Wartburg keeps Mabe’s connection going - Summer 2008 Wartburg Magazine - Wartburg College

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Wartburg keeps Mabe’s connection going

by Mark Adkins

Devin White ’11 is getting used to good-natured ribbing about his college choice.

The decision to attend Wartburg raised a few eyebrows in his hometown of Decorah, Iowa, site of Luther College, the Knights historic rival in athletic contests. Still, it isn’t unusual for the stray Decorahite to eschew Luther and venture south to historical rival Wartburg, or vice versa.

But it is a bit curious in White’s case. The reason is that his parents, Steve and Connie, own Mabe’s Pizza and Restaurant, a bastion of Luther College Norse and Decorah High School Viking pride.

Devin admitted Mom and Dad have become used to the teasing they take. After all, he’s the second member of the family to attend Wartburg; Devin’s older sister, Megan, attended Wartburg as well.

“Obviously, I took a good look at Luther, having lived in Decorah all my life,” said Devin. “However, it was just a matter of me wanting to look outside of Decorah. I felt Wartburg was just a good fit for me, and Megan really enjoyed her time here.”

Devin, an exploring major with a business administration advising preference, still delivers pizza for Mabe’s during breaks. He hears comments alluding to the Wartburg-Luther rivalry from Luther faithful and an aunt who attended Luther.

“It’s all in good fun,” Devin said, smiling. “Mom and Dad haven’t begun putting out any Orange and Black memorabilia yet, though.”