Sauerwein trades Knights jersey to become an Ole

After setting at least seven school records this year, between offense and defense, Lake Holcombe senior Tate Sauerwein leaves his high school football career behind him and prepares for his next phase of athletics. In a special ceremony April 6, Sauerwein officially committed to St. Olaf, the No. 1 ranked college in Minnesota in 2020.

As Sauerwein signed his letter of intent, Lake Holcombe celebrated what athletic director Todd Senoraske calls the birth of a new opportunity for the school’s student-athletes.

Senoraske said Sauerwein demonstrates qualities the district expects of a great student-athlete, and that the ceremony held for family and friends, was not just about playing football, but to recognize Sauerwein’s efforts to get to this point.

“It is a direct result of what opportunities can be gained through dedication, perseverance and a solid work ethic,” said Senoraske.

Brandon Baldry, Sauerwein’s Cornell-Lake Holcombe Knights Football coach for the last two years, said that the senior has the brains, the drive and the willingness to be a team player, and is very excited to see where he ends up with his career.

“Very seldom in your coaching career, do you come across an athlete of Tate’s caliber,” said Baldry. “I think he can go quite far, not only in college, but in life in general.”

Sauerwein says he didn’t expect to have the event in front of family and friends, but that it was awesome to find out the community could be part of his big day. Although academics are the main choice for picking a university to attend, Sauerwein says one reason he also chose St. Olaf, is because he will play this year.

Some colleges are not allowing walk-ons this year, and for him, that just wasn’t something he wanted to wait for.

“I’m going to play football, I’m not going to watch football for a year or two, I’m going to play,” said Sauerwein, adding that St. Olaf is an academically amazing school. “It goes without saying that their academics are amazing, so sometimes I forget to include that in.”

As he transitions to life as an “Ole,” Sauerwein plans to focus on majoring in biology and seeing where life takes him. As for all the support he has been given over the years by the school, teachers, coaches and community, he appreciates everyone who has been with him on his journey.

“Hope they got more gas in their tank,” said Sauerwein, “because I ain’t even close to done.”