The Collegian

Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Sports

After graduating from Hillsdale College in 2004, Andy Towne said he felt immediately disassociated with the college and the track and field program to which he belonged.

"When I arrived in 2005 [as assistant track and field coach], one of my main goals was make more of an effort to unite the alumni with each other and with current students," Towne said.

This year, in an effort to unite the past and present of the college's track and field program, the coaching staff announced the creation of the Hillsdale Track and Field Champion's Club.

"The Champion's Club will serve as a sort of Hall of Fame within our sport here at Hillsdale," head coach Bill Lundberg said.

The club will receive its inaugural class in April during the Gina Relays.

The inaugural class consists of Paul Aufdemberge, Erin (Gillespie) Bunting, Nate Johnson, Ryan Pschigoda, and Gina (Van Laar) Lanser.

"Each athlete is not only a former National Champion, but each one is a several-time National Champion," Lundberg said.

A committee of Hillsdale track and field alumni from the past five generations chose the first class and will chose future classes.

"The idea is that it will mean something more coming from their peers than just from coaches like myself," Lundberg said.

Champions will be recognized in "The Trackster," Hillsdale's track and field newsletter recently enacted as a method for uniting alumni.

Assistant coach Michael Nikkila said benefits of the program are the creation of tradition and increased sense of pride in current athletes.

"I think it's a great way to bring the track and field history together, knowing the past helps foster respect for the program and what you are a part of," he said.

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