Athletics Archives

No Regrets: 1955 Football Team United in Turning Down Tangerine Bowl Bid

The 1955 Hillsdale College football team finished the regular season 9-0 and dominated the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. In fact, the Dales were being considered for a New Year’s Day bowl game in Orlando, Florida. However, there was one huge caveat.

Longshot Leaders: Shea Ruddy and Jacob Vance go from Overlooked to Undeniable for Hillsdale College Football

After three seasons on the field for the Hillsdale College football team, the importance of Shea Ruddy and Jacob Vance to the Chargers is easy to see. Ruddy and Vance have achieved tremendous success as individuals at Hillsdale, but for their final season in 2026, both players have just one goal in mind—to bring home the team’s first championship since 2018.

Special Season: 1985 National Champions Gather for 40th Reunion

When the 1985 Hillsdale Chargers took to the football field, the team knew the season was going to be special. That season, the Chargers celebrated 11 victories. Ironically, the biggest celebration did not come after a win, but a tie. Several teammates returned to Hillsdale during Homecoming Weekend 2025 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that national championship team.

Quite a Run: Former Charger Champion Crosses Career Finish Line

Jeff Doyle, ’76, and the Hillsdale College men’s cross country team had quite a run during the 1970s. In fact, the Chargers were NAIA District 23 champions three consecutive years. At the recent 50/60-Year Reunion, Doyle was able to reminisce with former teammates Tim Karas, ’76, and Bill Henshaw, ’76.

Ace in the Hole: Golf Both Personal and Professional for Moyer

For most of his life, Mark Moyer, ’73, has had a personal and professional relationship with the game of golf. He was a member of the Hillsdale College men’s golf team, and worked in media sales for Golf Digest for 15 years. Now retired, Moyer continues his 60-plus-year “lifelong passion.”

When Work is Play: Kyle Gross Guides Hillsdale Softball to Success

A popular saying goes, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” For Head Softball Coach Kyle Gross, that sentiment rings true as he comes off one of the most successful seasons ever in program history and enters his eighth season at the helm.

Best of Both Worlds: Academics, Shooting a Perfect Combo for Lieske

Being first comes naturally for Drew Lieske, ’18. As a member of the fledgling Hillsdale College shotgun team, Lieske won an individual ACUI Collegiate National Championship and was a member of four ACUI national champion teams as a Charger. The competitive fires still burn for Lieske, but now as a businessman and entrepreneur.

Smart Investment: Jamison Values His Hillsdale Experience

To Matt Jamison, ’93, college athletics and investment banking have a lot in common. As a former two-sport student-athlete at Hillsdale and current president and managing director of PCMF Investment Banking for more than 25 years, he should know.

Find Your Strength: Emma Ruhlman’s Breakout Basketball Season

From a freshman on the bench to a starting senior, Emma Ruhlman has truly blossomed during her years as a Charger. During her junior year, she had found her strength, earning a spot in the starting lineup and helping the Chargers to their best season in 16 years.

Don’t Neglect the Gift: Legacy in the Roberts Sisters’ Strides

Not everyone considers running a gift, but for the Roberts family, it is the gift that keeps on giving. Anna, ’26, Megan, ’27, Caroline, ’29, are carrying the family legacy forward, running their own races at their own paces for the Chargers.

Standing Tall: Wiesen Dunlap Still in a Leadership Position at GM

Mary Wiesen Dunlap, ’03, may stand just a shade over five feet, but during her time on the court as a Hillsdale Charger, she stood tall. The gritty point guard who helped captain the Hillsdale women’s basketball team to success during her playing career is now leading in her career with General Motors.

Good Fit: Gucciardo Chooses Hillsdale First, Tennis Second

Steve Gucciardo, ’89, thought the Hillsdale College tennis program was a good fit when he was deciding on a college. However, he liked the school even more, which is why he spurned a scholarship offer from a NCAA Division I university to become a Charger. And he does not regret that decision one bit.