Athletics Archives

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.

Major Decisions: Dr. Alison Bauer Hansen Serving in the USAF

As a Major in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Alison Bauer Hansen, ’15, actually prefers to spend her free time in or near the water. The former standout swimmer said she “loved every minute” of her academic and athletic experience at Hillsdale College.

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.

Perfect Job: Corbin Returns to a New but Familiar Role at the College

Josh Corbin, ’25, has competed at the highest levels of competition as a member of the Hillsdale College Shotgun Team. As a four-time All-American, he was a member of Team USA and had a chance to travel the world to compete. Now, he is content helping other Chargers have the same experience.

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.

Difference Maker: Cassandra Cole Muscat Helped Begin Hillsdale’s Volleyball Winning Tradition

Cassandra Cole Muscat, ’00, was there from the beginning. As a member of Hillsdale College Head Volleyball Coach Chris Gravel’s first recruiting class, she was a part of the program’s revival, and treasured her Hillsdale experience.