While Fridays are typically for students to unwind, four Mingus students used March 1 to take the next step in their academic and athletic paths.
Mingus football players Gabe Meyers, Antoine Zabala, Colby Fanning and Kendrew Streck signed with Dakota State University.
“It feels great, I feel like it is a testament to their athletic abilities and who they are as individuals,” Mingus coach Robert Ortiz said. “These kids showed what they were capable of when it comes to achieving what they could on and off the field.”
Eight years prior, Ortiz, who was also a Mingus student, signed on to continue his football career at Dakota State.
“It is pretty exciting. I played with coach [Josh] Anderson, so I know what they will experience,” Ortiz said. “The small-town culture was one of the reasons I chose the school, so it is kind of neat seeing them follow my footsteps.”
The Dakota State Trojans campus is located in Madison, South Dakota, a city with a population
of less than 8,000 citizens.
“It is a smaller university and the culture there is a small-town culture like we have here,” Ortiz said. “They can contribute right away and it is not like they are going to get starstruck by going to a bigger university.”
The Marauders signing day comes less than one year after Ortiz signed on as the Mingus head coach.
“I did not expect four players to sign on one year later but this team featured a great group of seniors,” Ortiz said. “Once we conversed with the kids about recruiting, we were able to compile their film and send it to as many coaches as I knew.”
Last season, Dakota State finished 3-8.
“They will be playing in a very competitive league on an annual basis,” Ortiz said. “There will be opportunities to grow as a college player and more importantly work towards their degree.”
Gabe Meyers was named 4A Grand Canyon first-team all-region after posting 62 tackles, four hurries and one sack.
Kendrew Streck led the Marauders with 170 tackles and 14 tackles for losses.
“I got a good offer financially but Dakota State’s coaching staff is one of the best I have been around,” Streck said. “There is a family aspect to the school and I just loved the community.”
Streck said his defensive coordinator and coach assisted him the most during his Marauders tenure.
“I think the real reason that I am signing today is Coach Zabala and Coach Ortiz,” Streck said. “The things they have done for me are just unforgettable and I am blessed to have coaches like that.”
Streck also thanked his family for helping him aspire to be the athlete and person he is today.
“First of all, I have to thank my family, as my dad is the reason I am playing football today,” Streck said. “I also have to thank our former coach and the legendary coach [Bob] Young for getting me to the player I was.”
For Streck, the Marauders 21-17 playoff win over Bradshaw Mountain High School on Nov. 2, 2018 is his fondest memory of his senior season.
“A lot of people were doubting us and we were down but we did not let that affect us,” Streck said. “With the family aspect of our team, we did not get down on ourselves because our brotherhood would not allow it.”
Fanning earned second-team honors at defensive back after recording 68 tackles, three interceptions
and two fumble recoveries.
Zabala won 4A Grand Canyon Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 2,237 yards and 29 touchdowns.
The Marauders went 9-3 last season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
“They set the new culture and new expectations very high for Mingus football moving forward,” Ortiz said. “The fact that we went 9-3 and had four kids sign today is a number we have to beat next season.”
“Football wise, I expect them to take in what they learned this year and apply it at another level,” Ortiz said. “This year, I feel like we were able to set the foundation here as far as style and the way they were coached.”
Ortiz also expects his former players to pursue their goals and work towards achieving their full potential.
“My expectations for them is to grow as individuals now as far as what they are capable of at the next level,” Ortiz said. “I expect them to work towards whatever their interests are as far as career choices.”
Friday was Mingus’ fourth signing day — and first for the Marauders football program — of the school year.
“It shows the younger kids that it could be them at signing day if they work out and play to what they are capable of,” Ortiz said. “They can be a Gabe or a Colby or a Kendrew or an Antoine and I think it is the standard now.”
Mingus football joins softball, swimming and boys soccer as Marauders teams that have held signing days.
“I think it shows what the program could be when you talk about the athletes at Mingus,” Ortiz said. “It is a testament to our kids as we have had more baseball players sign in recent history along with softball and other sports.”
Ortiz said he believes the current Marauders upperclassmen are setting the tone for younger Mingus athletes.
“That’s the standard now for if a Mingus athlete wants to get into college and their financial means might not be available,” Ortiz said. “The kids have to work for it but those athletes and the previous guys set the standard
