Like Father, Like Son

At the time when Alan played football, Oklee’s mascot was the Bobcats and their colors were orange and black. The players were able to keep their jerseys. Alan played football for four years under Coach Dale Svaren. He played offensive guard and defensive tackle. He was a team captain his senior year and was all conference. Alan also was a wrestler.

Matt will graduate in 2018 from Red Lake County Central in Oklee.  Matt has played football since fifth grade for the Red Lake County Rebels’ head coach Brian Remick. He played running back on offense and linebacker on defense.  Matt was all conference honorable mention last year. He also plays basketball and baseball.

Alan always watches Matt’s games and is proud they both attended the same school and played on the same football field. Alan encouraged Matt to appreciate the offensive line because they create the holes for the running backs and may not get much credit for the plays they make. 

Playing football goes back to the third generation. Matt’s maternal grandfather Carl Nygaard Jr. also played football. He played for Red Lake Falls High School. Matt’s family still owns his grandpa’s letterman’s sweater.  Another thing Matt and his grandfather have in common is that Matt plays the trumpet just like his grandfather did.

Matt and Alan both raise beef cattle on their family farm. Alan has been raising beef cattle as a lifelong profession. Both are very proud to be home town boys. After graduation Matt plans to attend college and major in Animal Science with a minor in Agri-Business.