We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Blaine County has always rallied around their high school sports teams, supporting the 'Beeters, Wildcats, Thunderbirds and Tornadoes with all their heart. The time comes each year when the seniors play their final games on the court or on the field. From time to time, some of those athletes are given the opportunity to continue playing the game they love at the collegiate level, and when they do Blaine County is unified in their support of all of these individuals. Turner standout Shyan Krass will continue her basketball career at Montana State University Northern this fall as a member of the Skylights.
Blaine County has always rallied around their high school sports teams, supporting the 'Beeters, Wildcats, Thunderbirds and Tornadoes with all their heart. The time comes each year when the seniors play their final games on the court or on the field. From time to time, some of those athletes are given the opportunity to continue playing the game they love at the collegiate level, and when they do Blaine County is unified in their support of all of these individuals. Harlem football is proud to be represented by Andrew Rasmussen who will be joining the Lights program this fall at Montana State University Northern.
Blaine County has always rallied around their high school sports teams, supporting the 'Beeters, Wildcats, Thunderbirds and Tornadoes with all their heart. The time comes each year when the seniors play their final games on the court or on the field. From time to time, some of those athletes are given the opportunity to continue playing the game they love at the collegiate level, and when they do Blaine County is unified in their support of all of these individuals. Chinook gridiron standout Reese Elliot will also be continuing his football career at MSU-Northern this fall.
High school is a fond time for the student athlete, the parents and the community. It is amazing in our little neck of the woods how much the communities rally around their local school sports teams. Fans from Chinook, Turner, Hays/Lodge Pole and Harlem travel like no other to support their kids.
The local high school teams often enjoy the support that many kids from the much bigger schools will never enjoy. While they are in high school, competing against each other, rivalries are developed, but so are bonds and friendships.
When the time comes and the seniors have played their last games for their school, folks generally are appreciative of the time and look forward to the following school year. On occasion, some of those athletes are given the opportunity to continue their playing days at the collegiate level, and when they do, not just their school, but the whole county rallies around them in support.
This year three athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to continue playing at the next level. Turner basketball standout Shyan Krass will head to Montana State University Northern to play for the Skylights and Head Coach Chris Mouat. Harlem Wildcat Football star Andrew Rasmussen will also head to Montana State University Northern where he will play football for Coach Andrew Rolin and the Lights. Also joining the MSU-Northern Lights football program this fall will be Chinook standout Reese Elliot.
Shyan Krass, Turner High School
- MSU-Northern Skylights Basketball -
Turner senior Shyan Krass has been a force for years on the hardwood and helped her team reach new heights in the District 9C and Northern C, qualifying for the Divisional Tournament in three straight years. Krass has always had passion for the game, "Basketball has been more than a sport to me in my life. It has been a constant grind that I just can't get enough of, and something that just takes me away from reality."
She didn't get where she is today by accident, "Many people have helped me get to where I am today. I remember my mom and I, in fifth grade, shooting at our outdoor hoop, and her just rebounding for hours. Or my whole family playing, 'family basketball' in the evenings in summer. This is what made me love this game so much," added Shyan.
Of course it takes much more than just support at home, "I have also had so many amazing coaches in my life that have taught me so much, and a more than supportive community that has always had my back," said Krass. "One of my first camps I went to was at Northern, and I went every year after that first one because I just loved the environment."
Shyan brought her experience home, "I always liked what they taught me there, and after the camps I would go home and practice all of the drills that I could remember. My sister Dakota, and I would always make things into competitions to make things interesting. Summer league was another thing Northern offered and I also went to every year they did that. I really liked the competition there, and everything I have been taught."
Beyond all of that, it still takes a year around commitment, "Off-season is extremely important to me because that is where you get ahead as a player. I am an extremely competitive person, and to sleep at night I basically have to know that I gave it my all that day. Sometimes my off-season work consisted of getting up before everyone else early in the morning and running, or making hundreds of shots up at my personal hoop. Then at night going to the gym and putting in more work with my friends, and teammates."
Through it all, it's still about the team, "I have been blessed with the best teammates throughout the years, and I would not trade my time as a Tornado for anything. I have also been very blessed to have a family that is willing to let me travel around and play basketball against some of the best teams in the country, and my mom for being willing to drive me all over the country to play them. Something I have learned over the years is that nothing will ever come easy, and hard work pays off. "
Andrew Rasmussen, Harlem High School
- MSU-Northern Lights Football -
Harlem senior Andrew Rasmussen has worked hard at everything he's ever done, swimming,wrestling and even basketball, but football has always been his game of choice. Coming from a small Class B school like Harlem with low numbers and then transitioning to a college level program could rightfully intimidate many, "It's definitely going to be different, I mean, I'm going off to college now, it's a different level of the game, instead of 12-18 of us (at practice) I'm joining a team of 60 players."
To break through, Andrew knows he has to work hard, "I'm going to have to train and work even harder to earn my spot, but I'm looking forward to it! It's definitely going to be harder but I'm ready for the challenges." Rasmussen likes the feeling he got during the recruiting process, "Coach Rolins said each of us was chosen and vetted this year. Only 13 players were recruited this year because of the retention of senior players for an extra year because of the Covid 19 stuff."
With so few opportunities being given to high school seniors, Andrew is happy to be among the few, "I feel extremely blessed that I was one of the chosen few. Not only that, but to be close enough for my family to continue to follow me. I know my parents are also relieved and happy for that."
Reese Elliot, Chinook High School
- MSU-Northern Lights Football -
Chinook High School senior Reese Elliot is an imposing figure on the football field or the basketball court. At 6'8" tall and with the frame to go with it, he turns heads when he walks on any field, but it wasn't always that way, "Ever since I started playing and watching competitive sports I've always wanted to be a collegiate athlete. When I was little I wasn't very hopeful because of my lack of coordination and I don't think too many people believed I'd go anywhere."
What Reese lacked as a youngster was soon molded into an outstanding high school athlete and a lot of folks had a hand in that, "(Chinook Head Boys Basketball) Coach Mike Seymour believed in my capability and he has always pushed me to get better, so I'd have to give him the praise for most of my growth and success as a person and as a player."
Seymour played a significant role in developing Reese as a person and as an athlete, but there were certainly others, "I also can't forget about (Chinook Head Football Coach) Mike Jones. He came to coach in Chinook my sophomore year and that was definitely the turning point in football for me. Coach Jones completely changed up our offense and made it possible for me to be the receiving tight end I wanted to be." The impact the new staff had on his career is immense, "I believe that if Mr. Jones didn't come to Chinook and change the way we played I wouldn't have had the opportunity that I do now."
Off the field or the court and away from the staff and his teammates there are many factors that put the polish on Reese's makeup as a student athlete, "I want to praise/thank my dad (John Elliot) for allowing me to play sports and supporting me financially in all aspects. With that said, I'd like to thank my family and the town of Chinook for all the support you've given throughout the years."
As far as whats in store for the future, Reese has a good grasp of things, "Jumping from Eight-man football to Eleven man is definitely going to be different, but I think it'll come easy with the help of Coach Rolin and all the players at MSU-N." Reese is grounded in his expectations, but expects big things as well, "My goals for the next level are to get playing time and slowly work my way up the ranks and just see what happens from there. I'd really like to see how far sports can take me in life."
For any student athlete to be awarded an opportunity to play at the collegiate level it is a tremendous honor. For these individuals to put in all the work necessary is a testament to themselves, their coaches, the communities they play in and all the fans who support the programs. Congratulations to Shyan, Andrew and Reese. We are certain that more athletes from Blaine County will continue their athletic careers at the next level and we look forward to passing that information on to our readers when we are notified of an announcement.
