Marian students’ reputation
of athletic excellence doesn’t stop at graduation. Many continue to share their
talents through college and beyond. The athletic program has proven itself to
be one of the best in the state and its athletes are one of a kind.
So far this year, four
seniors have signed on to play with Division I college teams, keeping up with
the average four to five students a year.
Mr. Jim Miller, athletic director, is very impressed with Marian’s high
number of collegiate athletes. “I don’t think most people understand how hard
it is to get athletic scholarships,” said Miller. “Only about one percent of
athletes get them.”
Emily Greisch, 2003 alum, is
a freshman at Creighton. This season, Greisch walked onto Creighton’s Lady Jays
volleyball team. As part of the team,
she practiced between 10 and 15 hours a week during the regular season and up
to 30 hours a week during pre-season.
Along with making time for
schoolwork and trying to have a social life, while adjusting to being on her
own, Greisch had a lot on her plate. However, she has no regrets.
“It was hard, but really fun
so it balanced out and wasn’t too overwhelming,” said Greisch.
Being on the team has its
rewards. Last season, the Lady Jays
made it to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
Katie Krause, a 2001 graduate,
is a junior at St. Benedict’s University in St. Joseph, Minn. During her days at Marian, she was captain
of Dance Team and now is captain of the National Team at St. Benedict’s.
From August through March,
Krause practices Monday through Thursday nights from 7 to 9, as well as
managing the team’s budget. Far from upset about the commitment, Krause has no
complaints.
“I think it actually helps
me balance my time. I know that I have to practice so I’ve learned to get all
my schoolwork done before 7, and it has helped my organization a lot,” said
Krause. “Sometimes it gets stressful, but I don’t know what I’d do without
it. For me, it’s a release.”
Krause tried out in May of
her senior year and earned her spot on the National Team by having one of the
top 14 scores. The team has ranked in the top 10 their last two trips to
national competitions, and Krause has high hopes for this year’s
competition.
Excellence in sports is a
tradition at Marian. Graduates play all kinds of sports at schools around the
country, showing the world what they can do.