What the Norse are Saying
"I came to Luther because of its academic environment and was lucky enough to find myself a member of the cross-country team. The people I met while visiting Luther, everyone from the tour guides, to the professors, to other visitors, took the time to smile and make me feel welcome on campus.
Once I was a student here, it did not take me long to get to know my professors and find out how willing they are to help me be successful in the classroom. I often stop in to talk with my first-year honors professor and my physics professors for no reason at all. They always drop what they're doing as soon as I step into their offices just to talk or help me with questions I may have about class material.
I couldn't have asked for a more perfect team setting than what the Luther cross-country team offers. Having come from a high school cross-country team that had no more than 12 runners, I was overjoyed to have coaches who spent time talking with the top varsity runners as well as the JV runners. I was also thrilled to be with such an enthusiastic and supportive team. Not only do we run together, but we also eat together and room together. My closest friends are and will always be people I have met running cross country. Everyone celebrates success together, and everyone overcomes hardship together. The team is all-inclusive; there is a jersey for everyone.
Decorah itself is a runner's dream. There are trails and roads that provide hills or flat terrain needed to fulfill the daily workouts. We are lucky to have a community and coaches who are currently working on expanding the trails in the Decorah area.
Luther College is the only place I could imagine spending my college career. Academically, it is challenging, yet inspiring."
Junior - Andrea Schiefelbein - Fall Creek, Wis.
"The relationships I’ve made with teammates and coaches have made my experience as a student athlete so meaningful at Luther and have fueled my passion for running and my desire to achieve my goals. The liberal arts and Division III atmosphere, along with a successful and healthy running program, attracted me to Luther during my college search. Being part of such an enthusiastic group of runners gave me an opportunity to find my niche as soon as I stepped on campus when we began practice before classes commenced. It was the support from my teammates, coaches and the rest of the “Luther Community” that made the transition from high school into college go so smoothly.
Luther’s campus and the surrounding Decorah area provides exceptional training. The trails around the city, hills, and bluffs make running even more enjoyable.
Each time I put on my blue uniform to race, it’s not only a great opportunity to represent Luther College, but also an opportunity to accomplish my goals. It also gives me an opportunity to appreciate my teammates, coaches, peers, and professors who have given me such a great experience through out the past two years.
While managing cross country and track, in addition to other aspects of college life seem daunting, athletics has given me a focus that carries over into my academics and other extracurricular activities. The dedication I put forth on a day to day basis helps me to manage my time and to have the most rewarding experience. Each day after classes, I look forward to practice or competition and challenging myself to become a better runner, leader and teammate.
Junior - Janet Dobyns - Iowa City, Iowa (West High School)
Two-time Iowa Conference MVP
2006 & 2007 All-American
"I came to Luther because I was looking to go to a school with small class sizes and a good academic reputation that was not too far from or too close to home. I also wanted a school where I would have the opportunity to compete with a successful cross country and track team. When I visited campus, one of the major differences between Luther and other colleges I was considering, was the genuine friendliness that I felt from every person that I met. Everyone was very welcoming.
Since attending Luther College I have found it to be very rewarding, both academically and athletically. The small class sizes and the close relationship that you can develop with your professors give you a better opportunity to be successful. They take the time to help you outside of class as well as in class, whether that is in person or by e-mail. This has enhanced my learning experience at Luther.
Being apart of Luther athletics has also been a great experience for me. This fall I participated in my first college cross- country season and it was a blast. Everyone was so supportive of one another and every person had the opportunity to be successful and be a valued member of the team. I have made several great new friends, and have gained more knowledge and experience in the sport that I love. I am excited as I look to my future at Luther."
Sophomore - Katie Dolan - Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata High School)
2007 All-Conference - 2007 All-Region
