Hall of Fame Ceremony Marks Homecoming Week for North Park Athletics
Women and men's soccer, volleyball, and football all compete at home this week
CHICAGO (October 22, 2014) — On Friday night in the Johnson Center, Vikings fans will have an opportunity to cheer for six of the University’s legends, this time off the field, at the induction ceremony of the 2014 Viking Hall of Fame class. A tradition that began in 1988, former student-athletes and coaches are voted into the Viking Hall of Fame each year based on playing ability, character, and the contributions made to the team and North Park University. This year's inductees include William Anderson, Shari Hayden, Dr. John Hjelm, Brady Josephson, Annika Safstrom, and Adam Sinovic.
Bill Anderson C’69 played football for four years at North Park in the mid-'60s. He later served as the head football coach from 1978–1985, and also chaired the physical education department. Anderson’s coaching tenure at North Park was part of a 42-year coaching career that spanned over two high schools and three colleges.
As one of the most outstanding track and field athletes North Park has ever produced, Shari Hayden C’00 was named the 2000 Female Athlete of the Year. She is the school record-holder in multiple events, including the outdoor 100-meter hurdles, and the 400- and 1600-meter relays.
Dr. John Hjelm C’75 has served North Park for 34 years as a teacher, mentor, and coach, including as the head swimming coach, tennis coach, and the interim athletic director. He has been the cross-country skiing sponsor of the school for the past 17 years. As an undergraduate, Hjelm was an All-CCIW swimmer.
Recognized as Sportsperson of the Year his senior year, Brady Josephson C’07 G'08 served as a three-year captain for the baseball team, in addition to being a four-year Academic All-CCIW selection. A native of Canada, Josephson is the school record-holder in 10 different categories and was active as a student ambassador and a member of the Chapel Team. He went on to earn a MNA from the University, and is an adjunct faculty member for the School of Business and Nonprofit Management.
Annika Safstrom C’07 is regarded as one of the pioneers of the North Park women's rowing program, laying the groundwork for future rowing student-athletes to follow. A three-time Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Scholar Athlete and three-time All-Mid-Atlantic Athlete, Safstrom was also a Female Athlete of the Year finalist and a three-time Dad Vail Regatta medalist.
Adam Sinovic C’06, a three-time All-CCIW selection for soccer, is heralded as one of North Park's best all-around student-athletes. A two-time team captain and later an assistant coach for the program, he was a three-time CCIW champion, and earned National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Central Region honors in 2006.
Four Chances to Cheer the Vikings
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is just one of the exciting athletic events on the Homecoming schedule. Fresh off his 200th career victory as a head coach, Head Coach John Born and the conference-leading men's soccer team, currently 11-3 overall and 3-0 in conference play, will face Carthage College Wednesday night at 7:30 pm at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.
"It's the student-athletes who decide the games, and I've been fortunate that I've had talented and just all-around good kids," said Born. "This is a testament to what they've been able to do over the years."
The 6-8 women’s soccer team will open play against Carthage at 5:30 pm on Wednesday as they look to break their three-game losing streak. Earlier this fall, the team celebrated its 20th anniversary with a home win over Calumet College of St. Joseph. Both the men's and women’s teams have four conference games remaining before the CCIW tournament begins November 5.
There will be two opportunities to watch the women’s volleyball team on Friday as they take on Augustana College and St. Mary’s of Indiana at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm in Helwig Recreation Center. The team hopes to build positive momentum and improve on its 8-18 record as they head towards the conference tournament on November 7.
On Saturday, North Park’s football team looks to kick-start its season and recapture last year’s Homecoming magic as they take on Millikin at 1:00 pm at the Holmgren Athletic Complex. North Park is winless so far this season, but did beat Millikin last year for the first time in 42 years.
“We’ve got to put some things together and hit on all cylinders,” said Head Coach Mike Conway. “We’re building character in these young people’s lives, and that’s what it is all about. We just got to keep working and fighting and believing in each other.”
Visit www.northpark.edu/homecoming to view the full schedule of events this week, including details on class reunions, the River Run 5k, and worship opportunities.
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