ST. PAUL, Minn. – Throughout the duration of the spring semester, cspbears.com will feature its spring senior student-athletes who had their careers cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), providing a glimpse into their past, present and future to our followers who were unable to see them compete in 2020.
Due to the ongoing changing legislation with college athletics related to the COVID-19 pandemic, spring student-athletes are expected to retain a year of eligibility. Some of the CSP seniors have expressed interest in returning for the 2020-21 academic year with the goal of competing for their full senior year. Since it's early in the process, cspbears.com will not differentiate between seniors who will and won't return and instead will profile each senior consistently.
Today's senior spotlight is Albert Lea, Minnesota native,
Tyler Anderson. Anderson is a middle-distance runner from the track and field team and was also apart of the cross-country team. Prior to joining the Golden Bear squad, he ran for the University of Minnesota's running club where he competed in the 800m (2:01.83) and the 8k (29.58.20). Anderson transferred to CSP in 2017 to compete at the DII level and pursue his bachelor's degree in Sport Management. The three-time NSIC All-Academic award winner is now working towards his master's in Coaching and Athletic Administration.
Anderson made his Golden Bear debut in 2018 when he collected eight top-ten finishes throughout the indoor and outdoor seasons. He collected a pair of top-five finishes at his second meet of the season (The Stout Open) where he placed fifth in the 800m with a time of 2:08.14 and fourth in the 4x400 with a time of 3:36.60. At his first outdoor meet, he set a personal record in the 5000 with a time of 16:53.84 and placed tenth. Anderson finished that year by placing fourth in the 1500 at the Eagle Open at UW-La Crosse with a PR time of 4:18.29.
In 2019, the distance runner tallied three personal records at the indoor Bearcat Invite. Anderson ran the one mile in 4:43.46, the 1000m in 2:42.63, and the 600 yd in 1:21.80. His momentum continued at the following meet when he placed 11
th in the 600m with a PR time of 1:29.57. He competed in one meet during the past indoor season, running the 800m at the SDSU Holiday Invite and Multi where he placed 12
th with a time of 2:05.55. With another season of eligibility, Anderson has stated that he plans on returning to the track next spring.
Head Coach Sam Johnson on Tyler Anderson:
"Tyler has had a long and winding path in his love affair with running. Starting as a club runner at the University of Minnesota and transferring to CSP where he has contributed to the middle-distance events on the track over the last couple of years. Tyler entered a graduate program upon the completion of his degree last spring and is currently working towards a master's degree in coaching and athletic administration while continuing to train and compete. He has been a great fit in our program and has been a major cog in developing the social and team unity components amongst the middle-distance squad."
TYLER ANDERSON– IN HIS OWN WORDS
CSP: At what age did you start playing your sport?
TA: Track: Junior year of high school
Cross Country: Senior year of high school
CSP: Why did you choose to attend Concordia?
TA: I transferred to CSP because I heard good things about the track and cross-country teams and I wanted to be apart of that. I also met some of the KHS faculty and they seemed like great professors to learn from.
CSP: What is your favorite memory as a Golden Bear?
TA: As a transfer student, I will always fondly remember how the team embraced me as a fellow teammate.
CSP: What will you miss most about CSP?
TA: I will miss the camaraderie of working with my teammates and coaches, but I plan on coming back for one more season of track so the good times will keep on rolling for a little longer!
CSP: What are your plans after graduation?
TA: I plan on working in athletics, hopefully being involved with track, basketball, or football. I am interested in several different areas but my main focus will be pursuing a career in coaching or team operations.
CSP: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
TA: I see myself in a career where I am able to work directly with athletes. On top of that, I also hope to be involved with sports or gaming through Youtube or a podcast. Finally, I see myself enjoying plenty of time with friends and family.
CSP: Who is a staff member or faculty member at Concordia that left an imprint on your experience?
TA: Dr. Steve Ross played a big role in my decision to transfer to CSP. We talked about the sport management program and he was helpful and informative during my decision-making process.
Dr. Lana Huberty was one of the most kind and helpful professors I have had. She is always willing to meet and have conversations, and she has given me plenty of advice over the years.
My coaches have all been a huge part of my life over the last few years, and I am thankful for all of them! Who would have thought when I first came to CSP that we would end up spending so many seasons together?
CSP: Who is your role model?
TA: I like to take little pieces from people around me and people I admire. It inspires me when I observe hard work, trustworthiness, kindness, selflessness, and courage or bravery. My teammates inspire me every time we have a tough workout and we get through it together!
CSP: What life lessons did you learn as an athlete on your CSP team?
TA: Being on the cross-country and track teams have taught me how to work hard and use a combination of long-term and short-term goals to improve. I learned that come things don't come easy, but you can give yourself the best possible chance of success by putting in consistent time and effort. Running has taught me the importance of learning from the past and always striving to make improvements. Control what you can control and try to get better every day!
CSP: What advice would you give to an incoming freshman about their time at CSP?
TA: Do no wait to take advantage of this great opportunity you have been given. Time flies by quickly and your senior-year self will thank you for putting in an honest and consistent effort over your whole career.
CSP: What CSP athlete from a different program do you admire and why?
TA: I've had quite a few classes with Patrick Bordewick and he is a friendly guy! I did not know many people when I first transferred to CSP, but I remember talking to him a little bit and that helped me feel more comfortable with my new school. Thanks man!
CSP: Do you have a final personalized message you'd like to share with cspbears.com readers?
TA: I appreciate all my teammates, coaches, and anyone who supports CSP athletics! I will miss everyone who will not be returning next year. I am looking forward to competing next season and accomplishing what I intended to accomplish this season. It's funny, I once thought TK was the old one….
