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Isaac Sieling

Isaac Sieling was a First Team American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America selection and a First Team Associated Press "Little All-America" selection in 2004; he was chosen by the AFCA to play in the Aztec Bowl in Cancun, Mexico (where the U.S. team defeated the Mexican national team 23-3). Isaac, a native of Watertown, Minn., who majored in financial economics, graduated summa cum laude with a 3.98 grade point average. His brother, Jared, was also a starting linebacker for the Gusties as a first-year player in 2004.

"Playing football for Gustavus has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Every time I put on the uniform I was reminded of the players who went before me and established a tradition of excellence for future generations to follow. The coaching staff works to instill the value that what you do every day determines if you uphold this tradition for the players that follow you."

Karl Spilseth

Gustie football has been family tradition for Karl Spilseth '05. He is a second-generation student-athlete—his father, Don '74, a district court judge in Willmar, Minn., played on Coach Dennis Raarup's 1971 conference co-championship team—and his older brother, Ben '03, was a two-year starter at linebacker and a 2002 Academic All-American. Karl, who majored in communication studies, was a starting defensive lineman on the 2003 and 2004 teams.

"On the field, the team was committed to representing Gustavus in a high-class manner in everything we did. We were taught to play the game of football by its authentic spirit. The fundamental instruction was superb; I learned to do things as a college player that I never thought I would be able to accomplish as a high school player.

"I really enjoyed the Division III philosophy that put football in the correct priority in my life, behind my family and academics. Football was in integral part of my college experience."