On the Bench with Byron Higgin
It was a banner moment for Isaac Hennen — and for that matter, for the Minneota football program as well.
When Isaac Hennen came into the Mr. Football banquet alongside Coach Chad Johnston, it was the first time a Minneota athlete had been awarded the honor of becoming one of the final 11.
“This is not about honoring one fellow, but 11 men who had outstanding years,” said Clay Anderson of Pipestone, a member of the Mr. Football Committee.
The top honor went to Antonio Montero, a linebacker/running back for Mike Grant’s State Championship Eden Prairie squad. Montero was the leading scorer, tackler, kicker and punter for the state champs.
But, as Ron Stolski, long-time Brainerd coach (over 52 years) said, “All are winners tonight. It’s not just what they do — it’s who they are.” Stolski went on to read the glowing remarks of each candidates coaches — and each one showed the 11 candidates not only to be good football players, but outstanding students and role models as well.
Minneota Coach Chad Johnston said about Hennen, “Isaac is a versatile player who has excelled in any position that we put him and is willing to do whatever coaches asked him to do. His versatility and unselfish play allows us to move him around in ways to make us the best team that we can be. Isaac is an all-around wonderful person who has done nothing but represent his family, our football program, school and community in the most admirable way.”
Isaac’s statistics certainly put him amongst the best. Not only did he help his team bring home two state championships, he combined for 2,614 yards from scrimmage (1,844 rushing and 870 receiving, scoring 250 points on 39 touchdowns and eight two-point conversions this year.
Altogether for his career Isaac Hennen had 5,626 yards from scrimmage, scored 552 points on 89 touchdowns and nine conversions.
After his South team defeated the North, 28-14 in the All-Star game Saturday, Hennen said, “I figured out there are a lot better kids than I’m used to playing.” He played outside linebacker and did not get a chance to touch the ball.
“It would have been fun to carry it a couple of times,” he admitted.
But he said, “I met a lot of nice kids.” His observation, “The out state kids are more humble,” he assessed.
While Hennen probably didn’t get the playing time or a chance to show his talents, the experience was in every way a great one for the Minneota senior.
To be named among the final 11 best players in the state, is an extreme honor and to compete against players from the large Twin Cities teams says a lot about any out-state athlete.
On hand at the Mr. Football banquet were Hennen’s family, coaches Chad Johnston, Brian Rodas, Les Engler and Matt Myrvik, plus coaches’ wives Nicolle Johnston and Amber Rodas.