Dean to deacon
By Maria Schmitt
Collegian Freelancer
April 26, 2007
In two years Dean of Men Aaron Petersen could bear an additional, more sanctified title.
Dean of Men Aaron Petersen
Participating in the deaconate process since 2003, Petersen could be ordained by the Catholic Church as early as May 2009 and serve as a clergyman at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hillsdale.
Petersen became an aspirant in 2005, was recognized by the Catholic Church in 2006 and entered the final stage before ordination: candidacy.
“This is parallel to an engagement ring,” Petersen said. “They recognize that there’s a call.”
Petersen said he’s considered joining the church since his college years. Once, he said, he was sitting in class and suddenly had a vision of himself before a congregation.
“I physically felt peaceful,” he said. “I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was a new experience.”
Petersen said he mistook this as a call to be a priest, but soon afterward he met his wife, Kathy.
“I knew that [getting married] was right beyond a shadow of a doubt,” he said.
Then in 2003 health problems surrounding the Petersen’s firstborn child caused him to rethink his own life.
“I had nine profound days of quiet,” he said. “I asked myself, ‘What about my own gift of life?’ Things were becoming really clear to me. It’s out of that that I acted.”
Full Story
Tradition • Character • Service
Monday, April 30, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Spring Recap: Chargers Look Strong for 07
Another spring practice session is in the books as Hillsdale wrapped things up with a scrimmage this past Sunday. Luckily most players emerged unscathed from the month long session.
Hillsdale football looks as strong as ever as they now enter summer workouts in preparation for the 2007 season. Quarterback Mark Nicolet and All GLIAC WR Nick Gurica return for senior seasons and the Charger defense features two honorable mention All-Americans in LB Tom Korte and DB Jared Kell. Punter Matt Van Over (pictured #6) is one of the league's best. His 80 yard punt was a highlight of Sunday's Spring Game. Despite a few banged up players, the offensive line should be even better next year anchored by Jared Veldheer and Chet Crowley. This doesn't mean though that Hillsdale doesn't have some questions to still answer.
Everyone has been asking who will replace Phil Martin, Hillsdale's number 2 all-time rusher who graduates this year. Vinnie Panizzi seems to be the guy who will carry the majority of the load at tailback. Brett Neller should see some carries in the backfield but look for TJ Campbell to become involved as he moves over to the offense from defensive back.
Senior wide receiver Derek Nelson who is pumped for one last run shared some insight on the receiving corps and a couple more Chargers to look for in the fall. "Andre Holmes is stepping up huge at WR; he's the next big thing for the GLIAC. Tight End will also be great for us this year with Matt Patillo stepping in. He has all of the tools to become another Keith Recker, reminds everyone of him, with his size, footwork, route running, etc." Both Holmes and Patillo will be red-shirt freshmen. They join Nelson, Gurica and Aaron Waldie.
The defensive line and linebackers were hit hard by graduation, but when you have a guy like Korte in the middle, he makes everyone around him better. Guys like Marcellus Wade and Garret Chapel will look to fill those spots but should get pushed heavily from Matt Szula and Austin Niemiec. Add a couple of highly skilled recruits to the mix and Hillsdale should be more than solid at LB. Nelson added his thoughts on the situation up front, "The defensive line is obviously where we need guys to step up. Jordan Knudsen, and Mark Yassay seem to be doing very well, Andrew Yarbarough is also playing very well, and with his quickness, he opens us up to use him as a defender in the flats to allow our LB's to blitz off the edge or up the middle." Drew Berube made a ton of big plays last year on special teams. Look for him next season as well as Eric Weber.
The Charger secondary is the best it has been in years. Josh Hutchinson may be the fastest kid on the field this year in the GLIAC. His win in the 55m at the GLIAC indoor championship legitimizes that claim. Kell emerged as a top playmaker last year. Alex Wojcik moves to safety to join him.
Hope always springs eternal...especially in the Spring. The expectations are high once again. Let's hope this is the season things finally come together at Hillsdale.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Skelton figures big into Xplosion equation
Skelton figures big into Xplosion equation
Saturday, April 21, 2007
By Wes Morgan
wmorgan@kalamazoogazette.com 388-8400
It doesn't take a math major to understand that a 3-0 record is a good thing. But the Kalamazoo Xplosion say having a math major under center is a big reason the first-year Continental Indoor Football League team is off to such a hot start.
Bill Skelton has silently compiled a solid season so far for the Xplosion, which hosts the Marion (Ohio) Mayhem tonight at Wings Stadium.
Skelton is averageing 126.7 yards a game and is the only starting quarterback in the league yet to throw an interception (Kalamazoo is also the only team yet to fumble the ball).
Full Story
Tyus-led defense helps Xplosion to fourth win
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
By Wes Morgan
wmorgan@kalamazoogazette.com 388-8400
It doesn't take a math major to understand that a 3-0 record is a good thing. But the Kalamazoo Xplosion say having a math major under center is a big reason the first-year Continental Indoor Football League team is off to such a hot start.
Bill Skelton has silently compiled a solid season so far for the Xplosion, which hosts the Marion (Ohio) Mayhem tonight at Wings Stadium.
Skelton is averageing 126.7 yards a game and is the only starting quarterback in the league yet to throw an interception (Kalamazoo is also the only team yet to fumble the ball).
Full Story
Tyus-led defense helps Xplosion to fourth win
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
Athletics redefined: Football player debunks ‘jock’ myth
Athletics redefined: Football player debunks ‘jock’ myth
By Katherine Poythress
Collegian Reporter
Hillsdale Collegian, April 19, 2007
For senior Derek Nelson, a Hillsdale College football player, college is not just about training, tackles and plays. His entire life is a balancing act. His extracurricular activities are so numerous he has difficulty listing them off the top of his head: Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, Best Buddies, Big Brothers Big Sisters and treasurer for the Inter-Fraternity Council.
He said his ability to manage the scrimmage for his time is partly thanks to football.
Nelson has been playing with the Chargers since his freshman year. Just one day of an in-season football player involves approximately six hours of football-related activities like practice, watching football films and lifting.
“You only get about three hours of good, quality study time on an average day in-season,” Nelson said.
However, Hillsdale Offensive Coordinator Coach Barry Fagan said there really isn’t an off-season. Even when the team members are not practicing and playing the game, they are training.
“Football is very demanding,” Fagan said. “It’s six days a week, every week of the year.”
Fagan, Nelson’s position coach and friend, said he and the entire football coaching staff emphasize preparing their players for life.
“His involvement in the football program at Hillsdale has made him, along with his education, become a good leader,” said Kim Nelson, Derek’s mother. “It’s the friendships, the mentorship, study groups, all of it.”
But Fagan doesn’t take his game too seriously.
“We are the epitome of what college athletics should be, which is an extracurricular activity,” he said.
This attitude does not lower expectations for Hillsdale football players on the field but places higher demands than many schools on players’ academic performance.
Nelson said he and all Charger athletes went through the same application process as every Hillsdale student, meaning Nelson had to be not only a great athlete to play for the team but also a great student to enter the college.
Full Story
By Katherine Poythress
Collegian Reporter
Hillsdale Collegian, April 19, 2007
For senior Derek Nelson, a Hillsdale College football player, college is not just about training, tackles and plays. His entire life is a balancing act. His extracurricular activities are so numerous he has difficulty listing them off the top of his head: Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, Best Buddies, Big Brothers Big Sisters and treasurer for the Inter-Fraternity Council.
He said his ability to manage the scrimmage for his time is partly thanks to football.
Nelson has been playing with the Chargers since his freshman year. Just one day of an in-season football player involves approximately six hours of football-related activities like practice, watching football films and lifting.
“You only get about three hours of good, quality study time on an average day in-season,” Nelson said.
However, Hillsdale Offensive Coordinator Coach Barry Fagan said there really isn’t an off-season. Even when the team members are not practicing and playing the game, they are training.
“Football is very demanding,” Fagan said. “It’s six days a week, every week of the year.”
Fagan, Nelson’s position coach and friend, said he and the entire football coaching staff emphasize preparing their players for life.
“His involvement in the football program at Hillsdale has made him, along with his education, become a good leader,” said Kim Nelson, Derek’s mother. “It’s the friendships, the mentorship, study groups, all of it.”
But Fagan doesn’t take his game too seriously.
“We are the epitome of what college athletics should be, which is an extracurricular activity,” he said.
This attitude does not lower expectations for Hillsdale football players on the field but places higher demands than many schools on players’ academic performance.
Nelson said he and all Charger athletes went through the same application process as every Hillsdale student, meaning Nelson had to be not only a great athlete to play for the team but also a great student to enter the college.
Full Story
Tucson RB Joins Recruiting Class
Q and A with Catalina Foothills running back Vince Alentado
2007-04-18
Matt Bracken
AZ Daily News
Catalina Foothills’ Vince Alentado recently accepted an offer to play Division II college football at Hillsdale College in Michigan.
The 6’0, 200-pound running back, who rushed for 1,046 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior, will receive an academic scholarship and compete for the starting job when he arrives in the fall.
Here’s what Alentado had to say about his pledge to the Chargers:
Q: When did you make your commitment?
A: On the 11th.
Q: Signing Day was in February. Why did you wait until now to sign?
A: I was actually in the middle of wrestling when they wanted me to make my visit, and that’s when they usually offer scholarships, so I had to wait.
Q: How was the visit?
A: It was fun. I got a good glimpse of the team doing their workouts and got a good feel for it.
Q: How did you find out about Hillsdale?
A: They actually called me in December or January, sometime during the winter. And I just kind of looked them up on the internet once they contacted me.
Q: Had you ever heard of Hillsdale before they contacted you?
A: Not at all.
Q: How did Hillsdale found out about you?
A: They got an email from a recruiting service that I was doing.
Q: How did you arrive at your decision?
A: It was a combination of things. The opportunity to play Division 2 football as opposed to Division 3. And a lot of it came down to the sincerity of the coaches and commitment they had to getting me on the team.
Q: What other schools did you consider?
A: College of Wooster, a D3 college that wanted me as a linebacker. Occidental College in Los Angeles. NAU had offered me a walk-on position as a running back, I believe.
Q: Was the recruiting process stressful?
A: Oh yeah definitely. It was really stressful especially having to make the decision. You get to know all these coaches and a lot of the players and then you have to let some of them down when you really don’t want to.
Q: What do you expect out of your freshman year?
A: Well they graduated a running back last year that led the team in career rushing yards, and I know they have three young guys and one other guy they recruited this year. I’d like to be first or second string. I think I can make an impact early.
Q: Will it be difficult being so far away from home?
A: Yes and no. It’ll be difficult I’m sure, but I’ll have a strong supporting family around me with the football team, so I think I’ll be okay. Because there aren’t any Division 2 or 3 schools around here, it was kind of inevitable that I’d go away, so I was expecting it.
2007-04-18
Matt Bracken
AZ Daily News
Catalina Foothills’ Vince Alentado recently accepted an offer to play Division II college football at Hillsdale College in Michigan.
The 6’0, 200-pound running back, who rushed for 1,046 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior, will receive an academic scholarship and compete for the starting job when he arrives in the fall.
Here’s what Alentado had to say about his pledge to the Chargers:
Q: When did you make your commitment?
A: On the 11th.
Q: Signing Day was in February. Why did you wait until now to sign?
A: I was actually in the middle of wrestling when they wanted me to make my visit, and that’s when they usually offer scholarships, so I had to wait.
Q: How was the visit?
A: It was fun. I got a good glimpse of the team doing their workouts and got a good feel for it.
Q: How did you find out about Hillsdale?
A: They actually called me in December or January, sometime during the winter. And I just kind of looked them up on the internet once they contacted me.
Q: Had you ever heard of Hillsdale before they contacted you?
A: Not at all.
Q: How did Hillsdale found out about you?
A: They got an email from a recruiting service that I was doing.
Q: How did you arrive at your decision?
A: It was a combination of things. The opportunity to play Division 2 football as opposed to Division 3. And a lot of it came down to the sincerity of the coaches and commitment they had to getting me on the team.
Q: What other schools did you consider?
A: College of Wooster, a D3 college that wanted me as a linebacker. Occidental College in Los Angeles. NAU had offered me a walk-on position as a running back, I believe.
Q: Was the recruiting process stressful?
A: Oh yeah definitely. It was really stressful especially having to make the decision. You get to know all these coaches and a lot of the players and then you have to let some of them down when you really don’t want to.
Q: What do you expect out of your freshman year?
A: Well they graduated a running back last year that led the team in career rushing yards, and I know they have three young guys and one other guy they recruited this year. I’d like to be first or second string. I think I can make an impact early.
Q: Will it be difficult being so far away from home?
A: Yes and no. It’ll be difficult I’m sure, but I’ll have a strong supporting family around me with the football team, so I think I’ll be okay. Because there aren’t any Division 2 or 3 schools around here, it was kind of inevitable that I’d go away, so I was expecting it.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Skelton has big night in Xplosion Win
Former Charger QB Bill Skelton went 10-22 for 116 yards passing and 4 total TD's (1 rushing. Dan Musielewicz had the game's first touchdown reception.
Xplosion Remain Undefeated at 3-0
by Randy Snow - OurSportsCentral.com
The Kalamazoo Xplosion have yet to taste defeat in the Continental Indoor Football League. In a battle of undefeated teams last night, the Xplosion topped the Chicago Slaughter 34-21 in front of 3,543 fans at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo.
After two straight road victories, Kalamazoo (3-0) was hosting its first ever home game. Things were going Kalamazoo's way right from the start. Kicker Brad Selent sent the opening kickoff rolling down the middle of the field where it bounced over, past and through several Chicago players. It was eventually recovered by Xplosion RB Dwight White inside the 10-yard line. A few plays later, Kalamazoo QB Bill Skelton connected with WR Dan Muslelewicz for a touchdown. The extra point was missed, but Kalamazoo had an early 6-0 lead.
Full Story
Xplosion Remain Undefeated at 3-0
by Randy Snow - OurSportsCentral.com
The Kalamazoo Xplosion have yet to taste defeat in the Continental Indoor Football League. In a battle of undefeated teams last night, the Xplosion topped the Chicago Slaughter 34-21 in front of 3,543 fans at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo.
After two straight road victories, Kalamazoo (3-0) was hosting its first ever home game. Things were going Kalamazoo's way right from the start. Kicker Brad Selent sent the opening kickoff rolling down the middle of the field where it bounced over, past and through several Chicago players. It was eventually recovered by Xplosion RB Dwight White inside the 10-yard line. A few plays later, Kalamazoo QB Bill Skelton connected with WR Dan Muslelewicz for a touchdown. The extra point was missed, but Kalamazoo had an early 6-0 lead.
Full Story
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Local Kids Enjoy Youth Camp
Hilllsdale College players and coaches invited dozens of potential future Chargers onto the turf of Muddy Waters Stadium last Sunday for the annual youth camp. Check out more great photos from the official Charger football site.
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