Collegiate update: trio of local football players faring well

By Cara L. Dempski

The end of the high school football season does not always signify the end of the sport for other players from the area.

A former Bulldog and a pair of former Hilltoppers have continued their gridiron careers as college students. Boyceville’s Micadin Kahl became a Saint at the College of St. Scholastica this fall, while Glenwood City’s Nathan Mrdutt is in his second season as a UW-Stout Blue Devil, and Joel Ormson is with the UW-La Crosse Eagles.

The coaches for all three former Dunn-St. Croix competitors had nothing but good things to say about each when contacted last week for updates.

Micadin Kahl

The college freshman has already logged some defensive stats in his freshman season at the College of St. Scholastica. Kahl nabbed a solo tackle against Greenville September 9, and then another October 14 versus Martin Luther.

Saints coach Kurt Ramler said he was drawn to Kahl’s work ethic, toughness and humility during the recruiting process. He knew the school would be a good fit for the former Bulldog’s athletic and academic goals.

“St. Scholastica is a great fit given Micadin’s interest in going to a great school, and getting a tremendous degree,” Ramler said.

The Saints coach said Kahl has fit into the program well and acclimated to the defensive system. He has reportedly earned the respect of his teammates and become a member of the “brotherhood.” Ramler said the coaching staff hopes Kahl can have a great off season and keep improving.

Micadin Kahl is studying Management and hopes to work in retail and marketing.

Nathan Mrdutt

Mrdutt is a Supply Chain major at UW-Stout, and followed in the footsteps of older brother Nick by playing football for the Blue Devils under the tutelage of Clayton Birmingham.

“Nate has been a great addition to our program,” Birmingham said. “His older brother Nick played for us, and it led us to getting to know his family and watching Nate play in high school.”

The Blue Devils’ head coach describes Mrdutt as a physical player who brings attitude and effort to every practice and game.

Birmingham said Stout Football has had some great players, of which Mrdutt is one, come out of Glenwood City in the past 20 years, and is glad he could keep that tradition going with the most recent Hilltopper to join the team.

Joel Ormson

UW-La Crosse assistant coach and offensive coordinator Andrew McGlenn said the Eagles football staff asked just one big thing of Joel Ormson when he joined their team in 2016.

“The biggest thing we’ve asked him to do is put on weight,” McGlenn laughed. “We’re just really glad to have him.”

Ormson, who worked through camp and was a redshirt in 2016 is playing his freshman season at UW-La Crosse as part of the scouting team. McGlenn said the former Hilltopper has received no end of compliments from the defensive coaches.

“They really love his attention to detail and drive to keep improving,” the Eagles’ assistant said.

Ormson is in his sophomore year academically and is studying Business Management.