids, moms, dads, strangers, co-workers, and family members that we are able to rejoice this Christmas, knowing “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

By Admissions Counselor Dustin D. Sievert

KnightWatch is published by Martin Luther College and is intended to inform, inspire, and motivate young people who are considering enrolling at MLC to prepare for public ministry in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

Comments are welcomed and should be directed to Martin Luther College Attn: Laurie Gauger 1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073

Vice President, Enrollment Management: Phil Leyrer Director of Admissions: Ron Brutlag Admissions Counselors: Sarah Zahrt, Mark Gnewuch, Ross Stelljes, Dustin Sievert Editor/Writer: Laurie Gauger Photographers: Bill Pekrul, Grace Bey, Catherine St. John Proofreader: Heidi Schoof

On our cover: Brian Gephart (Michigan LHS) puts up a shot.

M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

Needed: More Early Childhood Teachers Did you know that 17 congregations requested Early Childhood teachers last May when MLC graduates were assigned? We didn’t have enough!

Could you be some congregation’s next preschool teacher?

Maybe even an Early Childhood Center director? It’s a good sign if you enjoy babysitting, blocks, graham crackers, and Goodnight, Moon. But Early Childhood Education (ages 0-8) is much more than that. It’s a serious degree program in which you learn the most current educational research and apply it through many hours of field experience.

At MLC, you’ll take classes like these: Child Development, Teaching Literacy, Infant and Toddler Care, Preprimary Curriculum, and Administration of Early Childhood Programs.

(For more, go to mlc-wels.edu and type “catalog” in the search box.)

As an Early Childhood Education major, you’ll also be busy with a full slate of field experiences in preschool and primary classrooms: Freshman Year (Early Field Experience) One week during spring break on MLC campus Sophomore Year (Early Field Experience) One week during spring break at a WELS school Junior Year (Early Field Experience and Clinical) One week during spring break at a WELS school One semester, one day per week at a local public school Senior Year (Student Teaching) 3 weeks infant/toddler teaching 5 weeks in a WELS primary grade classroom 8 weeks at MLC’s Early Childhood Learning Center Last May Shawna Mehlberg (MLC ’08, pictured) was assigned to Divine Savior Lutheran Academy in Doral FL. She teaches K4 and

How the MLC stage is preparation for the pulpit: There is wonderful opportunity for student leadership in Forum that will train young men and women for ministry. The musical was a blast! It’s all student-run, and the show was incredible.

What he does for fun: Study Greek. Just kidding.

Though some are a little nervous about being assigned to a church one day, he’s cool with it: Wherever God leads me is good enough. He’ll put me where I can best serve him.

w w w . m l c - w e l s . e d uFreshman, Pre-Seminary Studies

Activities: Student Senate, Drama, Men’s Choir

is an apprentice to the ECE Director. “With little kids, every day is new and exciting,” she said while student teaching at MLC’s Early Childhood Learning Center. “You never know quite what’s going to happen or what they’re going to say. It’s so easy to fall in love with them.”

What’s even more amazing is that as an early childhood educator, you might be the first person to say the name “Jesus” to a child.

Shawna enjoys that too: “I’m really excited to share the gospel with the little kids and see how the Holy Spirit works in their hearts and how they grow.”

If just reading this article makes your heart beat a little faster, then make a campus visit and be sure to stop in at the MLC Early Childhood Learning Center. We may be just the place for you to train for your new ministry in Early Childhood Education.

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(Kewaskum High—WI) Kurtis

Wetzel

in their own words

Student Directors Lead Wind Symphony On November 23 the MLC Wind Symphony presented their winter concert, which featured First Suite in Eb by Gustav Holst and Children’s March by Percy Grainger. Meredith Milbrath (MLS, pictured bottom) and Dawn Whiting (Lakeside, pictured top) served as student directors. The Wind Symphony Percussion Ensemble, led by Junior Tim Rosenow (LPS), also performed.

MLC Presidential Scholars MLC awarded each of these high school valedictorians $2,500: Rachel Rupnow (MVL), Carolyn Mayes (Northland), Zachary Moyle (Lakeside), Tiffany Myers (GPLHS), Jacob Steinmetz (GPLHS), Jennifer Mickelson (LPS), Brandon Reif (MLS), and Alison Kolander (KML).

How Much Can You Win? MLC awarded $2 Million last year in financial assistance—this in addition to the grants, loans, and scholarships students received from the government and other sources. These are all renewable based on meeting certain GPA requirements.

Presidential Scholarship: $2,500 to each HS valedictorian Messenger Scholarship: $1,500 to freshmen with a HS GPA of 3.75-4.00 or an ACT score of 30 or above

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Witness Scholarship: $1,000 to freshmen with a HS GPA of 3.50-3.74 or an ACT score of 27 or above National Merit Finalist Scholarship: $3,000 to all National Merit Scholarship Finalists

Abby Mehlberg (KMLHS)

in their own words

Why dorm life gets an A+: There are always friends around throughout the day. You never have to be alone unless you want to.

What happened the first week on campus: Walking down the hallway to my room for the first time, I met so many people that I couldn’t even remember anyone’s name. One of the first nights, I was invited to play sand volleyball with a bunch of other girls. I’ve never had so much fun with a group of strangers in my life.

Why she already knows that Early Field Experiences make a difference: These hands-on experiences in the classroom show what teaching will really be like.

Freshman, ElementaryMEd/Early a r t i nChildhood L u t h eEd r C o ll e g e Activities: Women’s Choir, Piano, Intramural Volleyball

Christmas Concert

Voting for President In 2012 most of you will be in college, and most of you will be voting for the 45th president. What about the 44th? KnightWatch asked Professor Kurt Wittmershaus’s history class (American Scene to 1877) what they thought about the upcoming Obama presidency. Here’s what one student wrote: I am excited to see a new figure in the White House. I am not in 100% agreement with Obama’s policies; however, in him I see a man who is larger than the issues. I think he can transcend the schisms within our nation and improve our international image and rapport. It seems as though many students are incensed that Obama is going to be the 44th president; rather than blast our new leader, why not embrace him and pray that the Lord grants him wisdom as he pilots the American vessel?

He can’t describe how amazing chapel is. But he’ll try: After a long day of wrestling with Greek, Latin, and the many other curveballs life throws, it’s refreshing to put all those things at the foot of the cross and listen to my loving Savior’s voice. It is my cure.

Three carefully chosen adjectives for dorm life: Loud, dysfunctional, and chaotic. You never know what to expect.

Rev. Jeff Bovee And that’s exactly why it’s so fun.

How hard is it to make friends? You don’t even have to try. It just happens. People randomly barge into your room and ask you if you want to go throw a baseball around. Whether it’s playing softball or basketball, or people screaming about how they stink at Mario Kart, you can always find something to do.

w w w . m l c - w e l s . e d u Freshman, Pre-Seminary Studies

Activities: Baseball, Men’s Choir, Jesus Cares Ministries

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(Rocky Mountain LHS) Ethan

Thaut

in their own words

Forum Presents Darin Warnecke (LPS, pictured) entertained the audience as the radio announcer in MLC’s Readers’ Theater production of Frankenstein: Radio Play. The show, directed by Peter Janke (LPS) and produced by Paul Taylor (MLS), hit the MLC stage December 5-6.

Sound effects were produced by Mike Pingel (Evergreen), Ben Ross (WISCO), and Tim Rosenow (LPS). Nate Walther (LPS) and Carina Rahn (MVL) played Victor and Catherine Frankenstein.

Coming to the MLC stage soon:

Feb. 20-22 Musical Comedy Murders of the 1940s Apr. 24-25 Three Fairy Godmothers (Children’s Theater) May 1-3 Hamlet (Outdoor Classical Theater)

Nick and Norah—and Nooch’s—Infinite Playlist What are some staples on MLC iPods? Admissions Counselor Mark (Nooch) Gnewuch, who’s been rockin’ since he was three (see right), asked around.

Admissions Counselor Mark Gnewuch (LPS) “Furr” (Blitzen Trapper) “Jigsaw Falling into Place” (Radiohead) “Kids” (MGMT) Vice President Jeff Schone (Burlington High—WI ) “Are You Alright?” (Lucinda Williams) “Doctor Wu” (Steely Dan) “Atom Bomb” (Blind Boys of Alabama) Tiffany Myers (GPLHS) “Swing Life Away” (Rise Against) “Little by Little” (Theory of a Deadman) “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Queen)

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Scott Cooper (MLS) “You Don’t Know Me” (Ben Folds) “Crank That” (Soulja Boy) “God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You” (‘N Sync) Becky Amann (LPS) “All You Can Eat” (Ben Folds) “We Are Nowhere and It’s Now” (Bright Eyes) “Australia” (The Shins) Prof. Kurt Wittmershaus (Luther High) “Brandenburg Concertos” (Bach) “Something in the Way She Moves” (James Taylor) “Ray of Light” (Madonna)

Steven White (Shoreland LHS)

in their own words

How he took his dad’s advice: I came here to be a grade school teacher. My dad says it’s the best job in the world because you get to see kids grow in their faith. I want to be a part of that.

Fun here and fun at home: My friends and I hang out in each other’s rooms, go to Vogel Arena, play Settlers of Catan, or watch Lost. But I miss playing Wii with my brothers at home!

Why it’s okay to come to MLC and then change your mind: If you don’t see yourself as a pastor or teacher or staff minister, you can transfer. The credits transfer out easier than in.

Freshman, ElementaryMEd—Science a r t i n L Emphasis u t h e r C o ll e g e Activities: Soccer

Student Teaching in Florida Four MLC students will be student teaching in sunny Florida this quarter: Joanna Smith (St. Croix) and Jonathan Weber (Michigan LHS) at St. Paul—Beverly Hills FL, Steven Springborn (St. Croix) at Peace— Bradenton FL, and Amanda Polzin (Rhinelander High— WI) at Ascension—Sarasota FL. This is the second year some MLC students have student taught outside the Midwest. Last year four students went to Washington state.

Coaching in New Ulm

Chapel Progress Update

“Coaching is one aspect of ministry I’m looking forward to the most,” says senior Seth Scheuerlein (LPS). And he did this fall, coordinating a flag football program in New Ulm for 90 kids, grades 2-5. He and six other MLC students coached: Justin Krause (LPS), Ben Olson (MVL), Ben Reichel (LPS), Jesse Kohls (LPS), Matt Rothe (LPS, pictured), and Kyle Burmeister (MLS).

The Chapel of the Christ is taking shape. Seniors, you will be worshiping here next school year, taking your spot in the nave, which will seat more than 1000, and singing hymns accompanied by a fantastic new pipe organ.

“The coaches are excellent!” Carrie Anderson, the City of New Ulm Recreation Program Supervisor, told MLC Professor Ron Brutlag. “I’ve heard nothing but positive comments from both players and parents. Seth has done a phenomenal job at coordinating the program. You have a great group of students up there, and I’m very fortunate to have them part of this program.”

“It was great working with the kids,” Seth added, “getting them excited about football and just having fun with them.

For us coaches, we’ll be dealing with kids, whether it’s in the classroom or in the congregation.”

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MLC students have many opportunities to coach sports in the community. It’s good service, good money, good fun— and good training for ministry too.

How college is a step up from high school: The topics are new and interesting, plus the discussion level is a lot deeper. The hardest adjustment is writing more and sleeping less—a lot more and a lot less.

How New Ulm was a pleasant surprise: When I heard it was a Jeff Bovee small town, I thought it would be like my hometown, soRev. I was surprised at how big it is.

Listen to the girl: Try MLC for at least one year and then you’ll know. It can’t hurt. If you never try it, you’ll always wonder.

Ed—German Emphasis w w w . m l c - Freshman, w e l s . e d Elementary u

(Michigan Lutheran Seminary) Krista

Pappenfuss

in their own words

October 19-25

MLC Homecomin g

M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

The

Sundance

This musical written by MLC students Kent Reeder and Dan Johnston (both LPS) played to delighted audiences November 7-9.

Elizabeth Johnson (WISCO) and Lucas Bitter (LPS)

Kid

Lucas Bitter (LPS) and Kim Lehninger (WISCO)

Micah Ricke (WISCO)

The full cast Sarah Zietlow (Luther High) and Dan Johnston (LPS)

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The Low-Down on

Pre-Seminary Studies at MLC An interview with Pastor Dustin Sievert, MLC Admissions Counselor

• MLC has a four-year Pre-Seminary, or SPaM (Studies in Pastoral Ministries), program with a pretty unique curriculum. What do the young men study in those four years?

Pre-Seminary students concentrate on foreign language.

Pre-Seminary students take a sampling of gen ed courses but focus on languages: the Biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew along with another language (German, Latin, or Spanish).

• What do some of them find to be the most difficult?

Some have difficulties with time management—doing the juggling act with homework, work, sports, drama, music, etc.

• What’s the most enjoyable part of the program?

It hits home during junior year when you start translating actual books of the Bible: Jonah in Hebrew and John in Greek. That’s when you really see your late nights of studying pay off, because working with God’s Word is what it’s all about.

• How do the guys in the program support one another?

Pre-Seminary student Ryan Kolander (WISCO) manages a heavy schedule of sports and other activities.

Very early, guys realize they’re all in this together for the long haul. That means they help out those who are struggling, and they keep talking about the “big picture” of actually being in ministry, not just in a college classroom. Also, SPaM gatherings bring the Pre-Seminary students together a couple times a year for food, McD’s Orange Drink, and fellowship. Along with a few comedy bits by profs and students, the main purpose is to keep the guys focused on the ultimate goal and the brotherhood we share.

• How do MLC guys connect with Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon WI, which will be the next stop on their journey to being a pastor?

Hebrew word for LORD, or Adonai, or Jehovah

Since the Seminary is 400 miles from New Ulm, it can be tough to connect the campuses. Each year though, the junior and senior classes take organized trips to WLS. Each visit to WLS further encourages MLC students in their quest to be a pastor. Also, WLS students make frequent visits to MLC—to find a wife and also to

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Courtney Ulrich (St. Croix LHS)

in their own words

Six reasons she came to MLC: I came because I wanted to be an English teacher1, and I knew this was a really good school2, plus a lot of my family has gone through here3, so I know it has a good reputation4, and I just like the small-town atmosphere5— it’s beautiful here6.

You gotta love college religion classes: It’s nice that people actually speak out about things and generate conversation in class instead of just sitting there like a rock. That’s how we grow and change in our walk with God. Even if you don’t know: MLC is a great place to start finding out what you’re good at or what you may want to do someday.

Freshman, ElementaryMEd a /rSecondary t i n L u tEd—English h e r C o ll e g e Activities: Intramural Volleyball, Women’s Choir, Piano, KnightWatch Writer

take part in the annual Homecoming soccer match and cross country run, Winter Carnival hoops game and hockey match, and spring SPaM softball tourney.

• You finished the program yourself not too long ago. How would you compare the MLC part with the WLS part?

The reality of being a pastor seems much closer at WLS for obvious reasons. The first semester at WLS is heavily dedicated to penning your first sermon, and you quickly realize how far you have to go before Call Day. Also, WLS places you in a local WELS church to gain experience by helping with liturgy, shut-in calls, Bible classes, etc. At both schools profs share their ministry experiences with you and talk about the awesome opportunities in ministry. Getting the profs on a tangent is great—to hear stories from their past and push an assignment to a later date.

Seminary Graduation 2007: Brad Krause, currently a tutor at NELHS; Dustin Sievert; and Chad Graham, now pastor at Grace—Oshkosh WI

• What advice do you give the guys to encourage them along the way?

I encourage guys to start each semester strong—that way you don’t fall behind and get frustrated. Also, it’s very important to keep your eyes and ears open to the different ways churches can share the same gospel. You never know where God will send you and what your ministry will be like. So don’t think you’re all that and then some with the way you like things done in a church.

• What do you say to high school students who think that eight years is an awfully long time?

Eight years seems like a long time, but it really flies by, especially once you get to WLS and then go out on vicar year—and maybe find a wife along the way. (I did!) And if you really think about it, you wouldn’t be ready to be a pastor when you’re 22 years old. So why not enjoy the years of school?

MLC Professor Dave Sellnow is always willing to share a story about his parish ministry.

Pre-Seminary students Caleb Kurbis (Evergreen), Matt Scharf (LPS), and Andrew Johnston (LPS) grill out at the spring softball tournament with Seminary in 2007.

Classes are great, but she’d like to do more: I’d love to do Daylight USA or Daylight International. I think it would be so cool to spread God’s Word to people in a foreign country. I also would love to coach softball or basketball at one of the local schools.

Living in two worlds: It’s almost like my family and friends from high school belong in a totally different life thanRev. the one Jeff Bovee I’m living right now. When I go home, it’s like I pick that life up again, and put the college life away.

Why teaching preschool would be cool: I’d get to teach these kids everything: the ABCs, the colors, the 123s, manners . . .

Also the most important thing of all: their Savior.

w w w . m l c - wFreshman, e l s . e d uEarly Childhood Ed/Elementary Ed Activities: Softball, Women’s Choir, Piano, Photography Team

In August 2007, Dustin was ordained at Martin Luther College, where he was called as an admissions counselor.

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(Huron Valley LHS) Catherine

St. John

in their own words

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Where?

Could I Work

Admissions counselors hear this question quite a bit from students considering MLC for college. Many students work on campus, and the city of New Ulm offers a variety of other employment options. The admissions counselors put together this list.

Where?

Alyssa Rupprecht (MLS) - KRAFT Darin Warnecke (LPS) – Farm Sarah Foelske (WISCO) – MLC Cafeteria Sarah Schumann (Conserve—WI) – New Ulm Historical Society Scott Cooper (MLS) – Public school coach (football, basketball); horse trainer Daniel Albrecht (FVL) – MLC Network Services April Cook (KML) – New Ulm Country Club Micah Ricke (WISCO) – MLC Fitness Center Carol Putz (WLA) – MLC Mail Room Caitlin Keller (MLS) – MLC Tutor Megan Klatt (West) – MLC Admissions Office Justin Krause (LPS) – New Ulm Journal sportswriter Matt Stuebs (FVL) – Personal Chef Emily Mayer (WISCO) – MLC Resident Assistant Steve Springborn (St. Croix) – Perkins Megan Mueller (LPS) – Cutco Knife Dealer Stephanie Teeples (MLS) – Taco Bell Luther Zuberbier (WLA) – McDonald’s Benjamin Reichel (LPS) – MLC Library Jason Fry (Lakeside) – Applebee’s Joseph Lindloff (MLS) – Holiday Inn Jeremy Wosje (West) – Target Stephanie Humann (Evergreen) – MLC Business/ Financial Aid Office David Starr (MLS) – Basketball ref

Stephanie Humann works in the MLC Financial Aid Office.

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New Friends While a student at MLC, sophomore Alissa Barkholtz (FVL, pictured) works for MBW, a local company that operates group homes for adults with developmental disabilities.

Alissa works 10–20 hours a week, mostly with three adult women, whom she takes out Alissa Barkholtz helps coordinate to swim, for instance, shop, or the New Friends program at MLC. watch a movie.

The activity that Alissa and her clients like most, though, is the New Friends program right here on the MLC campus.

Once a month she, the other staff, and about 20 guests with developmental disabilities get together for two hours of fun, including a Bible story about their best New Friend of all. On this December Tuesday, they acted out the Christmas story, decorated Christmas cookies, and sang karaoke Christmas songs at the top of their lungs. Some also enjoyed a complimentary dinner in the cafeteria and chapel as well.

New Friends, an arm of “Jesus Cares Ministries,” is coordinated at colleges throughout the Midwest by Mike Hennig, Staff Minister with The Lutheran Home Association.

Alissa loves the work she does. “It’s a great experience. The relationship you form is number one. And when you tell the Bible stories, it’s cool to see that they know that Jesus died for them and that they’re going to heaven.”

It’s also excellent preparation for the teaching and staff ministry Alissa is pursuing. “You need to think of a way to present the Bible story so that they’ll understand it,” she says.

“Simplify it, but not too much. Someday in my classroom, I’ll probably have students with special needs. I’ll already have some experience working with them, learning to be patient— that’s a big one—and to listen to them and understand them.

All of that will be very beneficial for the future.”

With the help of MLC students, guests with developmental disabilities decorated Christmas cookies in the “New Friends” program.

M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

Freshman Courtney Ulrich (St. Croix, pictured) offers you a few tips

“What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About . . .”

Having a car on campus – If you have a car, you make friends fast! It also makes it easier to find a job when you have your own transportation.

Buying textbooks – WAIT to buy them. Upperclassmen will rent or sell theirs for really cheap, so you save a lot of money doing that instead of buying everything in the bookstore. You can usually get by the first week without them; often your professors will tell you if you need to buy your own book or if you can share.

Cafeteria – Fun place to hang out! Has a good variety of food and the extended hours are nice too.

Freshman Orientation Weekend – Don’t get scared by how difficult college seems at these meetings. They just want to make you super-aware of everything, and all at once it can be overwhelming. And pay attention to the people in your group . . . they just might be your good friends later.

College homework – Less ‘graded’ homework; mainly quizzes and tests, so you need to do well on those to keep your grades up. You are responsible for your own work . . . if you slack, you pay for it.

Being away from home – It varies from person to person, but all in all, it’s not too bad. Let yourself get used to not having the comforts and familiarity of home. Pretty soon, the campus just becomes home to you.

Making friends – Don’t stress about it. Making friends comes pretty naturally as you meet more people in classes and in the dorm. Try to hang out in groups as much as possible, and don’t be intimidated when talking to new people. As freshmen, you’re all in the same boat.

Be confident!

Since she went to public school: I love chapel every morning and evening, and the opportunity to worship God and study his Word with other believers. I really appreciate being able to do that in school.

Her open-door policy: My first day here, I made sure to keep my door propped open, and when someone walked by with her parents, I stepped out into the hall and introduced myself, Rev. and Jeff Bovee now we’re best friends.

Missing the muffins: It’s hard being so far from home. Living on my own is a great experience, but I do miss seeing my family every day, and my friends from high school, and, of course, my mom’s baking.

w w w . m l c - wFreshman, e l s . e d uElementary Ed—Science Emphasis Activities: Intramural Volleyball, Women’s Choir, Organ, Piano

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(Independence High—TN) Michelle

Hintz

in their own words

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SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS

Fall Sports Recap

By Sports Information Director Mike Gibbons

Golf Takes UMAC Title The MLC men’s golf team took home its first-ever UMAC Championship with a two-round total of 644 strokes on October 3 and 4 at Alexandria Golf Club.

Isaac Crass (LPS, pictured) and Joe Zell (LPS) were both named All-Conference, and Coach Lawrence Lotito earned UMAC Coach of the Year honors.

Men’s Cross Country UMAC Title The men’s cross country team took the UMAC Championship on November 1 in Morris MN. Sophomore Nathan Loersch (LPS) won the individual competition with a personal best time of 27:13 on the 8000-meter course. Joining him in the top ten were Loren Milbrath (MLS) and Matthew Behmer (West). Coach Mark Paustian was named UMAC Coach of the Year. For the women, freshman Libby Haasch (Lakeside) finished fifth at the UMAC Championship, leading the team to a sixth-place finish.

UMAC Coaches of the Year

MLC Coach Lawrence Lotito (Men’s Golf ) MLC Coach Lori Unke (Women’s Volleyball) MLC Coach Mark Paustian (Men’s Cross Country)

Volleyball Enjoys Comeback Season The volleyball team enjoyed a nine-win improvement over last season and finished fourth in the UMAC. Coach Lori Unke, in her second season at the helm, was named UMAC Coach of the Year and was joined by Carrie Fritzler (MLS) and Emily Rasmussen (WISCO, pictured) in receiving All-UMAC recognition.

Soccer Shows Improvement The men’s soccer team rebounded from a tough season in 2007 to finish fifth in the UMAC in 2008 with a record of 9-7-2. They were led by first team All-UMAC performers Philip Kurbis (Evergreen) and Zac Pudlo (LPS). Goalkeeper Alex Vandenberg (FVL) set a new school record with six shutouts on the season. The women’s team was very young but showed improvement throughout the season, finishing the season with a 5-12-2 record. Senior Sarah Janke (LPS, pictured) and freshman Lindsay Hahn (MVL) were named All-UMAC.

Football Breaks Seven Offensive Records

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The football team featured the most explosive offense in school history, setting records for points (383), touchdowns (55), points per game (38.3), total yards on offense (4030), total yards per game (403.0), total rushing yards (2744), and rushing yards per game (274.4). Running Back Aaron Voss (MLS, pictured) set several individual marks, rushing for a school record 20 touchdowns and topping the 1,000-yard mark. First-team All-Conference honors went to Defensive Lineman Seth Scheuerlein, Linebacker Matt Rothe, and Punter Caleb Free (all LPS).

M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS

Knights at a Glance

By Sports Information Director Mike Gibbons

Babinec Sisters Lead Knights Playing point, senior Lissa Babinec (Luther High) leads the Knights in assists, while ranking second in points per game and steals.

Freshman Erica Babinec (Luther High, pictured) has shown no signs of timidity in her first taste of the college game, leading the team in points, rebounds, and steals per game.

The Knights also have a veteran group of frontcourt players led by seniors Hannah Bode (MLS), Nicole Lehman (Luther High) and Abby Hosbach (KML), who provide much of the scoring and rebounding on the interior for the team.

The bench continues to develop in Coach Larry Czer’s second season. Eleven players have played in all nine games for the Knights. Freshmen Emily Boldt (LPS), Carrie Fritzler (MLS), and Sarah Free (LPS) have contributed solid minutes early, while veterans Katherine Kogler (California LHS), Brittany Jensen (FVL), Leann Swogger (Luther High), and Amanda Zwick (ALA) have provided stability on and off the floor.

What people are like here: It’s been very easy to make friends because people on this campus are so polite and friendly.

Not a bad place to hang out: The cafeteria really impressed me when I visited MLC for Focus on Ministry. Now that I’m here, often my friends and I will talk there for hours after we finish eating.

Rev. Jeff Bovee Did he get what he expected? I wasn’t surprised by too much here. I expected the classes to be challenging and the professors to be knowledgeable, and they were.

Men’s Basketball Out to Fast Start Forward Caleb Free (LPS) leads the Knights in points per game, scoring a career-high 23 in a 71-62 win at Viterbo. Center Aaron Schultz (St. Croix, pictured) has been a force in the paint, sharing the lead in rebounds per game with Free. Schultz also leads the Knights in blocked shots, including a school record-tying seven blocks in an 80-68 win over Mayville State.

Greg Holzhueter (MVL) and Brian Gephart (Michigan LHS) are versatile playmakers on the perimeter. At point Holzhueter leads the Knights in assists. Gephart plays all over the floor, leading the team in steals and ranking second in assists and blocks.

A developing group of role players has also contributed to the Knights’ success.

ms (Evergreen LHS) Mark

Swanson

w w w . m l c - w e l s . e d u Freshman, Pre-Seminary Studies

Activities: Drama, College Chorale

in their own words

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The Things They Carry John Raasch (Great Plains LHS) • • • • • • • • • • •

Carabiner to hang water bottles Banana, coffee mug Spanish Bible he got when he served a year in Mexico Ticket stub from Miami International Airport from his 5-week Spanish Immersion experience in Ecuador Greek New Testament and dictionary Notebook “because I’m sort of forgetful sometimes” Knights Day Planner – with his College Choir singing dates and work schedules for him and his girlfriend MP3 player with classical guitar music for studying Binder with notes for all his classes Phone Student ID

Andrea Schmeling (St. Croix LHS) • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Worship Textbook for Christian Worship class Notification of renewal of her MLC Merit Scholarship iPod with pop and rock for when she’s running Phone Milwaukee Brewers game ticket stub Sunglasses, nail polish Bible and hymnal Flash drive with photos of her Daylight USA trip to Phoenix Coffee, gum Tennis balls for a quick match with her boyfriend Keys to ’93 Dodge Intrepid, her house, her job Work schedule for MLC Admissions office Gift card for New Ulm Applebee’s Camera

16 M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e