Augustana University Athletics

            Jennifer Buyske saved her best for last at the 2005 NCAA Division II national track meet in Abilene, Texas.
            On her final attempt of the javelin competition, the sophomore from Shelby, MT., launched a monster throw of 156-feet, nine inches to win the national championship. It was a school record and Buyske became the first Viking to earn a national title since 1998.
            “I have many memorable moments and events, but I think the two that stand out the most would be my very first outdoor track meet and the 2005 national meet,” said Buyske. “My coach, Jeremy Klaassen, was the biggest influence during my time at Augustana. He pushed me to work harder and to be my best both in athletics and life.”
            Also influencing Buyske during her undergraduate years at Augustana were Dr. Peter Schotten and Mark Hecht.
            “Dr. Schotten is the reason I went to law school,” Buyske said. “He helped me from day one and pushed me to my full potential while at Augustana. He guided me through the entire law school process and made me realize that nothing is really ever out of reach.”
            “Mark helped develop my leadership skills and gave me the tools to be a successful leader wherever I go. Much of my mentorship and leadership abilities were developed during my time as part of the Augie rec staff.”
            During her collegiate career, Buyske became a North Central Conference champion and a two-time All-American – finishing sixth at the national meet in 2006. In addition to setting Augustana’s javelin record, she is also the Howard Wood Dakota Relays college/university women’s record holder with a throw of 152-5 in 2005.
            After Augustana, Buyske went on to Gonzaga University School of Law, earning her juris doctor in 2010. She graduated Summa Cum Laude. She was commissioned in the United States Navy and was recognized as Junior Officer of the Year for the Defense Service Office in Florida. She has been with the Navy’s Judge Advocate General Corps since 2009.
            Buyske was featured in the Spring 2016 edition of The Augustana. “My long term goal would be to either continue doing defense work in the Navy as active duty or work as a public defender staying in the Navy on the reserve side. It depends what path presents itself, but the courtroom is where I want to be, and definitely on the defense side of the table.”
            Buyske is involved in St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hartford, CT. She volunteers at Aiken Elementary School in West Hartford, CT. She conducts trainings for Navy JAGS as well as state public defenders.
            She continues to run marathons, triathlons, Spartan races, and more.
            Jennifer and her spouse, Alison Bloomquist, are the parents of two sons – Erik and William.
            Augustana is proud to induct Jennifer Buyske into the Athletic Hall of Fame.