Athletics Archives

Career in Control: Jennifer Carlson Blood Finds Niche in Dental Accounting

Jennifer Carlson Blood, ’07, was part of a seven-player recruiting class for Hillsdale College women’s basketball heading into the 2003-2004 season. Although Blood’s freshman season had Hillsdale take a step back in the win column, the final three seasons were winning ones for the Chargers.

Small School, Big Difference: Granberry Thrived On and Off the Court at Hillsdale College

For Bill Granberry, ’85, the former standout Hillsdale College men’s basketball player, the small-school environment Hillsdale offered made all the difference both during his time on campus and even after graduation.

10,000-Foot View: Former GLIAC Champion Still Competing as an Athletic Director, Triathlete, and Mom

Amy Sayers Peters, ’01, was a state champion track and cross country runner and a standout swimmer. So why not do both in college? When Hillsdale College offered her that opportunity, she took it. More than 20 years later, Peters is still competing in triathlons and Ironman competitions.

“In the Blood”: Ardith Straight Shea Has Had an Impressive Career in Teaching

Ardith Straight Shea, ’86, knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher. With both of her parents, Arlo, ’57, and Judith, ’60, career educators, she decided she wanted to follow in their footsteps.

Get in the (Mental) Game: Rob Pike Helps Improve Athletes’ Mindsets

There’s plenty of training resources and options for athletes to improve their physical performance. However, Rob Pike, ’92, has established a company that helps athletes raise their mental game.

Taking His Best Shot: Army Veteran Joseph Grohs Leads on Action Shooting Team

Coming to Hillsdale after more than a decade of service in the U.S. Army, Joseph Grohs, ’26, wanted to be sure that his four years of college were well spent. Now halfway through his college career, Grohs is grateful for his time spent as a student and as a member of the College’s action shooting team.

The Old College Try: Former Baseball Captain Don Smith Carves Out a Career in Education

Don Smith, ’59, wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after graduating from nearby Homer (Michigan) High School. He eventually became a baseball asset, earning all-conference and team MVP honors as a first baseman and also did some pitching for the Dales, who were members of the MIAA.

From Dare to the ’Dale: Legendary High School Teacher and Coach Darrel Morton Leaves Hillsdale Legacy

After receiving a running scholarship, Darrel Morton, ’64, hitchhiked nearly 140 miles from his hometown to campus to begin his college experience. Morton helped establish the cross country program, along with teammates Wendell Shiffler, ’65, and Doug Hansen, ’66.

Driven to Succeed: Kraig Heeter Advances Career in Industrial Real Estate

After a successful collegiate golf career, Kraig Heeter, ’01, became a professional after graduating from Hillsdale College and played in California’s Pepsi Tour. However, he ultimately decided to take on a career in industrial real estate.

Holding Court: Jerry Hewitt Helped Hillsdale Restart Men’s Tennis

When Hillsdale College decided to restart men’s tennis as a collegiate sport in 2015-16, Jerry Hewitt, ’19, was the very first recruit to commit to the Chargers. By the time Hewitt graduated, he had helped build the Chargers into a championship program.

A Winning Formula: Baseball, Accounting Brought Troy Salvior to Hillsdale College

Baseball and the accounting program were a winning recruiting formula for Troy Salvior, ’90. The pitcher, who was a former draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, said the opportunity to play collegiate baseball and study under an accounting faculty legend were the deciding factors in his decision to attend Hillsdale College.

Camaraderie and Competition: Kristen Farling Pigg Remembers Chargers Tennis, Good Times

Kristen “Kiki” Farling Pigg, ’90, looks back at her Hillsdale College years with fondness. A member of the team that finished second in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference during her senior year, Pigg said college tennis was more than the competition.