ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus football team wrapped up spring practice May 30, which culminated with a service-training trip to Minnesota’s North Shore and into southern Canada. The international trip allowed the team an additional ten practices and were allowed to wear full pads and participate in full contact drills this spring. While on the trip, the Gusties shut down electronic devices and spent four days competing, serving the local communities, making personal connections, camping, and exploring nature.
“The trip up the North Shore of Minnesota and into Canada was an awesome experience and bonding time for our team of coaches and players,” Head Coach Peter Haugen said. “We are thankful for these experiences and trust that they will make us an even closer unit. Fall camp begins August 11 and we are excited to welcome a big group of first-year student-athletes to our team. Go Gusties!”
The trip to Northern Minnesota and Canada marked the third service-training trip during Haugen’s tenure. The Gusties went to Cancun, Mexico in the summers of 2011 and 2014.
Take a brief look at the team’s experience during the service-training trip by viewing the video below, filmed by Coach Haugen. Clips include canoe races and “Penguin Patch” swimmers, which had team members take a dip in the frigid waters of Caribou Lake and Lake Superior.