Whether it’s Division 1 or Division 3, anytime a freshman comes in and makes an impact for a varsity sport, it’s a special achievement. To do it for not one, but two sports is an entirely more difficult feat. Just ask Freshmen Michael Hensch and Josh Curtis.

In the fall, you can find Hensch and Curtis on the football field, Hensch as a nose tackle; and Curtis as a cornerback. In the spring, the duo are a part of the Track and Field team. Hensch competes in the javelin, shot put, hammer and discus throws, and Curtis competes in the 4×100 relay, the 100, 200 and long jump.

It’s safe to say the pair has been successful. On Sunday April 10 at the College of St. Benedicts/Saint John’s University Invitational Curtis and Hensch both had runner-up finishes. Curtis with a long jump of 6.47 meters, and Hensch with a 54.88 meter throw in the javelin.

At the Lee Krough Invite at Gustavus on April 16, with thirteen NCAA D3 and D2 institutions present, both Hensch and Curtis took home gold, Hensch won the shot put with a throw of 13.98 meters and Curtis won the long jump, sailing 6.51 meters. Curtis also placed third in the 100 meter dash, with a time of 11.09.

The Carleton relays on April 23 also saw the duo place, with Curtis taking sixth in the 100 meter dash , and Hensch taking sixth in the hammer throw.

Although the two are strongest in one event, Curtis favoring the 100 and Hensch the javelin, both are working towards making conference in all of their events.

“I hope to make conference in all four of my events, and win conference in javelin,” Hensch said.

Curtis held similar goals.

“I want to place top five in all of my events at conference,” Curtis said.

So what’s been the hardest part of the season so far?

“My biggest challenge was trying to learn the form of the hammer throw. It can be very difficult when you are spinning that fast to keep your balance,” Hensch said.

While Hensch has been fighting to keep his balance, Curtis has been fighting to stay healthy.

“My biggest challenge this season has been trying to stay healthy. I want to work hard to get better, but not overwork my legs and get hurt,” Curtis said.

Although it was hard coming in and competing as a freshman, the upperclassmen on the Track and Field team have been very helpful resources.

“Sam Fischer and Sarah Swanson are senior throwers who have helped me out a lot. Sam really helped teach me the new throws, and with the workouts, and Sarah is never hesitant to help out the freshmen,” Hensch said.

Although both Curtis and Hensch are focused on the current season, there is no doubt in their minds that track and field is preparing them for football in the fall.

“Being a thrower we lift a lot, so I can get stronger and don’t have to worry about getting behind. During indoor season I was a sprinter as well, so that really helped me with conditioning and agility,” Hensch said.

Curtis has noticed a speed boost that will come in handy shutting down receivers in the fall.

“I’m definitely getting faster,” Curtis said.

With such great success in their first year at Gustavus, it will be awesome to witness the heights the pairs can reach this season, and the next three years.

Both Curtis and Hensch will be competing at the Drake Alternative at Gustavus on Saturday, April 30, so show up and watch two legends in the making.