Area football players continue to pile up awards and recognition for Chisago and NB

Zack Sundly has had an amazing season on and off the field. He led the Vikings to a 4-6 record in football and was named All-Conference and All-Section while the Vikes hosted a section playoff game for the first time in quite some time.

He then followed that up with a All-Conference performance in wrestling in the 195 pound weight class. He eventually made it to the state tournament at the end of the season. During the wrestling season, Sundly was named to the Minnesota High School All Star North Team as a quarterback. And now, even better news followed last week. Sundly was named as one of the eight high schoolers recognized by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. From the NFF web site: Eight high school seniors from across the state of Minnesota will receive recognition as outstanding high school Scholar-Athletes.

These Scholar-Athletes, as nominated by their football coaches, were evaluated on their academic achievement, football ability and performance, leadership, attitude, and service to their community. The average GPA among the finalists was 3.90. The 2013 honrees are: Justus Canfield (Irondale High School), John DeMarais (Winona Cotter High School), Shane Fenske (Blackduck High School), Rob LaRose (Holy Family Catholic High School), Daniel Polansky (Goodridge-Grygla High School), Kyle Schoeneck (Maple River High School), Zackary Sundly (North Branch High School), and Michael Witschen (Monticello High School). “Sundly combined stellar play on the field with excellent marks in the classroom to be named a scholar athlete. In the classroom, Sundly excelled, with a 3.95 GPA, also earning All-Conference Academic recognition,” the release said. “He was also very active in the community, volunteering to play for his church band and at school-sponsored youth nights. He also devoted time to coaching at youth football and wrestling programs.

On the field, Sundly also made a name for himself, earning All-Section and All-Conference honors while being named captain in his senior season.” Others recognized with awards at the April 28 banquet include KARE 11 news anchor Randy Shaver, two members of the University of Minnesota football team, area college athletes and coaches and the 1963 St. John’s University football team, which ironically is the school that Sundly will be attending to play football. The 1963 squad was coached by the legendary John Gagliardi and 10-0 in the regular season. They won the NAIA championship and included six All-Americans.

Sargeant also playing in all star game Chisago Lakes senior

Dan Sargeant has also been selected to play in the Minnesota High School All Star game as a lineman. Sargeant excelled for the Wildcats on the field this year, and cleared the way for a prolific rushing attack. Sargeant also participated in hockey and wrestling in winter. The game will be played June 29 at 1 p.m. at St. Cloud State University.