Sargeant named to the AP All-State team for CL

Senior Dan Sargeant of the Chisago Lakes Wildcats was named a First Team All State offensive lineman by the Associated Press for the 2012 high school football season. Wildcat head coach Bill Weiss put Sargeant’s selection to the first team in perspective. He said “The AP picks a true first team and a true second team, with each team having just 11 players on offense and 11 players on defense. They also have multiple players listed as Honorable Mention, so being named to the first or second team is quite an honor.” Just two other Wildcats have been named All State in the past ten years. Devin Swanberg was a first team punter in 2004 and Trevor Johnson was second team tight end in 2005. Sargeant had an amazing season, playing virtually every snap on offense and defense and also playing on special teams. In addition to being named to the AP all state team, Sargeant received the following awards: Pioneer Press All State, All Section, All Conference and Academic All Conference. For Wildcat team awards, he was named Most Inspirational, Most Valuable Defensive Player and Most Valuable Lineman. Sargeant was named to the Wildcats’ Special Forces team for his outstanding play on special teams, as he handled most of the kickoff duties for the Wildcats this season and kicked six extra points and two field goals. Sargeant, a linebacker on defense, led the team in tackles with 120. The Wildcat football team appeared to be headed for a state tournament appearance before they were derailed in the second half of the section semifinal game against Bemidji. We asked Sargeant if, despite the disappointing end to a great season for the Wildcats, he was now able to enjoy all of the accolades thrown his way. Sargeant’s thoughts remained focused on the team. He said “Overall, I still wish the team would have won. I care more about that than any individual stuff. I just wish our team could have gone on farther to see how well we could have done.” Sargeant didn’t have to look too far to find the inspiration that led to his phenomenal career as a Wildcat football player. He said “Definitely, over the years my dad always pushed me to be best I could be on and off the field. He was a good role model for me. I really appreciate all things he taught me.” Sargeant is undecided about where he will attend college next year. “I’ve had a lot of schools come in and talk to me, like Bemidji and St. Cloud State” he said. “I’ve gotten a lot of calls from Division 2 schools and Division 3 schools.” He also mentioned possibly wanting to play at North Dakota State University or the University of North Dakota. We asked Sargeant if he preferred to play offense or defense in college. He said, “I will play wherever they want me to play. Any spot they need me.” Sargeant also plays defense for the Wildcat hockey team, but plans to just play football in college. “I still like hockey a lot,” he said, but I see my future a little more in football.” He is leaning towards a degree in engineering or business.