Arete Archives

On the Ball: Super Sophomore Trio Brings Chargers Golf to the Forefront

The first month of college for a freshman is supposed to be a time of transition and adjustment to new responsibilities and a new life. It’s not usually a time to be bringing home trophies. However, a trio of precocious men’s golfers at Hillsdale College—Oliver Marshall, Ryan O’Rourke, and Robert Thompson—defied the odds.

A Wild Ride: Lundberg Retires After 40 Years at Hillsdale College

Ask Bill Lundberg to sum up his 40 years at Hillsdale College, and he is at a loss for words. After spending his first 27 years as a head coach for the men’s cross country and track and field programs and more than a decade as the head of the Hillsdale College Wellness Initiative, Lundberg retired from the College in May.

Passport to Play: International Students Find Land of Opportunity at Hillsdale

They come to Hillsdale from distant lands, drawn by the same qualities that attract American student-athletes to Hillsdale: an excellent education plus the chance to compete at a high level with scholarship support. Hillsdale’s international student-athletes have found that and more—while also adjusting to life in small-town America.

Volleyball is Life: Chris Gravel on a Mission to Bring Hillsdale a National Championship

After nearly 30 years at the helm of Charger volleyball, Gravel is arguably the most successful coach in Hillsdale’s history—in any sport. His ultimate goal: bringing home a national title. With that goal still to be attained, Gravel spends almost every waking moment building the program toward that final prize.

Miracle Marcol: Former NFL All-Pro Kicker on a Path of Redemption

Chester Marcol, ’82, had the ability to kick a football accurately with astonishing distance. That brought him to Hillsdale College, where he became a national media sensation. In 1969, he kicked what was then the longest field goal in college football history—a 62-yarder, which led to a successful NFL career with the Green Bay Packers.

Four “Brawny Lads” and a Boat: The Four Oarsmen Bring Hillsdale National Acclaim

In 1879, four young men from Hillsdale decided to form the Hillsdale Rowing Club and pursue the gentlemen’s sport of rowing. These four, three of whom had attended Hillsdale College in the early 1870s, comprised the rowing team that would catapult Hillsdale into the national spotlight with three National American Amateur Rowing Championships titles.

End of an Era: Keith Otterbein’s 22 Years at the Helm of Chargers Football

As a player, assistant coach, and longtime head coach of Hillsdale College football for the better part of five decades, Keith Otterbein, ’79, had a successful run. He left an impressive legacy and led a program that consistently found success while fully honoring Hillsdale’s demanding expectations for both academic success and high character.

Forward Down the Field: Isaac TeSlaa Becomes a Detroit Lion

What started as a childhood dream for Isaac TeSlaa is now a reality for the former Chargers standout, who will soon be going forward down the field, watching the blue and silver wave. And it’s just the beginning for TeSlaa.

Savor Your ‘Two Plays’: Mike Harner, ’82

His varsity football career at Hillsdale College was a total of two plays. And although he went on to carve out a career as a college golfer and eventually a 20-year stint as a helicopter pilot commander in the U.S. Navy, Mike Harner said those two plays still shaped his thinking as a senior leader at Hillsdale College.

What Really Matters: Diane Taylor Philipp, ’82

Hillsdale College Athletics tremendously impacted Diane Taylor Philipp after she served nearly two decades as a Hall-of-Fame track and field and cross country coach. Those experiences, including coaching the Chargers to multiple championships and many former and current All-American and Olympic-caliber athletes, have guided her in her current role as Hillsdale’s vice president for Student Affairs.

At the Starting Line: Rich Péwé, ’88

A member of several championship teams, Rich Péwé, had a standout running career for the Chargers, and was known as a model of consistency, a tireless worker, and a valued teammate. Many years later, as the College’s Chief Administrative Officer, he is known for many of those same qualities as he goes about his daily duties as a senior leader.

The Man and the Mission: John Cervini, ’74

The man who arrived at Hillsdale College more than 50 years ago as a football prospect from Long Island, New York, has stayed to carve out a career as a relentless, tireless, passionate, and uber-successful fundraiser for his alma mater. He’s John Cervini, ’74: The man and the mission.