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Some love stories begin with a grand gesture or a chance encounter in a far-off place. For Ross and Nikki Westdorp, it all started in the halls of Lincoln Trail College—between classes, on the ballfields, and in the quiet moments of campus life. What began as a simple friendship grew into something greater, standing the test of time, distance, and the challenges of college athletics. Years later, they returned to the place where it all began, not as students, but as husband and wife—saying “I do” on the very field that had been their home for so many innings.
The First Meeting
Their story began in 2006. Nikki, a high school senior taking dual credit courses at LTC, spent time in the same hallways as Ross, a student-athlete on the baseball team. Those early interactions planted the seeds of something special, but neither of them knew just how significant the college would become in their journey together.
“It took a while,” Nikki admits. “We met in January of 2006 and didn’t get engaged until June of 2013! We made it through our college years together and worked through stints of long-distance relationships while going to different colleges after LTC.”
Through the years, Nikki realized Ross was “the one” because of his problem-solving nature. “He would figure out any issue thrown at us,” she says—a skill that proved invaluable in both sports and life.
The Bond of Student-Athletes
As student-athletes, Ross and Nikki shared an understanding of dedication, perseverance, and commitment—qualities that also formed the backbone of their relationship. “Being a student-athlete is very demanding,” Ross says. “It takes hard work, determination, and commitment, just like a relationship does.”
Their mutual drive strengthened their connection, helping them navigate both the challenges of collegiate sports and the transitions that followed.
LTC: A Stepping Stone with Lasting Impact
At the time, LTC felt like just another step in their journey. But as they moved on, they realized how profoundly it had shaped them. “When you're young, you kind of overlook the importance of a small stepping stone like LTC,” Nikki reflects. “Until you leave. Once you leave, you look back and see how special it truly was.”
That appreciation made their decision to get married at LTC even more meaningful.
A Wedding Like No Other
When it came time to plan their wedding in 2014, Ross and Nikki wanted something unique—something that honored their roots. “We were young and broke,” Nikki laughs. “But really, in Robinson, there weren’t many options at the time. We wanted to change it up from the ordinary church scene.”
So they turned to the place where their story began: Parker Field.
With Nikki’s eye for themes, the wedding transformed into a true baseball experience. The couple handed out programs styled like a starting lineup and announced their wedding party like batters stepping up to the plate. Team Bride and Team Groom occupied the first and third base dugouts, hidden behind banners featuring their bridal party’s photos until their big reveal.
Guests, seated on bleachers set up on the field, received popcorn and Cracker Jacks while they waited. The ring bearer carried a baseball glove filled with “rose” petals made from real baseball leather, while the flower girl walked with him, tossing petals from the pitching mound to home plate.
For Ross’s grand entrance, he stepped onto home plate and signaled for Nikki—who emerged from a pop-up tent at second base, making her way to him.
Even the smallest details embraced the baseball theme: the florist designed bouquets to resemble baseball seams, the couple’s cake mimicked a baseball field, and Ross’s wedding band featured engraved baseball stitches. The scoreboard proudly displayed the date: 10-4-14.
“It was a long time coming,” Nikki says. “But it felt so refreshing to come full circle—back to where it all began.”
Staying Connected to LTC
Today, the Westdorps remain tied to LTC, not just in memories but in presence. They’re active members of the Rec Center and still keep in touch with former coaches. Ross even donated his time and construction skills to help finish the baseball locker room, continuing to give back to the program that meant so much to him.
“We also catch a game every now and again when our schedule allows,” Ross adds.
Advice for Current Students
For those currently walking LTC’s hallways, the Westdorps offer simple but powerful advice: embrace the experience. “Take advantage of the small-town community,” Nikki encourages. “Our community is truly special. Get involved, make relationships, and keep a positive attitude.”
And, as their own story proves, you never know where those relationships might lead.
“Who knows,” Nikki laughs, “that positive mindset might score you your husband or wife in the halls at LTC!”
A Forever Home at LTC
Ross and Nikki’s love story is more than just a romance—it’s a testament to the lasting impact of a place like Lincoln Trail College. What started as two student-athletes pursuing their dreams turned into a shared journey, one that will always be connected to the college that brought them together.
“For us, LTC has and will continue to be so special,” they say. “If it weren’t for LTC, we would never have met.”
And with every trip back to Parker Field, they’re reminded that their greatest victory wasn’t just on the field—it was finding each other.
