Sports

For the second straight season, the Luther College volleyball program has begun with a new head coach, as Danielle Kohut was named the fifth head coach in the program’s 36-year history.

On Oct. 16, 2010, then first-year Chris Norton (‘15) suffered a life-changing spinal injury while covering a kickoff during a football game against Central College. Before surgery, doctors gave Norton a mere three percent chance of ever having movement below his neck again. Remarkably, Norton stood at midfield this past Saturday for a coin toss as an honorary captain of the Norse football team nearly one year later.

The Men and Women’s cross country teams arrived on campus on Aug. 24 to start their training.

As important as it was for training purposes, Men’s Head Coach Steve Pasche explains that it was essential for the first-years to arrive early for training, because there are 76 runners between the men and women’s teams.

Luther welcomed a new class to the tennis team this year, but one player stands out in particular.

Torstein Jystad (‘15), who joins the Luther tennis team from his native Norway, is known as a top player in his country.

Luther College Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Joe Thompson has announced that Alex Smith (‘03) has been named head baseball coach.

Smith replaces Brian Gillogly (‘82) who resigned at the end of last year after 10 years at the helm of the program.

Smith, a multiple letter winner at Luther, has been involved with the Norse baseball program for the past 12 years.

The Luther College Norse football team reported for camp on Aug. 14 to prepare for the 2011 season. From their arrival up until game week the Norse have been eating, sleeping and breathing football.

The Luther Women’s soccer team arrived on campus in mid-August with high expectations.

“I think a realistic goal for this squad is a berth into the national tournament,” Head Coach Russ Schouweiler said.