Two Elk Mound athletes sign college football letters of intent

By Cara L. Dempski

ELK MOUND — Family, friends, coaches, and school staff gathered in the Elk Mound gym last week to witness two Mounder football players sign national letters of intent.

Seniors Dane Lew and Noah Zurbuchen signed their letters on February 1 during a ceremony in the school gymnasium.

Lew is bound for the University of Minnesota at Duluth with a partial scholarship as a defensive player, while Zurbuchen will be going to St. Cloud State University as a walk-on player.

The two players agreed the schools they chose are good fits for their respective career choices. Lew will be Pre Med at UMD, and Zurbuchen plans to study biomedical science at St. Cloud.

“The school fit with what I wanted to do academically,” Lew explained. “I love the area of Duluth and the coaching staff is great.”

Lew said he was able to tour the school, meet the coaches, and talk to some of the current Bulldog team members. He said he felt comfortable as part of the group. He will likely redshirt his freshman year to get used to the practices, lifting and balance of sports and class work.

Zurbuchen, who would like to go into physical therapy, felt the same way about the Huskies at St. Cloud State. 

“I felt like I fit in the best there,” the future college defensive back said. “I got along with the players.”

Elk Mound football coach Dave Lew expressed his pleasure and pride in the accomplishments of the two Mounder seniors. Both athletes are looking forward to finishing their high school careers and taking a break this summer before heading to their respective schools.