Medford student takes Academic All State honors on Owatonna

MEDFORD — What senior Brad Keller took home from the football sports banquet on Tuesday night was no small feat.

A running back and linebacker for the Medford High School football team, Keller learned that he had won the honor of Academic All State — an honor that was given to only 12 students at Class 1A schools in Minnesota.

“Every team in the state of Minnesota can nominate a football player for Class A,” said Jerome Johannes, head football coach for Medford. “They have to have the stats in addition to academic achievements.”

But Johannes said the news came as no surprise to him. Keller not only plays on the football team, but he is also a shortstop for Medford baseball and a wrestler for the Tigers. Keller made all area baseball last year, and even though he suffered a knee injury at the end of the football season, he still went on to compete at the state wrestling tournament.

“The great thing about Brad is he is a tremendous leader on the field and off the field, especially in the classroom as well,” said Johannes. “He is seen as a leader by his peers as well.”

In addition to holding a cumulative GPA of 3.9, Keller achieved a 4.0 in the first quarter at Medford High School this year. He also is active on the student council and is a member of the National Honor Society, the band, the choir and the FFA. He also participates on the Business Professionals of America team and volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters. On top of all of his extra-curriculars, Keller ushers for his church in Medford, at Christ the King.

And though the Medford football team struggled this year, losing to Fillmore Central in the first round of section playoffs, Keller is looking full-speed ahead to the upcoming sports seasons.

“I would like to become a state champion in wrestling,” said Keller. “That, and I wish we would just have a semi-successful baseball season.”

Keller said the other thing he is focusing on this year is college applications, as he looks for the right campus to build a career in physical therapy. He already has been accepted to University of St. Thomas, but he is hoping to get a letter from the University of Minnesota, Morris.

“I want to enroll in their health exercise science program, which would give me the opportunity to get a graduate degree in physical therapy,” said Keller.

The recognition, which is handed down by the Minnesota State Football Coaches Association, requires that athletes be a senior varsity letterman for the current season, who is a starter on either offense, defense or kicker, have outstanding football and leadership ability plus academic excellence, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA during the sophomore year, junior year and the first quarter of the senior year.

Though Keller thought he was out of the running after filling out an application for the recognition, his coach found out just in time to recognize him at the awards ceremony. Keller shook hands with his coaches and received the award in front of “basically the whole school.” But he said he has one goal above all others.

“I just want to enjoy the rest of the year,” said Keller.

Melissa Kaelin can be reached at 444-2372.

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Member Opinions: By: Venger33 on 11/20/09 Congratulations Brad - this honor is well-deserved. You should be as proud as your parents, family, school & community are.
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