Written By: Maxwell Siegel
As the fall sports season comes to a close, at Northwestern, we want to celebrate the achievements of the year so far.
Northwestern Football
Eagles football started the season with a challenging slate of three out-of-conference games against St. Olaf, Bethel, and UW-Stout, suffering losses in each. However, there was a silver lining as they entered conference play. In their opener against Crown, the Eagles secured a decisive 69-14 victory, marking their first win of the conference season. This victory sparked a five-game winning streak, fueling their ambition to become conference champions and return to the NCAA DIII playoffs for the third time since 2016.
A key player in the Eagles’ success has been junior running back Sievert Klefsaas, who has amassed an impressive 958 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He aims to surpass the 1,000-yard mark, needing just 42 more yards after the recent game against Martin Luther College. When asked about the offensive success of the Eagles, he commented, “There’s always room to improve, but compared to past years, we’ve taken a big step toward locking in on the small things that lead to bigger successes. We have a lot of guys on offense that defenses are forced to pay attention to so that helps me.”
We asked Klefsaas about success, and what it means to be an eagle and he said, “I really try to strive for Godly excellence, I want to give God everything so I can be the best I can be to honor Him in both the way I play on the field and how I represent him off of it.”
Photo: University of Northwestern vs University of Minnesota-Morris
Northwestern Volleyball
Eagles volleyball was off to an impressive start this season, exemplifying the program’s long-standing tradition of excellence. After facing two early setbacks, the team quickly found its rhythm and has since compiled a commendable record of 18-8, and 10-1 in UMAC play. This success has been bolstered by several players earning All-Conference Team selections, highlighting the depth of talent within the squad.
Ari Schmidt, a standout right-side hitter, has made headlines this season by breaking the school record for total kills, surpassing the milestone of 1,000 in her four years at Northwestern. Her achievement not only showcases her skill but also her dedication to the game and her teammates. Furthermore, senior setter Grace Strickfaden recently celebrated a remarkable career milestone of over 2,000 assists, further solidifying her role as a key playmaker on the court.
As the Eagles continue their season, they hope to hold their current national ranking of #22 and #7 in the preseason rankings. They are determined to maintain their momentum and build on their successes in the weeks ahead.
Freshman setter Elise Paplow shared her thoughts on the season, saying, “I’ve learned to be more centered on a team and God rather than myself.” She reflected on the team’s spirit, where personal growth and faith are just as important as winning. She appreciates the support from coaches and teammates, who inspire her to grow both on and off the court. With this strong sense of community, UNW volleyball is ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Photo: #2 Abby Glanzer making a play on the ball, home game at UNW
