Dan DaranciangAs the end of the year approaches and seniors are getting ready to walk across the aisle and prepare for the “real world,” a look back at the past four years holds special meaning for senior athletes. There are a couple outstanding spring athletes who have contributed so much to the University in their past four years, both academically and athletically, that a look back into their undergraduate experience must be in order. In particular, Kacie Cook of women’s tennis, pitcher Victoria Ramsey of the no. 1 ranked softball team, designated hitter Dan Rieck of baseball and Jon Ganger of men’s tennis have much to share.
What was your greatest sports moment or memory in your last four years at WU?
Victoria Ramsey: I have a lot. I can immediately think of two recent ones. The first is when I pitched a perfect game in our conference tournament. The other is my brother coming to watch us play Greenville, who my neighbor from home happened to play for. It was pretty cool to see her family and my family sitting together yet rooting for opposing teams. My first great moment of my four years here happened during my freshman year. It was when we found out we got a bid into Regionals. Not only was it my first NCAA tournament appearance but it was also the Wash U. softball program’s first.
Dan Rieck: My greatest sports memory at Wash U. was winning the UAA Conference Tournament in Florida this year. It was the first time a Wash U. baseball team had won the tournament outright. What made it special was the fact that we lost the first game and then came back to win the next five in a row. The team showed a lot of character by bouncing back and winning those five games and set the standard for the season.
Jon Ganger: My greatest sports moment actually didn’t involve playing. During our spring break trip in California, we happened to be on the same block as the governor. The team was rolling around in an unmarked white van and thought that it would be smart to take a picture of Arnold’s house. Lo and behold, this was a terrible idea and an angry Austrian security guard ran out of the dark, not unlike a forehand winner down the line with topspin, and nearly smashed our camera.
Kacie Cook: My greatest moment: freshman year going to team Nationals in Virginia.
If you had to do it all over again, would you have changed anything about your experience here?
VR: I wouldn’t change any particular moment. I would have let the little stresses go more easily and would have realized that these four years would go by so quickly. So, I would have enjoyed and cherished the time I did have with my teammates [a little more].
DR: I wouldn’t change anything about my experience at Wash U. I left a team at Simpson College that was nationally ranked to finish my fourth year of eligibility at Wash U. and don’t regret my decision. To switch schools in my senior season and step into a program at Wash U. that is on the verge of a record-breaking season has been a great experience.
JG: I probably would have played at least one more year in an attempt to not suck as much. I also would not have let girls be a distraction to my game.
KC: I would not have changed anything about my experience. I was able to play doubles with both my older sister Stephanie and my younger sister Ashley [current doubles partner].
What is your ultimate sports dream/fantasy?
VR: The softball team winning Nationals this year and then celebrating with the other 18 Bears by Riding the Pony!
DR: My ultimate sports fantasy would definitely be playing baseball in Chicago for the Cubs and hitting a walk-off homerun to win the seventh and final game of the World Series giving the Cubs their first World Series Championship since 1908.
JG: Well, to be honest, I would go with a Grand Slam victory at the U.S. Open.
What is the best thing you are taking away from the University?
VR: Great teammates who turned into amazing friends of mine. Together we’ve overcome many obstacles and created many wonderful memories and laughs. The friendships I’ve made really are one of a kind. No other time do you really bond so closely to 18 other girls.
DR: I think the best thing I will take away from Wash U. will be the friendships I have developed with teammates. And, hopefully, a degree that makes me some money.
JG: The best thing I took away was definitely the people here. If you look hard enough, there are some real quality people walking around campus.
KC: Many of my greatest memories are from tennis trips – from the van rides to the competition.
Would you like to give any shout-outs to any coaches, friends, teammates, family?
VR: Just a quick “Yeah Bears!” Especially my bear buddy, Mount Prospect!
DR: I would like to thank my professors for working with my schedule and allowing me to take exams/quizzes early when conflicts with baseball and school arose. Finally, I would like to thank all of my teammates, as well as my parents, who were always there for me.
JG: A shout out to “Bing” and “Mr. Kim” for pulling me through the season and to coach [Follmer] for giving me a chance to play for just a senior season (why not the rest?) And finally, to my family for paying for tennis lessons that somewhat helped me become the flawed player I am today.
KC: I want to thank my teammates for the endless memories and Lynn for four amazing years. A special thanks to my parents for their endless support – I am so grateful for their countless efforts and trips to come watch me compete and their constant encouragement.