Meet the newest Beaver

Copy of Minot Daily news article.

By MICHAEL LINNELL, Sports Editor mlinnell@ndweb.com

Tommy Weidler had a tough decision to make. After all, the two-time all-state performer at Velva High School had multiple schools interested in his football prowess.

In the end, though, it came down to position, location and relation. Those three led him to Minot State University.

"I want to play quarterback and most of the other schools were trying to recruit me on defense," Weidler said during a press conference at the MSU Dome Wednesday. "The location is great and I'm excited to be able to play with my older brother."

Weidler will be reunited with brother Matt, who transfered to MSU last season after spending two years in the North Dakota State University program.

"It is kinda special when you can play college football with your brother," the younger Weidler said. "Not too many players can say that."

MSU head coach Mike Sivertson wouldn't quite crown his new recruit as a starter, but did say the freshman will be in the mix in 2006.

"It is a competitive process in our program," Sivertson said. "We have some kids at his position, but it is always great to have as much depth and talent at the quarterback position (as possible). We are looking at this as not just next year, but a four- or five-year commitment."

MSU finished fourth in the Dakota Athletic Conference in 2005.

Weidler said he was happy to get the decision over with and be able to concentrate on the rest of his high school career as well as his budding college career.

"It has always been in the back of my mind," he said of his college choices. "It really started this year during the season. I was happy to get it done as soon as possible. It is nice to finally have it figured out. It's hard to explain, but it is a real good feeling right now."

Sivertson said that Weidler not only brings physical talent to the table, but also more intangible qualities.

"He makes good decisions and comes from a program that knows how to win like Velva," he said. "We have seen Tommy grow over the last couple of years and think he has the ability to make our offense grow."

While he excelled in multiple sports in high school, Weidler said he wasn't interested in anything but football at MSU.

Weidler (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) threw for 698 yards and 11 touchdowns and ran for 558 yards and 11 touchdowns in leading Velva-Sawyer to its third straight Class A football title this year. Along with being named to the all-state team, Weidler was named Region 3 Athlete of the Year.

Even though he has been busy the last couple of years guiding the Aggies' offense, he was still able to watch a couple MSU games and see the type of offense the Beavers play.

"I watched a few games the last two years and am excited to play in the shotgun offense," he said. "I think I fit in good in the shotgun."

Weidler said along with MSU, NCAA Division I North Dakota State, Division II University of Mary and fellow NAIA and DAC foe Jamestown College expressed interest.

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