This past weekend opened my eyes even wider on how amazing it is kids from our region are getting noticed, not only by big-name colleges but also by the professional ranks—something we may be taking for granted. The days when Phil Hansen, Rick Helling and Darrin Erstad were the main story for North Dakota and western Minnesota—even more so than the local sports teams—have passed, as this level of success is now becoming the norm.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Wyatt Cullen, son of 21 year veteran and Moorhead native Matt Cullen was drafted in the first round of the NHL draft Friday night with the 10th overall pick. However, seeing Fargo native Jackson Kuehne go to the Islanders in the fourth round, along with all the UND players getting drafted was remarkable.
After Adam Thielen went from Detroit Lakes high school to Minnesota State Mankato and then to the Vikings, maybe we just take things for granted. Down the road on US Highway 10 we saw Hawley native Ben Ellefson go from being a high school star to a great tight end at NDSU to getting playing time for the Vikings. Now an assistant coach with Minnesota his story doesn’t get talked about enough.
And forget the pros, how about the local kids going to “Power Four Conference” schools. Riley Sunram from Kindred is already at the University of Minnesota and will be joined next year by Brooks Bako from his hometown and Bako’s teammate Luke Starcevic is going to Clemson. Much has also been made about Moorhead players committing to the University of Minnesota with Jett Feeney, David Mack, Zak Walker and Taye Reich all committing to wear the maroon and gold after their career with the Spuds is over this fall.
We have seen many local kids continue their athletic careers at local colleges and universities over the years and a handful have gotten a shot at the pros. But I just wonder if what has been going on recently is the new normal or just a golden era for local sports stars around the region. Time will tell.
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