Athletics Archives

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.

Double-Barreled Success: Corbin and Dale Part of a World-Class Shooting Sports Program

Madeline Corbin, ’27, and Taylor Dale, ’28, are two of the top junior women shooters in the U.S., if not the world. They are part of a stable of accomplished Hillsdale shooters who are making a name for themselves in USA Shooting.

One Mile at a Time: Mike Campbell Brings Together Veterans and Civilians for a Great Cause

As a former Hillsdale College student-athlete, Mike Campbell, ’88, knows what being part of a team is like. Campbell created the unique nonprofit organization, Team One Mile. It brings people together for an annual multi-day, over-the-road bicycle event that raises funds—and attention—for veteran causes.

Brotherhood On and Off the Field: The Affholter Brothers

A college football team with three brothers on its roster is a rarity. For the Affholter brothers—twins Ben and Nick, both ’25, and Zac, ’27—the word “brotherhood” has a new meaning because of football. From putting in hard work on the field to competing together in the weight room, football has strengthened the offensive linemen in more ways than one.

Elise Mason: Developing Character in the Classroom and the Pool

Elise Mason, ’25, came to Hillsdale College, where she not only splashed her way into the record books as one of the school’s outstanding distance swimmers, but also grew in heart and mind as she prepared for a career in teaching.

Live and Online: Chargers Boast Robust Streaming Production for Home Contests

Ted Matko, who has spent 43 years handling much of the College’s video production, has settled in for the past few as Hillsdale’s director of Sports Broadcasting. And with that singular focus, he remains the driving force behind Chargers Athletics’ online presence.

She Has What It Takes: Sophia Bultema Shoots for the Paralympics

Sophia Bultema, ’26, has been shooting guns since the age of 10. Now sponsored by Krieghoff and Winchester Ammunition, Sophia has put her name out there in the shooting sports world, and missing a forearm hasn’t held her back.

Not Your Average Joni: Russell Pitches a Sensational Softball Season

To become a record-setter and achieve unprecedented honors in any sport, it takes a person who’s more than just a special athlete. It requires someone with an additional edge to reach the top—and the Hillsdale College softball team’s pitcher, Joni Russell, has just that edge.

From Middle Distance to Mayo: Nicole Marshall, ’25

Nicole Marshall realized she could get the best of both academics and athletics at Hillsdale College—as well as incredible research opportunities and a caring community. Participating on the track team not only provided Nicole a social outlet, but a structure and balance that helped her succeed in the classroom.

The Right Decision: Anstead, Accounting A Great Match at Hillsdale

Despite his “wrong” thinking, Glenn Anstead, ’81, calls his decision to attend Hillsdale College one of the best. Although the offensive lineman developed his football skills in high school, he learned how to become a student at Hillsdale, eventually foregoing his senior football season to focus on academics.

Single-Minded Focus: Brown Has Olympics as Her Target

Ida Brown, ’24, is used to focusing her attention on a target. Although her collegiate shooting career is over, she is still aiming for her ultimate goal: a spot on Team USA for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Perfect Fit: Hillsdale “An Easy Place to Be” for Lucadam

More than 60 years later, his H Club sweater still fits him perfectly. Jim Lucadam, ’65, had the same feeling when he attended Hillsdale College as a football and baseball recruit in 1961.