St. Norbert College, Time Well Spent

I remember the first day I arrived on campus like it was yesterday. I recollect the smell of freshly cut grass and the hustle and bustle of college students moving into their dorms. I remember the first time I got a little confused on where I was going and what classroom I was in. I remember the first time I went out and skated with the hockey team and realized how much I could improve by playing here. I was just a little freshman with a lot to learn and many new and exciting experiences to have. St. Norbert College was a whole new world for me coming from the small town of Soldotna, Alaska. I was recruited early the previous spring by Coach Coghlin and Coach Aitken to play hockey for St. Norbert's. My decision to come play hockey for SNC was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I, unlike most students, had not taken a visit to the campus but instead spoke on the phone with the coaching staff and looked at the campus many times over the Internet. I was coming here with aspirations of not only playing for a great hockey program but also getting a great education.

SNC guided me in the right direction, and I love the community aspect of the college. I have traveled to many different campuses all around the Midwest and as far as New York playing for the hockey team. Each campus I go to is set up differently. Some campuses are so big it would take a half-hour to walk from one end to the other. I could not picture myself at any other school after having visited them. The small community feel is one reason why SNC is so special to everyone who is not only a student, but any part of the college as well.

Writing for the St. Norbert Times has given me the opportunity to really become a fan of all the different sports offered at the college. Through the St. Norbert Times I have been able to interact with many different athletic personalities and really seen how successful the coaches have built their respective programs. Each coaching staff has a certain way of doing things and each sport has a winning tradition to back up the coaching staff.

This past year in SNC sports was arguably one of the greatest the college has seen in a long time. Every team was at the top of their conference with some teams and players getting national recognition. This class I am graduating alongside has led the way athletically for their teams this season. As seniors we have really stepped up when leaned on and led our teams to some of the best seasons in recent memories. Even though all good things must come to an end, we should all be proud of our legacy and the state we will be leaving our programs in.

Sometimes as students we really take for granted the situation we are blessed with here at St. Norbert College. As my career here is culminating I am able to really take a step back and be thankful for everything I have attained over these past four years. I have had success not only on the hockey rink but in the classroom as well. I have no regrets from my time in this great campus community. I have made many friends I will always remember and memories I will never forget.

I would advise the entire returning student body and especially the first-year class to really enjoy your time here. Try to do as much as you can and have the time of your life while you are here at SNC. I am thankful for everything that has happened to me over my career here and I can proudly say these were the greatest four years of my