The Gustavus Football team continued their offensive bonanza when they outscored Carleton College 50-0 on Saturday, Oct. 4. The performance was the icing on the cake of a sunny Homecoming Saturday.
“Some of the creativity and possession was a joy to beold. Although a win would have been nice, we always talk about performance. Today was a good one.”—Mike Middleton
“The day was amazing. We had kettle corn in the Homecoming tent and saw the Football team completely annihilate Carleton. My roommate was gone for the weekend so I was able to wear a mixture of her and my clothes. I was Gustied out to the max,” First-year Sam McNamer said, who enjoyed seeing so many people at the game.
The win ranks among the top four greatest Homecoming wins in Gustavus history. The largest margin of victory came in 1931 when the Gusties beat Hamline University 61-0. This year’s victory brings the Gusties to a record of 5-0 — their best record since 1998.
“It was fun to see all the happy faces and how excited everyone was. The stadium was packed. It was the biggest football win I have seen,” McNamer said.
Another remarkable showing came from First-Year Golfer Chris Captain who, with his round of two under par on Monday, sealed the Gusties’ second place spot in the MIAC Championship. The performance by Captain, alongside his teammates Matt Spier, Andrew Brandt, Matt Rastetter and Andrew Krasaway, improved the team’s previous top result which came after they finished 5th at UW-Eau Claire.
“I played well throughout the three days. I was in position off the tee, had solid iron play and putted well each day. I stayed focused on each shot as it came and executed my game plan for the course. One of my college golf goals was to win the MIAC and it is just very rewarding and humbling to achieve it this year,” Captain said.
Looking forward, Captain believes focusing on good performances rather than placement will give him success in the upcoming spring season.
“I expect myself and our team to compete each weekend. Expectations regarding finishing at a certain place creates additional pressure for me. Winning this tournament doesn’t change my expectations for the spring season and I am excited for it to start,” Captain said.
Apart from the two performances by football and golf, close games seemed to be the tone of the weekend. St. Olaf managed to get the better of Women’s Soccer who suffered a 1-0 loss and Volleyball faced a narrow defeat to Hamline University in set 5 on Saturday. Men’s and Women’s Cross Country both earned mid-table results finishing ninth and tenth at the Blugold Invitational at UW-Eau Claire.
Men’s Soccer also experienced a thrilling conclusion to their game against St. Olaf. With 1:57 on the clock, Senior Midfielder Eric Schneider managed to put the 1-1 equalizer behind the St. Olaf goalkeeper, sending the game to overtime.
“The goal was great stuff,” Head Coach Mike Middleton said after the game. “Eric Schneider has a unique ability to ghost into some really excellent positions. He’s a top-notch player.”
The team, who is still unbeaten in regular time since Sept. 7, set a high standard with their 10-0 MIAC record last year. With a 3-1-1 record so far this season, Coach Middleton believes the quality of soccer and the development of the team will benefit them more than individual games.
“I was in position off the tee, had solin iron play and putted well each day.”—Chris Captain
“Some of the creativity and possession was a joy to behold. Although a win would have been nice, we always talk about performance. Today was a good one. In truth, I think the St. Olaf boys enjoyed the match as much. They played some good soccer. No shenanigans here, just two good teams enjoying the game. It was a fun day,” Middleton said.
-Philip Evans
