From left: Lily Anderson, Eric Carpenter, Connor Sandok
The Gustavus athletics department will hear from spring sport senior student-athletes throughout the remainder of the semester, honoring those who are unable to participate in their final season of college athletics.
Today’s Q&A with senior student-athletes include Lily Anderson (Watertown) of women’s track & field, Eric Carpenter (Mankato) of baseball, and Connor Sandok (Marshfield, Wis.) of men’s track & field.
Q: What are your thoughts about missing your final collegiate season?
LA: It is hard to think that the indoor championships was the last time I would be able to compete for Gustavus and not have the chance to finish the senior season out. Despite the sadness, I am forever grateful for lifelong friendships, memories, and experiences Gustavus track and field has given me.
EC: It was sad, unfortunate, and very unexpected. Although the health and safety of the public is the number one priority right now. It makes you not want to take anything for granted as we fight this and work toward new beginnings when this pandemic ends.
CS: I took spring semester off in 2019 and because of that, I missed what would have been my last season of track. Coming back, I was able to watch my teammates do their best and exceed in fall cross country, and I was so excited to finally get to show them that I could run my heart out, too. “My turn,” I thought. Unfortunately, I was only able to compete in one race this year for indoor track. Disappointing, but I understand why we had to do this.
Q: What is your favorite sports memory at Gustavus?
LA: My favorite memories involve competing in relays. I love the energy and excitement they bring. At the last indoor championship my 4×200 relay placed second and 4×400 team placed third. Both races ended with times that were personal bests for the team. They were so much fun to run and being able to do it with teammates made it much more rewarding.
EC: Being the 2019 MIAC champions. It was fun to be a part of the program elevating so quickly in such a short period of time.
CS: My favorite memories will always be running mid-distance workouts on the Gustavus track in late spring. It’s hot, you can smell the track surface, everyone is sweating bullets and panting with their hands on their knees. But getting to the line at that track is everything to me when I get to run with my teammates at my side. Well, they’re probably some feet ahead of me, but you get the idea.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
LA: When classes end I will hopefully begin an internship at 1st Athlete in Edina until August. Then, I will be attending Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska to pursue my Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
EC: After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in education and begin teaching in a Minnesota school district.
CS: My plans after graduation are to take a gap year working for family out in California. And then it’s back to the grind! I want to pursue a post-grad degree, hopefully in the medical field.
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Previous “Senior Spotlight” features: