From left: Ester Archer, Thomas Fischer, Matthew Montplaisir
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 Ester Archer (North Mankato) of women’s track & field, Thomas Fischer (Marshall) of baseball, and Matthew Montplaisir (Buffalo) of men’s track & field.
Q: What are your thoughts about missing your final collegiate season?
EA: I competed in both cross country and track & field at Gustavus. While I was able to have a full senior cross country season, my senior season of outdoor track was cut short. It is sad to see my career as a track athlete come to an abrupt stop. I was very much looking forward to competing in the outdoor track season as knee surgery prevented me from competing last year. I will, however, continue being a lifelong runner and supporter of both Gustavus track & field and cross country.
TF: Fortunately, we were able to play one game down in Arizona before the season got cancelled. It is very sad that we were not able to participate this year but I feel very grateful for the memories I have made through Gustavus baseball and the friendships with my teammates and coaches.
MM: This whole pandemic couldn’t have come at a worse time for us athletes, especially the track and field teams. Senior year, hosting outdoor conference this year, and we were just starting to build something special. I didn’t have my best indoor season, and the growth I was making just prior to the pandemic had me very eager to be competing again. I am grateful for all of the athletic experiences I had at Gustavus, but not being able to finish that chapter of my life on my terms is disappointing.
Q: What is your favorite sports memory at Gustavus?
EA: My favorite memory is the time we did a sprint workout on the track while it was pouring rain. Everyone was slipping and sliding all over the place, but the workout was fun and we laughed a ton.
TF: My favorite memory of Gustavus baseball was beating St. Olaf and dog-piling on the mound after winning the MIAC regular season championship during my junior year. I also really enjoyed getting to know so many people through this sport and now having lifelong friends from Gustavus baseball.
MM: For football, I can’t pick one, every big game was a thriller. Holding Concordia, a triple option team, to negative rushing yards on homecoming was electrifying. Almost upsetting St. Thomas in 2018 was a mixture of the best highs and lows, amazing to be a part of. The back and forth battles with the Tommies, Johnnies, and Royals this year were so much fun, despite losing all three. Track-wise, PR’s are always a high, but my favorite memory was setting an eight-second season PR to finish fourth at conference in the 4×200 in 2018.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
EA: Attending the Surgical First Assistant Graduate program at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine.
TF: Next fall I will be attending St. Kate’s for their Doctorate in Physical Therapy program.
MM: I have been accepted and will be attending the University of Minnesota to pursue my Master’s in sport and exercise science.
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Previous “Senior Spotlight” features: