2020 Spring Salute: North Central University
Following the cancellation of remaining spring sport seasons and tournaments and championships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) launched the "2020 Spring Salute" as a means to honor all conference programs, coaches and student-athletes during the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year.
The UMAC would like to recognize North Central University administrators, coaches, staff and student-athletes for their commitment to the mission, vision and core values of the conference. During this incredibly difficult time, we appreciate all that North Central leadership has done for athletics and especially spring sport student-athletes who saw their seasons end abruptly.
North Central and the UMAC would like to thank the following senior and graduating student-athletes for their dedication to their respective sports during their collegiate careers. Being a student-athlete is no easy task, but it will prepare them to go out to lead and make an incredible difference in the world. Thank you, seniors!
| Sport |
Name |
Hometown |
Major |
| Baseball |
Steven De Silva |
Mililani, Hawaii |
Business Administration |
| Baseball |
Chase Drill |
Chanhassen, Minn. |
Sports Management |
| Baseball |
Blaszen Ferreira |
Mililani, Hawaii |
Business Administration |
| Baseball |
Grant Payne |
Fall River, Wis. |
Sports Management |
| Men's Tennis |
Ken Schrock |
Eau Claire, Wis. |
Accounting and Finance |
| Women's Tennis |
Sierra Hunter |
Wellsville, Pa. |
Social Work |
| Women's Tennis |
Madalyn Meetz |
Oshkosh, Wis. |
Global Studies |
| Women's Tennis |
Nicole Swanson |
River Falls, Wis. |
Accounting and Finance |
| Women's Outdoor Track and Field |
Betty Rand |
Lakeville, Minn. |
Secondary Education |
Below are messages from some North Central spring sport coaches to their teams and seniors:
From Baseball Head Coach David Babcock: "Having the opportunity to be with these guys for the end of their career was such an honor. I am so disappointed for them that they did not get to complete their last year. Despite losing them as players for next season, we are proud to call these men alumni of the North Central University baseball program. They will forever hold a spot in my heart and in the history of NCU baseball. We will miss the impact they have on and off the field next year but also wish them the best in their future endeavors and hope they know they always have a place to come back to in the Rams baseball program."
From Softball Head Coach Joe Waalk: "We are truly blessed to have the players and leadership within our softball program. I’ve been amazed by our positive attitudes and great effort towards a game that can be unforgiving at times. It’s hard to beat a team that never gives up!"
From Men's Tennis Head Coach David Stabley: "Ken has been one of the hardest workers on our team in the years I've been here. He is very competitive and I never had to wonder whether or not he wanted to be on the court. He continued to push other athletes as a captain this year, even in conditioning at our practices. No one wanted to win more than him. We will be sad to see Ken leave but wish him the best in his future career."
From Women's Tennis Head Coach David Stabley: "Maddy, Nicole, and Sierra played at the top of our line-up in both singles and doubles and have been an integral part of our team. They all are hard working and competitive, and will be truly missed. All three of them were already on the team when I came in to coach and we've had some good memories over the past two years, including Maddy's third-set victory last year in a night match, Nicole's 8 singles wins in the 2019 season, and Sierra's engagement to one of our men's players! May they all leave from NCU and have full and lasting joy."
From Men's and Women's Track and Field Head Coach Mike Knipe: "
We are incredibly disappointed that our athletes, especially our lone senior Betty Rand, will not have the opportunity to compete this season. Although it is tough for all of our athletes, coaches, parents, and fans alike, we also are able to reflect fondly on how much of an impact that Betty was able to leave with each person she interacted with. As a dual-sport athlete, Betty represented North Central University with poise and class throughout. We will miss her and look forward to seeing her achieve success in the next chapter of life."
Keep up on social media all day as the UMAC says, "Thank you, Rams!" Share stories, memories and messages of thanks and gratitude for North Central student-athletes, coaches and staff using #UMACsalute and #ThanksRams.
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2020 Spring Salute Archives