Seven Stanley-Boyd seniors recently took the next step in their sports careers, committing to play at the college level on National Signing Day at Stanley-Boyd High School Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Among those committing to college level sports are the following:
Cole Brenner, to play football at UW-Eau Claire
Logan Gray, to play basketball for Northland College
Rudy Kletsch, to play football for UW-River Falls
Jake LaGrander, to play football for UW-River Falls
Madden Mahr, to play football for Minnesota State University - Mankato
Riley Schad, to play football at UW-Platteville
Storm Tiry, to play football at Minnesota State University - Mankato
With coach speeches preceding the signing, each player has had their own journey. Assistant football coach Braxton Thompson and head football coach Brody Mahr each spoke, with other football coaching staff and basketball coach Dakota Nichols speaking as well. A common theme coming up was hard work and dedication by each of the signers.
As for Brenner, the senior cornerback and wide receiver is currently the Cloverbelt defensive player of the year, with 15 solo tackles and 33 total tackles this year, compared against 12 solo and 20 total for the national average.
Basketball coach Dakota Nichols spoke on Logan Gray.
“Today, I get the honor to talk about Logan Gray,” he said. “Logan, like all of these guys, is an extremely hard working and dedicated person to everything he sets his mind to. His high school basketball story is a unique one. I look around this gym and I see multi-year starters in their respective sport. Logan didn’t become a full-time starter until his senior year. He didn’t allow “not being a starter” to interfere with his work ethic. Instead he worked even harder and made it a goal to be an all-conference player his senior season. I’d say that’s looking promising as of right now.
Everyone here sees Logan and the rest of these kids signing to play at the next level. Nobody sees the thousands and thousands of jump shots and free throws taken to reach the point he’s at now. He was also on the academic all-state basketball team last year, and will be this year too.”
“Logan, it’s been an honor to be your coach for the past four years. Being able to watch you and your teammates develop from your freshmen year has been so cool and I know you will be successful in whatever you set your mind to. Congratulations and Good Luck at Northland College”
“I want to start off by saying that I’m very proud of Rudy,” Thompson said of Rudy Kletsch. “To be able to speak about a student who has worked very hard to be at this point is something special! This is a huge accomplishment, and I’m very proud of you Rudy. When I first started coaching football, I knew that Rudy and I would have a very strong bond. He and I have played many, many games of chess (in which he’s probably beaten me 70% of the time), and have had countless conversations about this or that video game. He’s grown a lot in the time that I’ve known him, in stature, confidence and maturity. One thing for sure though is that Rudy is still goofy Rudy. Kid’s got a heart of gold, and I couldn’t be prouder of the person he’s going to become. As you sign today, remember that this is just the beginning! There will be many ups and downs in the road ahead, but I know that you will handle them in the best way that you can. I wish you the best of luck in your next chapter! I know you’ll do great things!”
Coach Brody Mahr spoke on Jake LaGrander and Madden Mahr.
“Today, we have the honor of celebrating Jake LaGrander as he takes the next step in his football journey,” Mahr said of LaGrander. Jake is the kind of player every coach wants in their program—because he’s not just talented, he’s built on the foundation of discipline, toughness, and selflessness.
“Jake’s discipline is second to none. He shows up every day on time, prepared, and locked in. He takes coaching and executes his assignments with precision. Whether it’s in the classroom, the weight room, or his personal life, Jake does things the right way. He avoids distractions and always makes choices that align with the success of his team.
“His toughness is what separates him. No matter the adversity—whether it’s playing through pain, battling through a tough game, or responding to setbacks—Jake never backs down. He competes with intensity every snap and never makes excuses. He takes hard coaching, absorbs it, and uses it to get better.
“But what truly makes Jake special is his selflessness. He’s the ultimate team player, always putting the team’s success over his own accolades. He encourages and holds his teammates accountable. He does the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet—blocking, hustling, supporting his teammates no matter his role. And no matter where he’s asked to play, he gives it everything he has.
“Jake LaGrander is the definition of a winner, and any program would be lucky to have him. We couldn’t be prouder of him today, and we know he’s going to continue to make us proud at the next level. Congratulations, Jake!”
Of Madden, Coach Mahr had the following to say.
“Today is a special day, not just for Madden, but for everyone who has been part of his journey—his coaches, teammates, friends, and most importantly, our family. Madden has always been a talented athlete, but what separates him is his relentless work ethic, his competitive fire, and his unwavering love for the game.
His accomplishments speak for themselves—19 touchdowns in a season, second in the state in receiving yards, tying the state record for kick return touchdowns, and a list of school records in track. But if you ask Madden, he would trade all of it just for the chance to play one more game with his teammates. That’s the kind of player and person he is—one who values the game and the brotherhood that comes with it more than any individual accolade.
Madden’s road to this moment wasn’t easy. His sophomore year, he suffered a fractured fibula, a devastating setback for any athlete. But instead of letting it define him, he used it to fuel him. He attacked rehab with the same intensity he brings to competition. He was in the weight room at 5:30 a.m., pushing himself to be stronger. He was on the Jugs machine catching 500 balls a day, making sure his hands were better than ever. He never missed a workout, even if it meant skipping family vacations—because that’s how much this game means to him.
Madden is a fearless competitor. It doesn’t matter if it’s on the field, on the track, at a football camp, or even in a game of Fortnite—if there’s a challenge, he’s stepping up. That drive, that edge, is what will prepare him to succeed at the next level.
Minnesota State is getting not just a great athlete, but a relentless worker, a dedicated teammate, and a young man who will do whatever it takes to help his team win. Madden, we couldn’t be prouder of you today. Your journey is just beginning, and we know the best is yet to come. Congratulations!”
Assistant coach Danny Halterman summed it up with Storm Tiry and Riley Schad.
“It’s been an awesome experience with these guys just watching them grow,” he said.
With signing now over, it’s on to graduation, and then college.