Hall of Fame
Only a few athletes are able to change sports at the collegiate level and catapult into greatness. Daniel Raatjes was one of those individuals. He arrived at PLNC from Arizona to play basketball as a member of the junior varsity. An ankle injury stood in his way and forced him to have surgery after his freshman year. In the process of rehabilitating, Raatjes found his way to track where he met Leo Williams, a world-class high jumper. Raatjes became interested in high jumping and went to talk to Coach Crakes.
“Crakes was hesitant—probably thinking, oh great, here comes another basketball player that couldn’t make it and wants to come out for track.”
Through that less than sensational entry into Crusader track, Raatjes began a phenomenal career. As a sophomore he high jumped more than 6’11”. His junior year he made it up to 7’3”—a school record and the best in the NAIA. He was awarded the Meguiar Outstanding Male Athlete Award at the end of his junior year.
For those who were privileged to watch and work with Dan Raajtes once could tell early that he was a very special person. He was focused, determined and trained diligently—an intelligent and perceptive individual. One would be hard pressed to draw up a blue print for a more ideal Point Loma Nazarene College student athlete. His intelligence was demonstrated by his two-time Academic All-American achievements and a GPA of 3.5. He was a spiritual leader among his student peers, fellow athletes and coaches. He obviously was an outstanding performer as noted by his multiple school records, three-consecutive District Three Championships and twice making All-American.
After graduating, Raajtes qualified for the USA Track and Field Championships with a jump of 7’41/2” while competing for Athletes in Action. He went on to a career in the San Diego school system.
The award for Outstanding Achievement by an Athlete was presented to Raatjes by Jim Bond.
