Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior

I chatted with a few Warriors about Caledonia receiving the inaugural Minnesota Football Program of the Year award. Needless to say, "humble" applies, regardless of current stature.

First, I spoke with Isaac Fruechte, currently a Vikings receiver, and one of the special guests in the "Town Takeover" of Caledonia. "It's a big-time honor for us" he states. This award shows the "community support, family, and importance of football" in Caledonia. On what the Vikings hope to accomplish by being out in the state with this award, Isaac attributed the Play 60 program with E.J. Henderson. "Showing kids and parents that being active and being fit is important in your everyday life" is the key. "It's more than football, it's about people" he added. Is he excited about the new U.S. Bank Stadium? "I haven't seen it....excited to get in it and hopefully have a chance to play there".  Knowing many do, I asked him about younger players that look up to him, and how why visits like this are important. "It's more about being a great person and bettering yourself" he said. "Good values and morals....hard work and dedication. Those are things that football teaches you." Was he surprised about the news that Caledonia won the first 'Program of the Year' award? "My dad (Carl Fruechte, Caledonia assistant coach) texted me....I was shocked but it was awesome. I was excited to see them achieve that honor". With Isaac being a practice squad player in 2015, I asked how the offseason was going. Simply, he put it: "Going well. Training hard and hope it pays off."

Then it was head coach Brent Schroeder's turn.  "It was a very humbling experience. Great way for our community to be recognized." he said about receiving the award from the 41 nominated teams. He added that it's a "real nice reward for the community moreso than the fb program". When asked about having the special guest Vikings in town, he stated, "What a bunch of great young men they are. They've changed so many lives in the last day and a half. They're making a huge impact on many kids and giving them a lot of hopes and dreams." What about the dedication of the coaching staff at Caledonia, which has helped build the frame for this program and the success? "We wouldn't be anywhere w/o Coach Fruechte and our past coaches and all the players that have put in the work. We can never be satisfied. Stay humble and hungry, that always going to be our approach."  The award's impact on the program? "75 kids in the room ready to work. They know the pathway is set. As long as they keep working we'll be successful." "They're becoming better young men, and that's what we want out of it." When asked about the fun of having the Vikings players, guys kids look up to, around? "Isaac & Carl have put that on a stage for all the kids. That's been the most rewarding- watching all the smiles on the little kids' faces. They were just having a blast. They've been top-notch, 100% class, and it's been a great time."

I reached out to Karl Klug, former Caledonia Warrior who is a defensive lineman for the Tennessee Titans. On the award; he simply said it's a "Pretty sweet honor". He added, "I'm just glad that Coach Fruechte is getting recognized". He went on to say the entire staff is terrific, but Coach Fruechte was the mastermind, and the staff assembled is amazing. He noted the fact that they never want the credit, but the work and time they put in, "It's impressive, and I'm really happy for them".

Photo credit: Devon Krueger