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Feigum's fine character drives breckenridge culture

10/25/2020

1 Comment

 

former cowboy goes from the gridiron to the guard

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• Photo by Carol Colby
• Robert Wanek Jr.
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Not long ago, opponents were buckling under the weight of Hunter Feigum’s shoulder pads as the freight train phenom excelled under the lights of Cowboy Field. Now, one of Breckenridge’s fiercest competitors has enlisted in the Army National Guard, ready to tackle more challenges in a life he lives for faith and family. I caught up with the 20-year-old to talk legacy, football, and the future ahead.

​Hunter was a 1,000-yard rusher and 2x section basketball champion, but his signature stamp on the sports community was an unparalleled grit and hustle in every facet of the game. When I coached Feigum during his eighth-grade baseball season, he was a firecracker, a rabid racer on the base paths whose pants were deeply stained with red dirt from sliding head first.

He credited his ambitious style of play to his parents’ unique influences on his mentality.


“My mom (Melissa Kugler) and dad (Cory Feigum) gave me two different aspects that built myself,” Feigum said. “My dad would push me to do my absolute best, after the game we would go out to eat and he would watch game film with me. He would go through the playbook with me, teaching me. The drive comes from my mom.”

Feigum’s mother, Melissa, who lives in Washburn, North Dakota, would travel over four hours to attend his games. That meant everything to the senior superstar.

“She would drive back almost every Friday night. If she’s driving four plus hours, if she’s driving all that way, I can’t not give it my all. I also loved the town aspect, a great community, and I wanted to be known for something.”​
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• Photo by Carol Colby
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• Photo by Carol Colby
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Buckle your chin strap when Hunter Feigum comes down the tracks. Watch some of his best plays of the 2018 season here. The two-way Breckenridge beast is one tough dude on the □ field. #FreightTrainFeigum pic.twitter.com/7JjXK2HfPC

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) November 1, 2018

In the Section 8AA quarterfinals, Hawley's Noah Glad and Breckenridge's Hunter Feigum got tied up on a rebound. They didn't tussle, they embraced in the middle of an intense rivalry game. #MoreThanSports pic.twitter.com/rNvErYGdOr

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) March 23, 2019

Feigum certainly achieved folklore status during two state tournament trips as a basketball player and one as a baseball player. Forging his own path with no handouts was something Hunter took great pride in. He moved to Breckenridge in kindergarten and dedicated his athletic career to a display of honorable hustle. In a small town with a population of 3,500, he proved it’s not where you do it — it’s what you do.

“I had to pave my way for my last name,” Feigum said. “Playing and becoming known in Breckenridge was very, very important to me.”

Aside from his game-clinching steal in section basketball playoffs, or his golden glove performance on the diamond, being a keeper of the culture was something that truly set Hunter apart during his tenure as a Cowboy. He was seen by many as Breckenridge’s beam of light.

“There’s a difference in being a good athlete and being good off the court. Our younger generation comes to the games and it made me so happy when they’d come up to me and wear my pin,” Feigum said. “It’s important to be a really good person off the court. I feel like I’ve been given so much my whole entire life, that I would love to give back to my community and the national guard is one way to do that."

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Hunter with his Mother, Melissa

Hunter Feigum spending time w/ a young fan after posting 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals. #CowboyCulture pic.twitter.com/pYcTblvFfj

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) January 11, 2019

Initially, Feigum wanted to enter the Fish and Wildlife field. He also wanted to play college football. While talking with interested programs, none of those schools offered the major he desired. He opted not to play college football and enrolled at South Dakota State University. 

That lasted one year, as Hunter craved the presence of those he grew up with and moved in with his best friends and former teammates Charles Boldingh and Luke Arnhalt. The move took Feigum to Fargo, where he’s now a student at North Dakota State University. 

“I really like that a lot of people from the area go to NDSU. It’s the place to go,” Feigum said. “I can walk around campus and see tons of people from the Heart O’ Lakes Conference. When I went to school in South Dakota, my classmates would walk around and point out to other friends they played against in high school sports, I’d kind of be in the background and wishing I had that.”

While he regrets not pursuing a college sports career, he won't let the opportunity of being a guardsman slip through his fingers. After speaking with classmates Sam Bakken and Nate Phillips, who enlisted, Feigum made the leap. One of the big reasons, along with a $20,000 bonus, is that he can now pay his way through college on the back of his work ethic without living life in regret. The young man may not have a name plate on his back, but he will have one on his chest, and be part of another team. 

Feigum will begin his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood beginning May 26th. The base is located in the famed Missouri Ozarks region. 

Feigum now studies Agricultural Economics, a field with a bountiful amount of jobs that take place outdoors, where Hunter enjoys working and relishes in hunting and fishing often. Ag-Econ makes up roughly 25% of all jobs in the world.

Feigum’s sportsmanship was always on display, notably in the 2018 section basketball semifinals against Hawley. He scrambled to corral a rebound and got tangled up with an extremely stocky Noah Glad. They didn’t tussle, instead they embraced in the midst of a tense rivalry game for a hug, before continuing to battle to the buzzer. It’s that fine line between knocking your helmet off on the field and shaking your hand after the whistle that embodies Feigum’s legacy. 

He became friends with many of his opponents over the years, transcending the competitive side of sports into an unlikely brotherhood.

“Ever since you’re little, you go to tournaments and you just see familiar faces. You get a little older and the game means a little more, less of the fun and more of the competitive wanting to win,” Feigum said. “Noah and I would go hangout. It started sophomore year after we played, we’d link up on social media congratulating each other. That sparked me to become really good friends with Chase Libak and Noah.”

Those friendships never took Feigum’s eye off the prize, but it made sports less of a job and more of a wholesome experience for the lunch pale and hard hat style athlete. 

“I just knew I was playing against some good guys, so even though it’s competitive you get to go out and have fun,” Feigum said. 

As one of the most passionate players to ever grace the halls of Breckenridge High School, Hunter doubled down on his appreciation for the game, reminding this year’s football seniors to remain present where their feet are, cherishing each moment that remains before looking too far ahead.

“Any athlete can say that it goes by too fast, but these guys almost lost their season because of the pandemic,” Feigum said. “Cherish every play because once high school sports is done, there’s nothing even remotely close to it. Nothing.”

Feigum was the 2018 Carter Casey Sportsperson of the Year. 
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Just Do It: The David Hieserich Story

10/14/2020

3 Comments

 
• By Robert Wanek Jr.

​Cruising down the street on his three-wheel bicycle, David Hieserich smiles and waves to cars passing by, soaking up the sunshine through his radiant attitude. The Breckenridge teen brightens my day by yelling “Bert!”, as I zoom by on my moped. He’s a beacon of bravery, seemingly unfazed by the Cerebral Palsy he’s dealt with since birth, appreciative of the opportunity to pedal past obstacles in his way.

​Cerebral Palsy is a rare condition which affects less than 200,000 children per year. The disease manifests itself in different ways, one of which is rigid limbs and abnormal movements of the arms and legs. This becomes extremely apparent when David starts running, an activity the 20-year-old does at least twice a week. 

​"I love running because it just puts me in a zone, you know, where nothing else matters," Hieserich said.

​Michael Randall convinced David to join cross country as a sophomore, where they both spent two years on the team. Striding through the open course, his knees are inverted while the bottom half of his legs bow out during what appears to be a painful motion. However, Dave feels free and fortunate, viewing his ability to jog as a blessing. It doesn’t matter where he finishes in a crowded field of runners, it matters that he continues to place one foot in front of the other. He's never lost a race, because he's not afraid to turn the key on life and keep going. Michael, along with Hunter Feigum, was also instrumental in Dave's desire to become the Breckenridge football manager for two seasons.

"David will give the shirt off his back just to make sure that you have one," Feigum said. "I don't know many guys who have the heart and dedication like David does. It could be 28 degrees and you know that Dave will be on the sidelines!"

Feigum and David became close friends while living across the street from each other, sharing a religious faith that helped them both in their daily lives. They have matching crosses tattooed on their forearms. 

"Dave is one of the most religious people I know, and I respect him gratefully for that," Feigum said. "He's a blessing from God and he shows me that every day. I don't think there was a day we weren't over at each other's house and I can't thank God enough for giving me a brother that I never had."

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David with Hunter Feigum
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• Photo by Carol Colby
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• Photo by Stacee Marohl-Manock

Dave Hieserich named BHS Booster of the Year. Also awarded @BreckSportsTalk Fan of the Year! Such a positive young man □

Congrats Dave! pic.twitter.com/U9syAqUShG

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) February 16, 2019

David was adopted by Dan and Laurie Hieserich from South Africa at eight months old, he's been in Breck ever since. He's taken the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the city's culture, never shying from the spotlight.

"I'm an outgoing, positive personality," Hieserich said. "I'm not one to just sit back and be that quiet guy, I'm always willing to be engaged. I'm eager to participate and I think everybody should be. You have to get yourself out there, it doesn't matter what it is that you're doing."

David's time as Breckenridge's baseball manager was a joy for everyone involved. David’s fastball doesn’t reach the plate, it’s not scorching at 80 miles per hour like his peers, but keeping the pitch count for his teammates and providing laughter on the bus ride home was a wholesome contribution to everyone around him.

“Nobody loved being part of the baseball team more than David. He was the ultimate Cowboy and still is,” Breckenridge coach Kevin Hiedeman said. "He’s extremely thoughtful, the first guy to wish you a happy birthday or happy new year. His enthusiasm is contagious and that made him an important part of our team.”

David was named Breck Sports Talk’s 2018 Fan of the Year. He was also chosen as Booster of the Year by the Breckenridge Backcourt Club. I had the privilege of driving Dave to the section basketball playoffs at Concordia College that year, where he stood front row in the student section, using his small frame to scream louder than anyone else for his hometown team. Throughout the years, Dave has hardly missed a game, with ride-share offers rolling in from local families.

"I wasn't expecting to get a ride for every game, I give credit to all the other people," Hieserich said. "Sometimes I didn't even ask for rides, but I already knew I was going to a game. I didn't care where it was, it was already lined up."

I remember going to open gym 10 years ago, where Dave would be shooting layups by himself, staying active per his usual regimen. He would join the shooting line, attempting to earn his spot in 5-on-5 games with the other kids. Although the shots were always short, Dave's effort was not. He just kept going.

"One of the big things I've always believed is just keep doing what you're doing and then some," Hieserich said. "When you've come so far, you don't want to lose what you've gained."

David's life goal is to return to school and study to become a social worker.

I wrote this story simply to reflect on and appreciate the impact David has had on Breckenridge school and sports, it's student body, and outer community. He's a real one, and we are better off for it.

David thanked his family, Hunter Feigum, The Manock Family, and all of his teammates for their unwavering support.
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• Photo by Tara Klostreich

Even in the rough times...GOD IS GOOD!!□□

— David Hieserich (@davehieserich14) October 10, 2018

God is just like cheese curds, I can't get enough. I always want more

— David Hieserich (@davehieserich14) September 9, 2019

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• Photo by Lindsay Smith

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• Photo by Carol Colby
3 Comments

Video visions: Werner uses sports to overcome eye disease

10/13/2020

7 Comments

 
• By Robert Wanek Jr.

Following the bounce of the basketball, Tanner Werner’s steady hand pans through the paint, tilting upward to capture an alley-oop dunk as Noah Christensen sways from the rim. The shot is centered perfectly in the frame of Werner’s Sony Handycam, one of many videos taken by the Breckenridge native who suffers from Stargardt disease.

Stargardt disease is characterized by macular degeneration that begins in childhood, adolescence or adulthood, resulting in progressive loss of vision. Experts estimate that about 1 in 10,000 people have Stargardt disease. It’s a genetic disease that currently has no treatment or cure.


Tanner’s stepmother, Jolynn Werner, first noticed there was something wrong with Tanner’s vision at age six during a backyard batting practice session.

“I was throwing whiffle balls to Tanner and his brother, Jarrett, when I realized that the way Tanner held his head in the batter’s box was unique,” Jolynn said. “When I tried to correct his chin placement, he couldn’t hit a lick. But when I let him go back to his unique form, he was able to really whollop the ball.”

Eventually they discovered why. With Stargardt disease, the central vision is affected first and it continues to slowly and progressively deteriorate its way to the outer vision area. Tanner has adapted incredibly well to his condition as an athlete. On the basketball court, he will tilt his head to the side to better see the hoop while swooshing shots from the perimeter. It appears that Tanner is looking into the passing lane, but as defenders go to swipe the ball, he uses his peripheral vision to quickly cross over and evade the steal.

“I enjoy playing basketball a lot because it’s one of those sports that can be played with others in a game or on your own to gain improvement,” Werner said. “In the last few years I’ve had to stick with playing the sport on my own.  As the years have gone by with my eye condition, it has stopped me from being able to competitively play the game that I loved playing so much with others."

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Photo by Carol Colby • Tanner at the Concordia Fieldhouse during the Section 8AA basketball championship.

We often hear that unfortunate things happen to those who are strong enough to handle them. That’s the case with Tanner, but quitting competitive basketball was an emotionally difficult decision for the strong post player.

“Its come to a point in my life where it got too hard for me to see the game at the fast pace it demands,” Werner said. “I’m not one to shed many tears, but for the game that I really loved and played for the majority of my life, it has multiple times brought me to tears knowing that my eye condition has taken that ability away from me. But life goes on and I have those memories to hold onto that I enjoy so much thinking back on.”

Amazingly, Werner’s diagnosis has not stopped him from becoming an established videographer.

“Filming has helped me enjoy sports from the media side by helping student athletes and others capture memories that they can hold onto forever,” Werner said. “As a fan of sports, it’s helped me see the game better by being able to stand closer to the action and being able to better understand what’s going on in the game.”

Tanner’s basketball IQ is through the roof. His ability to break down developing plays in his mind has made his camera work an excellent asset to Breck Sports Talk.

“It amazes me how well he understands the game of football and the game of basketball,” Jolynn said. “Despite his vision issues, he has a real sense for where the play will be taking place and, thus, that is where he fixates his filming. For someone who has a hard time reading the scoreboard, he does amazing work with videography.”

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• Photo by Jennifer Koppelman Berg
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• Photo by Tina Koppelman Stevens

Stevin Lipp's crafty backdoor cut leads to a punishing two-hand dunk. □ by Tanner Werner. #spacejamsteve #wayupwednesday pic.twitter.com/BfySVNwEea

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) January 25, 2017

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Tanner had a photo of his eye taken and tattooed onto his forearm by Nathan Froehlich with the letters "STGD" for Stargardt disease.
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Werner pictured at the FargoDome prior to the Section 6A football championship.

Get up for #GAMEDAY. Today we honor the dedication & perseverance that has brought our young men to this 6A □ title game.

Let's ride out boys! □

□: Tanner Werner pic.twitter.com/2n2G85FLW1

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) November 1, 2019

Yaggie + Christensen = BUCKETS

Breckenridge's junior duo has been on □ lately, combining for 93 points the past two games. @CooperYaggie - 18.6 pts, 3.4 reb@JonahChristens6 - 15.4 pts, 9.6 reb

□ Tanner Werner pic.twitter.com/gjBeqfqlGT

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) February 10, 2020

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Tanner Werner pictured with Robert Wanek Jr. and Stanley Cup Champion Matt Cullen.

Werner was a senior starter for Breckenridge’s high school football team, also throwing discus and shot put for the track and field squad. He spent two years playing city league basketball as a highly intelligent player who specialized in ball screens and boxing out would-be rebounders. Werner recently bowled a 244 scratch game in league competition at Terrace Lanes. When it comes to athletics, Tanner doubles down on his strengths instead of dwelling on his inabilities.

“As a senior, I’m not sure we had a harder worker on the team. Tanner never made excuses and never felt sorry for himself with his limitations,” Breckenridge football coach Chad Fredericksen said.

The ultimate team player, Tanner only asked for one thing — a chance.

“Getting that equal opportunity to play the sport of football made me very appreciative of everyone who has supported my desire to play the sport I loved most,” Werner said.

Bringing Tanner into the fold with Breck Sports Talk as a videographer was a no-brainer because of his high character and personal generosity. Fredericksen noticed these qualities on and off the football field during Tanner’s playing time as well.

“Even before he started playing for us he helped out as a ball boy and manager. He was always willing to do whatever we asked to help out the team,” Fredericksen said. “Tanner continues to give back to the team and does a great job with video highlights. We are very lucky to have him so involved!”

Having to work hard for everything he’s earned in life, football was no exception for the gritty lineman. The gridiron trenches weren’t much different from Tanner’s daily life and he seemed to embrace those battles.

“As Tanner started to get older, he started to get larger. He worked hard in the weight room and eventually moved from backfield positions to line positions,” Fredericksen said. “He started on the defensive line for us and had a great senior year.”

Sports isn’t just a hobby for Werner, it’s a lifestyle. The 25 year old participates in a wide variety of athletics and outdoor activities.

“I love to hunt and fish,” Werner noted. “ I’m thankful for my stepdad, Jesse, who has helped me since day one to figure out ways I can achieve what it takes to do both, and actually being there with me all the way through to share those experiences.”

Tanner’s advice to others suffering from eye disease is not a script of sorrow, but an example of strength and humility in the face of life’s challenges.

“My advice to those with this disease is to first accept the disease, because that will make you more open to yourself and others,” Werner said. “It will give others a better understanding of what you’re going through every day by just talking about it and raising different questions. Others will help you figure out the way you need to go about problems in your life, so you don’t feel so alone going through a lifelong condition.”

Throughout Tanner’s yearly visits at the University of Minnesota, doctors have informed him that his disease has progressed but has been mostly stable for the last 10 years. Doctors have been following research studies and hope that one day stem cells may be a viable treatment or cure for Stargardt disease, an ailment that has had an impact on so many.

“I do hope a cure can happen in the near future, so I can get that opportunity to see what I’ve never been able to see before,” Werner said.

For now, Tanner will continue reaching thousands of viewers with his professional sports highlights. Although he sees differently than his counterparts on the playing field, Werner’s video vision is an inspirational story for us all.

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Nieto Nation: midwest move has Chris Nieto thriving in breckenridge backfield

10/11/2020

0 Comments

 
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• Photos and videos by Robert Wanek Jr. and Tanner Werner

• By Robert Wanek Jr. 

Junior tailback Christian Nieto hits the gas pedal and turns up the sideline, chants ring out in the background as Breckenridge's student section screams "Nieto Nation." The former Adrian, Michigan, Maple has found a home in Cowboy Country as part of a lethal Breckenridge backfield. Here's his story of a midwest move and a transition ever so smooth. 

Nieto moved here prior to his sophomore year. His mother, Leslie Coronado, wanted to move closer to her family, notably her sister Jennifer Sanchez, who currently has two sons (Aidan and Alex) competing in Breckenridge athletics. Leslie and Chris agreed that Breckenridge was also a safer community for him to finish his education and sports career.

"We didn't come from the greatest neighborhood," Nieto said. "She (Leslie) felt the move was best and I wanted the same." 


According to FBI crime data, the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Adrian is 1-in-33, higher than 88% of Michigan's cities and towns.

Chris first connected with his teammates when former Breckenridge Basketball coach Arly Ohm invited him to play in a junior varsity tournament during a week-long summer visit. It was there that he met some of his future football comrades. 

"I'd say Jonah (Christensen) welcomed me in right away, and guys like Sebastian (Anderson) and Junior (Perez)," Nieto said. 

Chris decided to make the stay permanent and wasted no time carving out a prominent role once he became acquainted with coach Chad Fredericksen's offense.

"He's the best coach I've ever had," Nieto said of Fredericksen. "He puts everything he has into the team and I'm grateful to know a guy like him. He really loves his players."


Fredericksen's trust in Nieto was apparent, as he deployed the shifty back for three touchdowns in Breckenridge's first win over Ottertail Central in over a decade. The junior was electric in the 35-8 blowout.

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Nieto was named Breck Sports Talk's 2019 Newcomer of the Year.
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Chris also plays basketball, where he earned a more consistent role as his junior year went on.

The stocky speedster rushed for over 700 yards and seven scores as a junior, teaming up with Jacob Vizenor, Jack Aigner, and Daniel Erlandson in a backfield that amassed over 2,000 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns. However, Nieto was quick to give all the glory to the bulldozers up front.

"Without my offensive line I'm nothing. They are basically our whole offense," Nieto said. "Especially my junior year, they are the real dawgs in this picture and deserve the spotlight." ​

When it comes to Nieto's personal strengths, he attributes his success to the mental side of being a tailback. ​

​"I think I can read the holes well, processing things quickly and making fast decisions with my IQ," Nieto said.

​Nieto's nose for the endzone showed up big time in 2019 during week three at Staples-Motley when he scored twice in a tight 20-14 loss. His conversion on 3rd & 10 late in the contest nearly brought Breckenridge back for the win. That was a preview of what was to come, as Nieto brutalized defenses all season long. He also scored Breckenridge's first touchdown of the Section 6A semifinal game at the FargoDome. 

Breckenridge lost that game 44-16, leaving a sour taste for the now standout senior. Fast forward to 2020, and Nieto is chomping at the bit for another shot at a section title. 

"I'd like to make it back to the championship, that's what we all want," Nieto said. "It was a great atmosphere to play in."

In comparing his time in Adrian to his tenure at Breckenridge, Nieto pointed out the Cowboys' strong winning tradition. The Maples hadn't won a game in three seasons when Nieto moved to Minnesota.

"You could tell they were really bonded," Nieto said of Breckenridge. "Playing together for years like that, they were really built up together in a strong way."
​
Nieto's off to a bold start in the shortened 2020 campaign with a 10 carry, 95 yard, and two touchdown performance at Ottertail Central. After his first score, he pointed to the sky to honor his recently deceased Grandma, Olga Nieto.

"I play for all my family," Nieto said. "Some of them are coming up from Michigan for our first home game and, even though they can't get in, they plan to watch from outside the fence."

​
One thing is clear, Nieto Nation has taken hold not only in Breckenridge, but across the Heart O' Lakes and into his former home of Adrian.
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Nieto pictured on the steps of the old Breckenridge City Hall entrance.

Breck played a complete □game en route to a 35-8 win at OTC. Vizenor's return, Nieto's three scores, and a stout D-line were key factors.

✅303 Rush Yards
✅160 Total YDS Allowed
✅146.8 QB Rating (@CooperYaggie) pic.twitter.com/dnLW8UXRL8

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) September 21, 2019
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Nieto is dedicating his senior season to his grandma Olga, as written on his white cleats.

Chris Nieto is what you get when you use the juke stick on Madden 2012 ? #NietoNation

I ? you blocking on that tuddy @ben_krump pic.twitter.com/NtAruKFJ7Y

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) October 10, 2020

Chris Nieto has that BURST ⚡️ highlights of the junior's first season in Breckenridge. #NietoNation□ pic.twitter.com/gGfc1MqYDd

— Breck Sports Talk (@BreckSportsTalk) January 12, 2020

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Chris and his mother Leslie.

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    Robert Wanek JR.

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