Sauerwein racks up awards in final high school season

It may have been a shortened football season this year, because of COVID-19, but Lake Holcombe senior Tate Sauerwein made the most of the seven games he played with his Cornell-Lake Holcombe Knights team.

Sauerwein not only ran for more than 1,000 yards, but also received the Lakeland Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award – the second year in a row. He was also named as the Lakeland Conference Defensive Co-Player of the Year.

“Obviously, I was looking for a better average for each game…but overall, I did better than last year, so, that’s all I can ask for,” said Sauerwein. “That’s what I worked for.”

Last season, as a junior, Sauerwein ended with 1,061 yards in 10 games. This season, he hit the 1,000 yard mark Oct. 30, against Rib Lake-Prentice on his home field, with one more game left to go.

Sauerwein says he knew going into the season he was going to break his previous single-season record, because that was the goal he set for himself. Last year, he was not as aware that he was close to 1,000 yards, but this time around, Sauerwein kept track of where he stood.

“So, I knew before going into the Rib Lake-Prentice game, that I had a good shot at breaking my record,” he said. “And I did.”

During this year’s season, Sauerwein passed the ball more, using the range of his arm. He was also heavily involved in each defensive play.

Sauerwein ended his season with 1,140 yards. He also has the distinction as a Prep Redzone Wisconsin Top 10 finalist for state Player of the Year; was named to the 2020 WFCA Academic All-State Team; earned a spot as All-Conference First Team Offense; and on All-Conference First Team Defense.

His next goal is to heal from a break in his leg he received in the last game Nov. 5, in time for the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl, which takes place Jan. 18, in Dallas, Texas. Once athletes perform at the bowls, 80-90 percent of players come away already recruited and with a scholarship.

“I hope I’m part of that percentile,” said Sauerwein.

It’s been a dream of his to play football for UW-Wisconsin, but Sauerwein also has other good schools in mind to play football, who have good programs for his biological science major.

For now, he’s going to concentrate on healing and rehabbing his leg fully.

“And, hopefully, be better than I ended the season,” he said.