Where Will The GOAT end up?

By Dalton Yoder

Photo: FOXBORO MA. – OCTOBER 27: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick smiles as he walks off the field with quarterback Tom Brady after beating the Cleveland Browns 27-13 for his 300th win at Gillette Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Foxboro, MA. (Staff Photo By Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)

We are in the dead period of no football.

Football fans may be tuning into the XFL, but are still glued to NFL Network as the combine has just ended and March 18th (new league year date) fastly approaches us. This date has significant meaning, the most exciting part of the offseason besides the draft starts which is the Free agent frenzy.

There are multiple players in this year’s Free Agent pool, but none bigger than the GOAT Tom Brady. The 42 year old QB is still seemingly on top of his game and almost every team will place a bid on him. Some of the bigger players in this are the Titans, Chargers, Raiders, with the outside chance of the 49ers saying they’d want to bring the Cali kid back home to the bay.

Brady holds the cards to a lot of other Quarterbacks futures as if he is the first to fall. The offseason can take turns and change the course of the NFL unlike what we have seen before. My personal opinion is that we will see Tom back in that Pats uniform as his relationship with owner Robert Kraft is as close as father son as an owner QB can be.

If Tom does go anywhere I think he would go to San Francisco and be closer to where he grew up and where his family is.

So, NFL fans get ready because this offseason looks to be a crazy one.

You’d think four years is a long time away from home, from friends, and from family. These last four years have been anything but long. For that, I can thank the University of Jamestown for making my experience here exciting and engaging—time never seemed to stop. I guess time really does fly when you are having fun.

I still remember breaking the news to my family and friends that I was going to North Dakota to attend the University of Jamestown. I was going to earn my degree while playing for the UJ hockey team—a dream come true. At the time, I couldn’t imagine how much this journey would change my life for the better.

More than just a University, a second home

When I arrived, I was immediately impressed by the University and its sense of community. From day one, UJ has shown that it cares about me, providing an environment conducive for academic success and athletic achievement.

From the school administration to the staff and faculty, everyone who I have interacted with has always been friendly, supportive, and willing to go the extra mile to help me. I have been especially lucky to have amazing professors who have guided me to success during my time here and have prepared me to succeed in the future. They’ve set me up with internships, helped with applications, and provided me with the advice I needed.

The University has truly become a second home for me. A shout out also goes to my fellow classmates. I have met so many amazing students here. With such driven students wanting to make a difference, organizations and programs on campus flourish, like Samaritan’s Feet and the University Honors Program. With enthusiastic students willing to initiate, engage, and excite, it’s hard not to have fun.

A special group, a second family

When Coach Stork recruited me to the University of Jamestown Hockey Team, I was thrilled. I was honored to represent the Jimmies on and off the ice with teammates who had the same drive, ambition, and love of hockey. Three years ago, we connected instantly as a group. Every guy on the team brought something special. There was a sense of collective being formed right away.

New faces, a new university, and a new hockey program—that’s a lot of unknowns. As a team, we have faced these unknowns and have come out as a family. It’s not very often you can grow on and off the ice with the same group for four years. Now fast forward three years, we still have sixteen original players, plus new teammates who have instantly become a part of the family.

We have Coach Stork leading us in the charge and our strength and conditioning coach, Coach Ryder, ensuring we have that “dog mentality” down the home stretch. We have gained so many experiences as a group and have made memories for a lifetime.

Thank you to all the guys for making my experience an unforgettable one. In just over a month, we will be on our way to make more memories and battle for a goal we first made four years ago: to WIN a national championship.

When my time at University of Jamestown is complete, I’ll remember the amazing people who influenced my life and made this journey so unforgettable most. They say part of the journey is the end, and I wouldn’t want this journey to end anywhere else or with any other group. Thank you UJ, for an amazing four years!

Five years ago, if someone had told me that I’d be packing up everything and moving to the Great White North for college, I never would have believed them.

After high school, I had little, if any, interest in attending college. My plans changed in July of 2015. I was working construction that summer and lacking a sense of fulfillment; I had no idea what the next step was going to be.

Taking a leap of faith

One morning, I was insulating a roof, and I got a text message offering me a scholarship to come to UJ and wrestle. I was a little nervous about this decision—I had never been that far from Idaho Falls, ID, before, and all I knew about North Dakota was that the winters are harsh. But, I didn’t think I’d get another chance like this, so I quit my job and took a leap of faith.

I felt very excited and terrified the entire drive out here. I was the first of three boys to move out of the house, one of only a few family members to go to college, and the first college athlete in my family. I had absolutely no idea where I was going or what I was doing.

As soon as I arrived, I was blown away, not just by the wind, but by the town and the people in it. I loved the small town everybody-knows-everybody environment that UJ creates. Within minutes of meeting a couple of teammates, we were already planning weekend fishing trips.

Throughout the years, I’ve met wonderful people and had great times hunting and fishing with current students and alumni.

From Teammates to Friends

The opportunity to continue wrestling has been the greatest blessing I ever could have asked for. I’ve had several training partners over the years, and I often think of them as brothers rather than teammates. There’s a certain bond that’s built by spending hours each day beating up on each other. And we don’t just train together; I’ve taken several of them fishing or shooting for the first time, and I still keep in touch with those who have graduated.

One of my greatest memories at UJ was this last duck season when a teammate and alum, Jackson Schauer, was visiting with his family. His family took me and another teammate duck hunting for a weekend. There were seven of us total, and we killed more than one hundred birds over a three-day period. Being a part of this team has pushed me to improve as a wrestler every day and introduced me to the greatest people that I’ve ever known.

Choosing a Major

I didn’t declare a major until my sophomore year. I threw myself into a bunch of classes as a freshman, but spent more time fishing than I did studying. When the time came, I chose two majors: Biology and Spanish.

I started that year off feeling very arrogant, because I passed all my classes as a freshman and was the varsity wrestler at 165—that is until I showed up to General Chemistry, and I got humbled right away. Realizing that my professors were going to demand the best from me put into perspective how much I had to learn and mature in order to reach my goals. My professors have pushed me and believed in me over the years, which has led to me winning two scholarships for my research in Jamestown and Churchill, Manitoba.

Looking Back

Five years ago, I had no idea what the future would hold for me, and my experience as a Jimmie has been like drinking from a firehose. I’ve gained an excellent education, had a great wrestling career, met wonderful people, and caught a lot of fish in the process. Being a Jimmie has been nothing short of an extraordinary experience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history…God did this so that they would seek Him and reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any of us.” Acts 17:26-27

When I reflect on my time at UJ, these verses come to mind. Before coming to college, I didn’t know where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do, or how I wanted to live my life, but my time here at University of Jamestown has given me such clarity and joy.

God had a plan for me to come to Jamestown, so that I would “seek Him and reach out for Him and find Him.” I’ll briefly share my story.

My name is Julia Johnson, and I am a senior nursing major at University of Jamestown. I also compete in track and field. My first semester at UJ, I had a lot of questions about who I should be, what I should major in, and who God is. Through a great group of friends, late-night talks, and helpful conversations
with the professors and mentors here, God began to shape my heart that I might seek Him and seek what He wanted for my life.

After my first semester, I switched my major to nursing and got involved with Campus Crusade for Christ.

I can’t thank God, my family, my friends, and UJ enough for the guidance and love I’ve received here. It truly is a place like nowhere else. Walking across campus, I know most every student. My professors know me by name and care to know about what is going on in my life.

Through this amazing small campus in North Dakota, God changed my life and blessed me with the opportunity to know and love Him.

I have been an English Education major here at UJ for more than four semesters now. I would describe my experience here as worthwhile.

My professors have challenged me to actually make the effort to learn in their classes. They demonstrate that they know what they are talking about; yet, they haven’t been detached from me or my peers. They are professional, yet personal. I know I will leave UJ with a quality education.

My Favorite Things About UJ

Some of my favorite things about UJ are the student organizations. I have participated in several clubs including Cru and the history club, where I have made some really good friends.

Since I’m only one of three English majors in my class, student organizations have been a great way to connect with people who share common interests with me. I like clubs so much that I actually started a chapter of a national club called the Intelligent Design and Evolution Awareness (IDEA) Club.

Why I Love College

I love college, because it is where conversations happen. People have completely different worldviews and opinions, so they get into great conversations. These conversations are meaningful because they facilitate critical thinking, which in turn, helps people grow closer to the truth. Conversation has definitely characterized my time here at UJ—probably more than any other time in my life. I love it.

I have also enjoyed my time being a cellist in the pit orchestra for the fall musicals. I like that I don’t have to be on stage, but I still get to contribute. Like playing a sport, I feel like I’m a part of a team.

I’m a Resident Assistant in Kroeze Hall this year with freshmen, and it’s crazy to think that I’m already a junior. Time flies when you’re having fun…and studying hard.

By: Alyssa Schrull

We often hear these dramatized stories of successful businesses starting in garages, but have you heard of any starting in a dorm room? That’s exactly what Carlynne Folkstad has done. She began Poppy’s Clothing Co. this last year in her dorm room. The website describes the company as: 

Carlynne started the company because she wanted to bring affordable and cute clothing to women. She finds joy in helping women and wants to make sure that every person that comes to her company is happy in their skin. She enjoys being able to connect with customers all over the country, but being a business owner isn’t always easy. Carlynne has to work hard to compete with other companies.

She said that the most challenging part about being an entrepreneur is “competing with all the different companies out there and making yours unique.” The job is a lot to juggle. As we were talking she had to take a phone call to deal with some business matters. 

Her day-to-day responsibilities as a business owner include managing an inventory, getting orders, preparing the packages, keeping track of financial statements, sending out packages, and adding new products to the website. Most peoples dorm rooms are scattered with old microwave diners, dirty clothes, and maybe some homework. In contrast, Carlynne’s room is strewn with products and inventory. She said, “I keep my inventory in my dorm room closet”.

Her room triples as a home, an office, and a warehouse. When I came over her kitchen table had shoes, shipping labels, boxes, and tape on it. Carlynne apologized for the mess and explained that she was getting ready to ship out some orders. 

But beyond all the responsibilities of being the business owner of Poppy’s Clothing Co., Carlynne Folkstad is also a student majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing and industrial management, and minoring in criminal justice, leadership, and honors. She is the president of the Jimmie Janes, captain of the trap shooting team, ARD of Kroeze, a Jimmie Ambassador, a member of the entrepreneurship club, a marketing specialist for Wittheur Financial Group, and works as a server at a restaurant in town. Alright you can take a deep breath now. 

Carlynne is tackling a lot but she wouldn’t be able to do it without her Grandfather’s influence. The company is actually named after her grandfather, Poppy, who has inspired her and encouraged her to put her heart into what she does. This influence explains her ambitious and determined personality. Her grandfather is a military veteran, and because of that, she donates ten percent of all sales to military veterans.

Carlynne encourages us to “support small businesses (because) you’re giving someone the opportunity to fulfill their dream”. She teasingly adds, “Come buy clothes from me”. 

You can find her website at http://www.poppysclothingco.com and her Instagram under @poppysclothingco 

By: Allan Pruss

As we embark on the fourth year of Jimmie Hockey existence, I and 18 other Seniors will be on our last journey of Jimmie Hockey. This group of Seniors, with the help of many others, built this program to what it is today.

It’s not often that you get to spend every day (during the school year) with the same group of teammates for four years – not many people can say they have even had that opportunity in their lifetime. It’s been truly special to build this program from the ground up and set the standard for Jimmie Hockey. And it’s safe to say we have created bonds and friendships that will, without a doubt, last a lifetime.

Come May, it will be bittersweet as we will walk the stage together and pass this program down to the next class.Our Brand

On the ice, we have built our identity around being a fast-paced, tight-checking team. We look to push the pace, be physical, and create an exciting environment in the John L Wilson Arena. Jimmie Hockey is a relentless and fearless style of hockey where everyone shares an “all in mentality.”

The commitment from Head Coach Dean Stork and our Strength Coach, Ryder Weischdel, has given us all the tools for success and helped us to showcase our skills to the best of our abilities on Friday and Saturday nights.

Jimmie Culture

None of this success would have been remotely possible without the continued support of the students, faculty, and the community. As a player, it’s so easy to be motivated to play your sport when you look into the stands and see your professors, classmates and the community cheering you on while wearing Jimmie Orange. Jimmie Hockey thrives off the support we receive, and we hope over these past few seasons, we have created an exciting product to watch.

So, thank you, THANK YOU Jimmie Nation for taking us in and supporting us, and being there every step of the way. The culture that has been created around the school and athletic department has been tremendous, and as a team, we hope we have been able to grow that amazing Jimmie culture.

Many Places

Being from Western Canada, the Midwest was foreign to me, but it’s not anymore. Jimmie Hockey has taken me through not only the Midwest, but all over the United States – places like Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Illinois, Michigan, Colorado, and Missouri, as well as Texas and Ohio for National Championships. These trips have strengthened our bond as a team and been eye opening for all of us. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t give Kim, who is undoubtedly the best driver in the world, a shout out – so, thanks Kim!

The adventures with this group have been endless and the memories will last a lifetime.

Sir Jimmie Blog

It is hard to believe that nearly two years have gone by since I transferred to University of Jamestown.

Coming as a transfer student in January 2018, I never realized the impact this campus would have on my life. Going to a junior college in California for the first two years of college never really gave me the sense of what campus life was like at a University…not to mention what the true meaning of extreme weather was. Going from class to practice and back home again never really allowed me to have a connection to my school or even to the community.

When I came here to UJ, that all changed.

My second home

Being a student at University of Jamestown is like having a second home. I can always count on someone to give me a smile when I walk by, to hold the door a little bit longer (so I do not have to struggle to reach my ID), or even just to give an early-morning wave hello on the way to my 8 a.m. class.

University of Jamestown is a tight, inclusive community that I am going to miss.

Joining the soccer team

I have had the opportunity to be a part of and participate in many amazing experiences, but by far, the experience that will forever stand out is the day I joined the soccer team. That day, I joined a family that will forever have an impact on my life.

I have met my forever friends here and being on a team with such supportive, compassionate, kind, and amazing women has made it so hard for me to even think about leaving. Two years ago, I would never have thought little old Jamestown, North Dakota would have an everlasting impact on my life. But here I am – forever changed.

This soccer career of mine has not always been the easiest. I have faced a lot of adversity but never gave up. Through surgeries, rehab, and countless practices and games, I have always pushed myself to never give up, no matter the pain.

Finding the willpower to do so would not have been possible without the help of the people here at UJ. As an athlete who has faced her fair share of injuries, I struggled with the balance of rehab and supporting my team; yet, through those struggles, my team’s support for me remained constant. The amazing Athletic Training staff (shout out to Camden), has been there through it all, and I will always be grateful for that.

To my coaches…

Coach Becker and Coach Jack: thank you for always being there for us in so many different ways. Through any hardship, whether it be in soccer, school, or just life in general, we can always count on you!

And to my teammates…

I am so thankful for all of you. You are the sisters I have always wanted but never had. The love and sense of family we share with each other is something not everyone gets the chance to experience. I wish our dance parties in the locker room, pregame prayer and cheer, the long bus rides, and staying in the “lollipop hotel” would never end. I could not have asked for a better group of strong, supportive women to finish off my soccer career and end my college journey.

Being a Jimmie

Being a Jimmie is something that will always live on in me. From the basketball and volleyball games, to the study groups in the library, the morning coffee dates at the Java Hut, and Marge’s omelets, nothing can ever compare to University of Jamestown. I am so thankful for the experiences I have had here and for the relationships I have built that will continue through my lifetime. It is such a cliché to say, “these are the best years of our lives” …but they truly are.

It is such an honor to be a student at University of Jamestown, and I will be an even prouder alum come May. Though these two years went by much faster than I had hoped and imagined, nothing will ever beat being a Jimmie!!

#RollJims