In the News

For the love of the game: Alumna to make NFL coaching debut

“Oh, wow, you play football?” the young woman asked Katie Sowers, who was waiting to have her photo taken for this story in the locker room also being used by the girl’s high school basketball team that was warming up for upcoming tipoff. “I would love to play football!”

“You can!” Sowers encouraged. “How old are you?”

“15.”

“Three more years,” was Sowers’ reply. “Come try out for the Titans in three years. Maybe I’ll be throwing passes to you!”

More often than not, Sowers said, people look at her skeptically when she tells them she plays professional football. A lot of the time they think she means football as most of the world knows it – soccer – but she does, in fact, mean American tackle football – full pads, helmet, the whole nine yards – or ten, rather.

It’s no secret that the National Football League (NFL) is male dominated, but women are beginning to make their way into the “boys club.” Sowers is now among the few who have achieved just that.

From July 24 through the second preseason game on Aug. 20, Sowers will work with the Atlanta Falcon’s wide receivers through the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship, an internship program with notable alumni including Marvin Lewis and Mike Tomlin. In 2015, this same program made Dr. Jen Welter famous for being the first female participant. Sowers is excited for the opportunity and for working with Julio Jones, who many consider the best receiver in the game.

Sowers is also hopeful that the opportunity will boost her career goals.

“My long term goal is to be a head coach and then move on to executive management,” Sowers said. “It’s not a typical path, but then again, nothing about what I’m doing is typical.”

Back in Kansas City, when she’s not suited up, Sowers spends time on the sideline as a coach, including positions with Kansas City-area junior high and youth teams, as offensive coordinator and general manager for her own Titans team. In January, she was a member of Charlie Weis’ coaching staff at the East-West Shrine Game, the nation’s top college senior bowl for NFL hopefuls.

One demographic that doesn’t bat an eye when they find out what she does, however, is young girls. Many of them get excited that they, like Sowers, could help break down gender stereotypes surrounding the sport and be involved with football someday, too.

Her dedication and commitment to the sport isn’t to prove a point though; it’s just because she loves football.

“Football has been my favorite sport since I was a kid,” Sowers said. “After Grandma’s Sunday dinner, my sister and I would call all the boys we knew to come play football with us.”

Growing up in Hesston, however, she and her twin sister Liz Sowers, also a Hesston High and Hesston College graduate, like most girls, thought football was a boys’ sport so they stuck to playing basketball in high school and at Hesston College. A gifted natural athlete, Sowers continued playing basketball at Goshen (Ind.) College, as well as participating in track for two years and soccer for one. During the last couple of years of college, the sisters discovered professional women’s football and began playing for the West Michigan Mayhem in Kalamazoo – Liz as wide receiver to Katie’s quarterback, a pairing they continue for the Titans.

For now, all of her football commitments are held in balance to her job as athletic director for the Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation Department. WFA players are volunteers, so most of them also work other jobs.

Sowers notes that too many injuries are taking their toll, so her playing career likely won’t last long enough to throw passes to the young lady she met in the locker room. So begins an ascent in the coaching world.

Her East Team coaching appointment in St. Petersburg, Fla., in January came about through a connection with Scott Pioli, former general manager for the Kansas City Chiefs and current assistant general manager for the Atlanta Falcons. The two became acquainted when Sowers coached Pioli’s daughter’s fifth-grade basketball team. Pioli is on the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship Advisory Council, which gives talented minority coaches opportunities to gain experience and, ultimately, a full-time NFL coaching position.

“Scott asked Charlie Weis if he would be open to having a female assistant coach for the East-West game and he [Weis] was very receptive to it,” said Sowers. “Coaching with so many seasoned coaches and former players was great. I gained valuable insight from my colleagues, and I hope the players and coaches learned something from me, too. I think they did.”

Games like the East-West Shrine Game often foster a negative atmosphere, Sowers noted. Players with professional aspirations compete against one another to stand out for NFL scouts, making tensions run high. Sowers was not interested in the negativity.

“While I was down there, I was on the phone with my mom and I told her I was going to give these people the Hesston College Experience!” said Sowers with a laugh. “Hesston College is one place where you encounter smiles and friendliness everywhere. The college’s kind, supportive atmosphere has really stuck with me, and it’s something I can bring to wherever I am.”

One unexpected and affirming moment came during the game, too. The young Shriner’s Hospital patient who performed the national anthem was asked if she would like to meet any of the coaches or players. She only wanted Sowers’ autograph.

Sowers considers it an honor and great responsibility to be that kind of role model for girls, but she hopes women in professional football also stop becoming newsworthy.

“I hope that someday when a woman is hired to a professional football role that it’s not a headline,” said Sowers. “I want to be a full-time coach or executive in the game, but I want it to be because of my knowledge and qualifications.”

Sprunger appointed to interim president role

Benjamin E. (Ben) Sprunger, Ph.D., will serve as interim president of Hesston College starting August 1. A longtime higher education faculty member and administrator, Sprunger has been active in leadership of several Mennonite organizations, including nine years as president and CEO of Mennonite Economic Development Associates, Inc., (MEDA). His appointment comes as President Howard Keim transitions out of the role after an 11 and a half year tenure.

With the announcement of the appointment, the Presidential Search Committee also reported that the presidential search for Hesston’s ninth president is proceeding as scheduled. Sprunger’s interim arrangement is to last at least through Dec. 31, 2016, and no longer than June 30, 2017, to allow adequate transition time for the college’s next president.

“We are pleased that Dr. Sprunger has accepted the call as interim president of Hesston College,” said Kelvin Friesen, Hesston College Board of Directors chair. “Ben comes to us with a wealth of experience in higher education, non-profits and business. His leadership will provide continuity during this time of transition and he will be of support to the administrative team in continuing to develop strategic priorities for Hesston College.”

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve Hesston College and the larger work of the church,” Dr. Sprunger said. “It is my hope that there will be no loss of momentum, and newly planned initiatives can go forward during my interim service with Hesston.”

Sprunger launched his career in higher education at Wheaton (Ill.) College in 1966 where he served over the span of six years in various roles including associate dean, director of Learning Resources, Libraries and Academic Computer Center, assistant to the president and associate professor of education.

He served as president of Bluffton (Ohio) College – now Bluffton University – from 1972-78, accepting the role at age 35. Under his leadership, Bluffton was able to stabilize finances, eliminate deficits and launch a successful capital campaign for the construction of a new science center.

From 1978-84 he served as president and CEO of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, the association representing the 35 private colleges and universities in Ohio.

In 1984, Sprunger transitioned into the non-profit and business worlds, serving as the first chair of the Board and first COO for Quest International, Inc., at the time the largest provider of school drug and alcohol prevention programs in the world. During his tenure, he led the company in international expansion, creating seven language editions from eight international offices.

Sprunger created his own company, Life Skills International Consulting, Inc., which he headed until 1994, training curriculum writers and trainers in Life Skills Drug Prevention programs in six countries.

During his tenure with MEDA (1994-2003), a business-based economic development organization specializing in micro lending, small credit banks, business and agriculture development. With about 200 staff, MEDA, with its partners in 27 countries, served 200,000 beneficiaries.

Sprunger has worked in 51 countries and served on 13 national and international board of directors, including 12 years with the General Conference Mennonite Church General Board, Commission on Education and Faith and Life Publishing, Inc. He also served as interim president of Mennonite Publishing Network.

“Dr. Sprunger brings to the presidency of Hesston College a wealth of experience,” said Dr. Judy Miller, chair of the Mennonite Education Agency (MEA) Board. “The institution will benefit from the experience and wisdom he will bring to the position. His work and church experience makes him uniquely equipped to lead Hesston during this interim period.”

Sprunger has co-authored Handbook on College Administration (1978, Council for the Advancement of Small Colleges) and Faith Dilemmas for Marketplace Christians (2006, Wipf & Stock Pub).

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University (Muncie, Ind.) and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University (East Lansing).

“Dr. Sprunger has a long track record of leadership and a deep love and commitment to Mennonite Church USA,” said Carlos Romero, executive director of MEA. “We are grateful to him for accepting this call from the church to provide interim leadership at Hesston College.”

Sprunger is married to Sue Berlien-Sprunger and has three adult children and five grandchildren. The Sprungers are members of Bahia Vista Mennonite Church in Sarasota, Fla.

Swartzendruber, Hansen honored as Hesston College’s top student athletes

Christy Swartzendruber, a sophomore women’s volleyball player, and Jake Hansen, a sophomore men’s basketball player, were named 2016 male and female Hesston College Student Athletes of the Year at the school’s annual Athletic Banquet.

Swartzendruber, Shickley, Neb., a two-time all-region player and Hesston Volleyball’s all-time leader in digs, was a huge contributor the last two seasons in which the Larks won 21 games each year.

“Playing volleyball at Hesston has allowed me to connect with people and broaden my friend circle,” Swartzendruber said. “Seeing how the community and the students came to support us was amazing. We had amazing team chemistry this year and I’m going to miss all the great times we had.”

Hansen, Effingham, Kan., was twice awarded the team’s Defensive Player of the Year. He contributed over 450 points and 300 rebounds in his career.

“Throughout my two years here I’ve been put in situations that have set me up for success,” Hansen said. “I’ve learned a good work ethic in the classroom and have a have a strong base to work from. The most important take away for me has been the family that I made with my teammates and also the friends I’ve made off the court.”

“Christy had a huge impact on our team on and off the court,” said coach DeeDee Landes. “She is well respected by her teammates and peers and is the epitome of a fantastic Hesston College student athlete.”

“Jake is a winner on and off the floor,” said Hesston coach Dustin Galyon. “He’s played a vital role in elevating our program. Jake was a captain this year and was a big part of our run to the national tournament as a freshman. More importantly, Jake is a phenomenal representative of our program and college. He is a selfless leader who has impacted many on our campus.”

Swartzendruber and Hansen succeed last year’s winners Samantha Rimann, Liberty Hill, Texas, and Malcolm Mann, Plano, Texas.

Class of 2016 encouraged to work in the world with love

Hesston College graduates were encouraged to frame their lives with love for God, others and self. Based on Mark 12:28-34, which served as the college’s theme verse for the 2015-16 year, Hesston College psychology and Bible instructor Kevin Wilder delivered the commencement address “Ultimate Questions,” at the May 8 graduation exercises.

Wilder explained that ultimate questions are those “that get to the point and reveal a lot.” The Mark 12 passage does that by asking which of the commandments laid out in the passage – love God with your whole being, love your neighbor and respect yourself enough so you can show empathy – is the most important.

“Which is the most important?” Wilder asked. “It depends. Starting with one helps you understand the other two.”

Wilder admitted that “loving people is hard and confusing,” but encouraged graduates to be inspired by the passage and love the way they have been loved during their time as Hesston College students.

“We have tried to love you and love you unconditionally,” said Wilder. “We have tried to teach you discipline and we have tried to teach you mercy. Make no mistakes, students, we have loved you. We have not done that perfectly, but we have loved you. We have prayed and we have sweated and we have lost sleep for you. We have loved you. And we launch you today with that love. And that love does not end when you receive that diploma.”

Wilder started at Hesston College in 1998 as campus pastor, serving in that role for 10 years before transitioning to a faculty position.

The 2016 graduation looked different from those of the past 45 years, as graduates donned the traditional caps and gowns for the first time since 1971.

President Howard Keim shared the history of the decision, noting that the class of 1972, under then student body president Howard Keim, voted by overwhelming majority to discontinue the practice. The class of 2016 voted by overwhelming majority to return to the traditional practice. Keim stated that in both instances, the administration reasoned that “graduation is a time to honor the graduates, so their request was granted.”

Student commencement speakers were Isaiah Crosby (Ponca City, Okla.) and Emily Kauffman (Pettisville, Ohio) who were nominated by faculty and staff and chosen by their classmates to deliver student addresses.

President Keim conferred 166 degrees for the Class of 2016 – 62 associate of arts degrees, 14 associate of science degrees, 64 associate of applied arts and sciences degrees and 26 associate of general studies degrees.

Individual student groups were recognized in special ceremonies May 7.

A recognition ceremony was held for eight students completing the Disaster Management Program. Brett Troyer, a 2006 Hesston College graduate, and the first person to receive certification for completing the program, delivered a message entitled “Called to Serve.” Troyer is the Project Logistics Coordinator for Mennonite Disaster Service, based from the Bi-National Office in Lititz, Pa.

A nursing pinning ceremony honored 51 nursing graduates. The message “Do Small Things with Great Love” was delivered by 2009 Hesston College Nursing graduate Lisa Harrelson, RN. Harrelson is a critical care nurse at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan., and was honored with the 2015 Kansas Hospital Associate Health Care Worker of the Year award.

The Aviation department honored ten students completing either the professional pilot or air traffic control programs of study. Ron Kilmer, a 1985 Hesston College graduate and father of 2016 aviation graduate Michael Kilmer (Glendale, Ariz.) delivered a reception address.

Answering the community’s call

For many students, the Hesston College community is one that extends beyond the campus’ borders. That was the case for seven students who worked this academic year as volunteers with the City of Hesston Fire Department and Emergency Services.

Although their schedules were unpredictable with calls coming in at all hours of the day and night, on top of already busy academic and extracurricular schedules, they found the reasons to serve were much greater and valuable for their majors and future careers.

“I wanted to take the EMS class to get a head start for the nursing program,” said Beth Schurz (Phillipsburg, Kan.), a junior in the four-year nursing program. “But I also love to help people and the medical field.”

Jonathan Gonzalez (Goshen, Ind.), a 2016 graduate, joined the fire department party because of his major, Disaster Management, but also because he wanted to be part of something bigger than himself.

“I love challenges,” said Gonzalez. “Being a firefighter is one of the most rigorous and dangerous occupations out there. I love helping folks as well as being part of a family atmosphere.”

Freshman Zach Stauffer (Belleville, Pa.), who is also studying in the Disaster Management Program, likes the high-intensity situations.

“I wanted to become a firefighter because of the adrenaline rush it gives me and the feeling of satisfaction when a fire is out or a patient is being transported to a hospital quickly and efficiently,” he said.

Emergency events over the last few months, particularly, gave the students new perspective on the value of their service to the wider community.

Many of the student volunteers were among the first responders on the scene during the shooting at nearby Excel Industries. Just one month later, they helped battle a wildfire that burned more than 400,000 acres across Kansas and Oklahoma, coming within about 20 miles of Hesston.

Though the students didn’t anticipate the magnitude of two big events in quiet Hesston, their training and a commitment to serve the community helped each one do what was needed.

“The most rewarding aspect of this service is the satisfaction of knowing someone’s life could be saved, even if it means going into a potentially dangerous situation,” says Stauffer. “It’s a risk and reward job.”

“It has become clear how much showing up for any call means to the people we treat and even the community as a whole,” said Schurz.

Lark Open golf benefit to aid Hesston College Athletics

Hesston College Lark fans and golfers are invited to participate in the Hesston College Athletic Department’s annual Lark Open golf benefit, Friday, June 3, at the Hesston Golf Park. All proceeds will aid Hesston College Athletics.

The benefit will be a four-person best-ball scramble with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. A complimentary meal, as well as a raffle, will follow the event.

Raffle prizes include tickets to sporting events in the larger region, including Oklahoma City Thunder, Kansas City Royals and University of Nebraska Football. A hole-in-one prize of a Hustler mower will also be part of the day’s winnings.

“We’re eagerly anticipating a great day for Hesston athletics,” said Hesston athletic director Rob Ramseyer. “I’m confident everyone will have an enjoyable day and we’ll be able to raise a good amount for the department.”

Golfers can register as four-person teams or individuals. Single entries will be placed in a foursome. Registration is $100 per person, and includes green fees, cart, gift bag, free raffle tickets and the meal. Registration is due by May 25.

Sponsorships for the day are also welcome, and all sponsors will be advertised. Corporate sponsorships are $450 while hole sponsorships are $150 per hole.

Community students invited to summer theatre camps

Aspiring young actors can learn new skills and techniques as well as challenge their creativity during Hesston College’s two separate summer theatre camps on the Hesston College campus. Hesston College theatre director Rachel Jantzi will lead the workshop-style camps.

Students ages 11 to 14 are invited to participate in the week-long workshop June 20 to 25. The week’s theme will be “The Trouble with Time Machines,” and will feature an original script written by the participants and set to popular songs throughout the last five decades. Participants will create their own musical and perform the show Saturday, June 25 at the Hesston High School Auditorium following the last day of camp. Registration for the week is $40 and the registration deadline is June 1. Financial assistance is available upon request.

The following week, students ages 14 to 18 are invited to participate in the week-long musical theatre workshop June 27 to July 2. The theme will be friendship and the camp will feature an original script written by the participants and set to various Broadway numbers creating a cabaret performance on Saturday, July 2.

The workshops will give the young performers opportunities to work in every aspect of staging a performance from creating the script to painting the set, working backstage and performing the show.

Daily workshops and rehearsals will be from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the Hesston College campus in the Helmuth Studio Theatre in Northlawn Center for Performing Arts Education. Registration for the week is $50 and the registration deadline is June 8. Financial assistance is available upon request.

Register online or contact Rachel Jantzi at 620-327-8142 or rachelj@hesston.edu.

Students, faculty and staff commissioned for service

During an April 27 Hesston College chapel, 37 students, faculty and staff were commissioned for Christian ministry and service for summer and fall placements.

The students will serve around the world in positions from camp counselor to supervisors at disaster sites.

• Doing an eight-week field experience in Detriot, Mich., are Disaster Management Program students Clay Axness, Glendale, Ariz.; Aaron Bergman, Harrisonburg, Va.; Christy Kauffman, West Liberty, Ohio; Elyse Merritt, Parsons, Kan.; and Zach Stauffer, Belleville, Pa. Program director Cleo Koop will serve alongside the students.
• Led by student Grace Tijerina, Brownsville, Texas, Tanner Daniel, El Dorado Springs, Mo.; Abraham Mateo, Fort Myers, Fla.; Lilian Trifena, Indonesia; and Micah Raber, Millersburg, Ohio; will tour parts of Kansas and Texas leading week-long Vacation Bible School at several churches.
• Faculty member Michele Hershberger, Hesston, Kan., will travel to Philadelphia where she will teach Hesston College’s Biblical Literature course.
• Lydia Holland, Russell, Kan., plans to serve in Zambia with Love’s Door for All Nations.
• Anna Martin, Harleysville, Pa., will serve at a Christian sports camp called Push the Rock this summer and is planning a year of service next year.
• Jenna VonBargen, Baldwin City, Kan., will serve as a project coordinator with a youth missions agency this summer and plans to work in an urban school with City Year next year.
• Brady Bilderback, Boise, Idaho; Molly Bruner, Wauseon, Ohio; Erika Byler, Shipshewana, Ind.; Colton Eby, Fisher, Ill.; Jeremy Good, Rantoul, Ill.; Catie Kauffman, Goshen, Ind.; and Janelle Schmucker, Los Fresnos, Tex.; will serve at Amigo Centre in Sturgis, Mich.
• Elena Buckwalter, Harrisonburg, Va.; Hannah Hostetter, Harrisonburg, Va.; Rachel Shenk, Waynesboro, Va.; and Andry Stutzman, Harrisonburg, Va.; will serve at Highland Retreat Center, Bergton, Va.
• Johanna Burkholder, Warden, Wash., will serve at Camp Camrec, Leavenworth, Wash.
• Cassidy Bontrager, Wellman, Iowa; and Emma Roth, Goshen, Ind.; will serve at Crooked Creek Christian Camp, Washington, Iowa.
• Erin Brubaker, Hesston, Kan.; Silas Driver Harrsionburg, Va.; and Trevor Oyer, Hubbard, Ore.; will serve at Drift Creek Mennonite Camp, Lincoln City, Ore.
• Yoel Bobadilla, Lancaster, Pa., will serve at Camp Nawakwa near Mt. Gretna, Pa. as a co-counselor.
• Desi Newman, Archbold, Ohio, will serve at Little Eden Camp in Onekama, Mich.
• Payton Miller, Kalona, Iowa, will serve at Spring Valley Bible Camp, Muscatine, Iowa.
• Adrienne Derstine, Harleysville, Pa., will serve at Albuqerque (N.M.) Mennonite Church as part of the Ministry Inquiry Program.
• Staff member Rachel Horst, Hesston, Kan., will help with a Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) bridge repair in West Virginia.
• Austin Braddock, Baldwin City, Kan., will intern at Kingdom Life Ministries in Hesston, Kan.
• Emily Griffioen, Belmond, Iowa, will minister through music with the Christian band VanGuard.
• Sarah Hoover, Elbing, Kan., will serve at Camp Hiawatha, Wichita, Kan.

Local athletes boost athletic programs

The success of local student athletes continues to boost Hesston College’s athletic programs even as the campus is diversifying.

This year, six students from within 20 miles of the college filled rosters, including volleyball, women’s basketball and men’s tennis.

Being from the area has plenty of benefits, both on and off the court.

“My local status allows me to give an insight on players around this area,” said Riley Kingsley, a Newton High School alumnus currently playing top seed for the men’s tennis team. “Its nice to be able to help the team out as a scouting tool.”

Myron Diener, men’s tennis coach, echoes Kingsley’s sentiment.

“Having local students has provided stability to the team. They know some history of the players on the opposing teams and are familiar with many of the venues where we play.”

Local athletes also help draw in crowds for important games and matches. Jessanna Nebel, a member of the women’s volleyball and basketball team and a Hesston High School alumna, added that some fans have followed her career on to college.

“We were all really happy that I got the opportunity to continue playing and that everybody could continue to watch me,” Nebel said.

Students from the community also benefited from off the court support. Ally Vogt, a graduate of nearby Berean Academy (Elbing, Kan.), highlighted her family’s support as an important part of her pathway to success.

“I love being able to have my family at almost every game cheering on both me and my team,” Vogt said.

Diener agrees. He says local families help “fill a much needed void on the team,” providing emotional support for students from out of state.

Despite all these positives, the main one, at least for Vogt, is a bit less serious.

“Not having to pay for laundry is a big plus.”