Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted everyday life, typical Senior Day events to honor Wheaton's seniors in spring sports could not occur in the normal fashion. In the next several days we will honor the seniors in each of the Thunder Spring sports. Today we honor the seniors for the Thunder men's and women's outdoor track & field program. The webpage with the women's track & field "Senior Day" recognition is available here.
 

Below is our recognition of the seniors on the 2019-20 Wheaton men's track & field team with quotes by head coach Scott Bradley.

PETER BRADLEY

"I have seen you grow tremendously as an athlete and as a person during your time on this team.  You truly are a student of the sport and have dedicated yourself to being the best athlete you could be while also having a huge desire to see this team succeed.  We will miss your resilient spirit, your behind the scenes care for teammates, and your zany personality."

JOE CARAWAY

"Your love and commitment to this team were evident right from the start of your time with us.  I respect your willingness to speak the truth and address tough issues, a mark of strong leadership.  We will miss your determination, your willingness to aggressively pursue your goals, and willingness to serve your team and coaches."

JONATHAN DAHLAGER

"You have far exceeded my expectations over the past three years, both as an athlete and as a person. The fact that you started as a guy with no throwing experience but became a conference scorer and two-time captain is remarkable.  We will miss your coachable nature, your servant heart and your steadying presence."

DAVID DISCHINGER 

"I so much appreciate that no matter how your racing goes on a given day you always evaluate the success of a meet based on how your teammates do.  That is an unusual and admirable outlook which gives insight into your character and explains why you have been a two-year captain.  We will miss your kind and gentle spirit, your discipline and your love for the people on this team."

JAKE HIBBEN

"I really appreciate the commitment you have made to our team while balancing the strenuous demands required to play football.  I have always enjoyed the way you take on life with enthusiasm and passion and really enjoy watching you compete.  We will miss your boundless work ethic, your excitement for life and your elite-level diving at the team pool party (I look forward to that all year!)."

MICHAEL KITCHEN

"You started this indoor season with substantial PR’s in both of your events, and I believe you would have continued to improve this spring.  I respect the way you turned your disappointment from last year’s season into fuel for improvement.  We will miss your steady demeanor, your strong work ethic and your mature and consistent character."

MICHAEL LARKIN

"You didn’t have enough time to get revved up in this shortened season, but it was an incredible privilege to witness your unparalleled development during the cross country season.  With this improvement, your athletic contribution finally matched the love and commitment to this team which you have shown your entire career. We will miss your optimistic outlook, your fun nature, and your willingness to push yourself so hard for the team."

ANDY MARGASON

"I truly respect the way you have worked through various injuries with an unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to this team.  You are one of those people who never push to gain attention but just make a team better by your consistency, discipline, and work ethic.  We will miss your radiant smile and unmistakable chuckle, the way you step up at conference and your consistently joyful spirit."

SETH MASSOT

"Your love for the sport of distance running and your commitment to it, go unrivaled on this team.  I greatly appreciate the time, energy and passion that you poured out as you sought to do the best you could to help our team get better.  I was ecstatic that your hard work paid off with a school record and conference championship this winter. We will miss your pursuit of excellence, your willingness to fight back from adversity, and your desire to connect deeply with your teammates."

STEPHEN MATHEW

"Your ability to elevate is truly startling, and never fails to give me a thrill every time I see you jump.  Your steady and agreeable spirit doesn’t draw attention, but truly enhances your training group and our team.  We will miss your consistent performances, your humble attitude, and your fun spirit."

ALEKS NOSEWICZ

"Injuries and a shortened season have held you back since your huge improvement as a freshman.  However, your attitude, work-ethic and team commitment have never wavered which speaks volumes towards your character.  We will miss your creative thinking, your uniquely fun nature and your commitment to principles."

SIMON PETERSON

"You are one of the most unique people that we have had in our program, one who we will not soon forget – and I mean that as a sincere complement!  I am so thankful that you stayed with running and that you poured yourself into this team, we are much better because you have done so.  We will miss your zany sense of humor, your willingness to try a different training approach, and your gritty determination in the big races."

LOGAN PINKERTON

"While you have been competitive at the conference level throughout your career, you have demonstrated a significantly stronger commitment to preparation this year which I believe would have produced a much higher level of performance this spring.  You were truly one of the first people I thought of, and mourned for, when I heard that this season had been cancelled.  We will miss your willingness to grow, your charismatic personality, your competitive drive."

DREW SMITH

"When I heard about your surgery at the end of football season, I figured that track was out of the question.  The fact that three months later you were not just throwing, but placing third at our conference meet is not only remarkable, but also a testimony to your talent, toughness and willingness to help this team.  We will miss your quiet tenacity, your competitive drive, and your willingness to sacrifice for our team."

MITCHELL SMITH

"I have enjoyed seeing your progress from a freshman who did not know if he wanted to stay with running to a senior who was completely committed to the sport.  There is no doubt that you have become a runner who is willing to do everything in your power to better yourself and help the team.  We will miss your competitive drive, your loyalty, and your steady and kind disposition."

ROBERT SMITH 

"I have really enjoyed watching your steady improvement throughout your career; a result of your methodical preparation and determined work ethic.  You are one of the most underrated, but hopefully not under appreciated, athletes on our team whose passion for the sport and this team are always on full display.  We will miss your creative sound effects, your willingness to grow and your love of track & field."