Elizabeth Weiers ’15
Track and Field, Throws, English major
Le Center, MN
Favorite campus food?
Frost-Your-Own cookies
Best place to study?
Any quiet room in Confer-Vickner Hall or my dorm room.
How did you decide to attend Gustavus?
My mom and one of my older brothers went here and loved it. I had also been to the campus several times and knew I was going to fit in.
Tell us about your student-athlete experience.
My student-athlete experience at Gustavus has been amazing. Even though I came in not knowing what to expect, I never thought it would become such a huge part of my college life. Some of the most important things I have learned and the most amazing people I have met have been through track and field.
How do you balance academics and athletics?
A lot of organizing and planning ahead. I definitely make time for both, but I always know that academics is the real reason why I’m here, so sports will always take a back seat to classes. The great thing about being in a sport though, is that it offers a mandatory break from academics; no matter what I’m doing, come practice time, I get to give my mind a break and exercise my body.
Brad Entwistle ’15
Tennis, Political Science major
Sioux Falls, SD
Favorite Campus Food?
Meatloaf
Best Place to Study?
Main floor of the library.
How did you decide to attend Gustavus?
The tennis program and my mom always wanted me to be a Gustie.
Tell us about your student-athlete experience?
It has been amazing. I love being a part of Gustavus tennis.
How do you balance academics and athletics?
The emphasis Coach Tommy Valentini has put on school work always coming first has made the balance easy.
Carly Klass ’15
Softball, English major
Richfield, MN
Favorite campus food?
Sweet Potato Tatar Tots
Best place to study?
Interaction Rooms in Beck Academic Hall
How did you decide to attend Gustavus?
Softball has always been an important part of my life and I knew that I wanted to play in college. After looking at schools I knew Gustavus was the right fit. It is the perfect balance of strong academics and successful athletic teams. My older sister went to Gustavus as well.
Tell us about your student-athlete experience.
I have had an amazing experience being both a student and an athlete at Gustavus. Gustavus is something special because coaches understand that you are a student first, athlete second. Professors also show tremendous support for student-athletes and are willing to accommodate and support you while in season. Being a part of the “Gustavus Family” helped me take my academics and athletic performances to a new level. There was always a teammate, coach or fellow athlete willing to go out of their way to help you be as successful as you could be. The support our softball team received upon returning to campus after winning the 2015 MIAC Tournament was fantastic. Everywhere I turned there was another student, coach or administrator congratulating us on our accomplishment. It made me feel a part of something extremely special.
How do you balance academics and athletics?
This is a question that is asked by every parent before their child begins college as a student-athlete and I know Gustavus fosters a unique environment across the whole campus. Coaches and professors encourage athletes to excel in the classroom and understand that in order to be successful on the playing field you must first be successful in the classroom. For me, balancing academics and athletics was never a big problem. I am a person who likes routine and enjoys being busy. I knew during the season that I needed to use every hour of my day wisely. Some days I used all of my time studying and doing homework, so I was able to sleep a few more hours the night before a big game. There are definitely sacrifices you must make to be a student-athlete, but the memories you take away make the whole experience worth it.
Chris Captain ’18
Golf
Rochester, MN
Favorite campus food?
Barbecue rotisserie chicken
Best place to study?
Third floor of the library.
How did you decide to attend Gustavus?
I decided to attend Gustavus because I enjoyed the small class sizes which allow professors to get to know the students. I could envision myself living on this campus for four years because of the quality of students who attend this college. Also, I wanted to pursue collegiate golf for a nationally competitive program close to my home.
Tell us about your student-athlete experience.
I have enjoyed the experience of being a student athlete. It is challenging and rewarding to be involved in athletics on campus. Also, communication with professors is important regarding conflicts with exams due to competitions and they are willing to accommodate different dates or times than the regular schedule.
How do you balance academics and athletics?
I balance athletics and academics by allotting time in my schedule for practice or competitions and for studying or completing homework. It is important to stay organized and disciplined with my time in order to do well inside the classroom and on the golf course.