The Mayflower Community (Grinnell IA) hosted on Thursday, January 16th, the fourth group of Grinnell College students on campus for winter break. 54 members of the Pioneer men’s and women’s Track and Field teams dined with their coaches and Mayflower resident hosts.
Women’s Head Coach, Evelyn Freeman, and Men’s Head Coach, Will Freeman, have been coaching at Grinnell College since 1980. At the end of this season, they will be retiring after 40 years, having led the Pioneer track and field and cross country teams to 50 Midwest Conference championships.
A pasta bar, including gluten-free and vegan choices, French bread, bread sticks, and tossed salad was served. Desert was various ice cream treats.
Mayflower resident hosts included George and JoAnn Britton, Kent and Katherine McClelland, Rick and Sue Ramsey, and Russ Leggett. The Mayflower Food Service staff was led by Scott Gruhn and Pounch Rojohn.
A special treat was entertainment provided by three members of the women’s team. Maddie Breunig, a senior, is a top distance runner. After being gone for two years, she went home to Australia for winter break. Maddie just returned with first-hand information about that continent’s wild fires.
Agne Lukoseviciute is a junior thrower from the Chicago area. She was born and spent her early years in Lithuania where she was a figure skater. Ange was a good shot and discus thrower in high school. The Grinnell College throws coach taught her how to throw the hammer. Last year Ange placed All American at nationals in the hammer and discus. She broke the Lithuanian national record twice and won the Lithuanian national championship meet in the hammer last summer. Ange just returned to campus after spending the fall semester training in Lithuania.
Emma Schaefer of Boulder, Colorado is a 2nd-year who is also a top distance runner. She plays guitar and sings. Emma performed three numbers, including two songs she wrote…one about running and one about her aunt. Emma helped all finish the evening with warm smiles.
For those who aren’t seniors (and aren’t’ retiring), we will see you next year!
— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director