2008 Woodie Awards
Seniors leading the way through experience and performance
Issue date: 10/6/05 Section: Sports
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By Andy Zweber
Thirty-six games, 155 receptions, 2,062 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. Those are the statistics for Ray Denson, from Fort Meyers, Flor. Denson is currently tied for sixth place in all-time receptions at SMSU, seventh in receiving yards, and fifth in receiving touchdowns, all with eight more games to play this season.
The SMSU history books are not the only thing interested in Denson; last spring scouts from the Denver Broncos put Denson through some workouts, and if, according to head coach Eric Eidsness, Denson stays healthy and has an efficient season, there is a chance an NFL team may take a chance on him in the 2006 NFL Draft, which makes all the more reason for fans to watch Denson and the Mustangs this season.
Jen Otto
By Bryce Rausch
The Mustang volleyball team is looking stronger, faster and more experienced than the past few years. Senior leadership is something invaluable for teams looking for success and the Mustangs need to look no further then Jen Otto for leadership.
"As a senior you have to set the pace and set a good example, as far as work ethic, and responsibility on and off the court," said Otto, a senior elementary education student.
With Otto's experience comes an advantage not shared by younger athletes.
"Being involved in college volleyball for so long is an advantage because it's so different than high school," Otto said.
Lindsey Nelsen and Jackie Schultz
By Tim Gerszewski
The Southwest Minnesota State golf team has won five straight NSIC titles and has no plans of stopping there. Leading the way in the hunt for six are senior golfers Lindsey Nelsen and Jackie Schultz. Nelsen and Schultz are each coming off a successful season in which both golfers were named to the all-conference team and each placed well at the NCAA Regional.
The Mustangs have turned to their two seniors to lead the way on meet day. Their experience has helped the Mustangs post at least a top-five finish at every tournament this season, including a second place finish this past weekend in Okoboji, IA.
"A majority of the courses we play, I've golfed before," said Schultz, a business management major.
Nelsen and Schultz are not just content on winning the conference. A first or second place finish at the NCAA Regional would qualify the Mustangs for Nationals, a goal both Nelsen and Schultz feel is attainable with teamwork.
"We need to work together as a team to lower our strokes so we can put together a low score," said Nelsen, a biology and chemistry major
Head coach Ross Webskowski knows the play of his two seniors will be key come tournament time.
"Lindsey and Jackie are leaders for these girls. If they see something wrong, they know how to correct it," said Webskowski.
Cassie Raushel
By Emily Kram
The Mustang soccer team will miss all of its senior players once the season ends, but the place of Cassie Raushel will be especially difficult to fill.
"She's just very steady and competitive. She always works hard," said Jill McCartney, head coach of the Mustangs. "She has all the characteristics you look for in a leader."
Raushel, originally from Cloquet, Minn., said she decided to play for Southwest Minnesota State University after coming to the campus for a visit.
"I really liked the girls I stayed with, and the people in general." Raushel said. "And, of course, I liked the soccer program."
The constant wind at SMSU was one thing Raushel took time to get used to, on and off the field.
"Sometimes it feels like running against a wall," Raushel said.
Although Raushel may adjust to play with the wind, but she does not adjust her game routine. Not so much superstitions as quirks, Raushel said she tends to follow a pattern during games. For example, she stands in the same place, next to the same people during warm-ups and always has something to eat during half time, she said.
This consistency carries over to the soccer field. McCartney said Raushel is one of the team's most reliable defenders and can be counted on in every game.
After graduating with a degree in math education, Raushel hopes to teach at a high school or junior high school somewhere in the Midwest. Raushel also said she would like to continue her involvement with soccer, hopefully through coaching.