Independent file photo Minneota’s Alex Pohlen gets ready to snap the ball during their Class A Championship game against Wabasso on Nov. 25. The senior quarterback recently signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at Dakota Wesleyan University.

MINNEOTA – Alex Pohlen is the only player in the history of Minnesota to have played a state tournament game in the Metrodome, TCF Bank Stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium. The senior quarterback for the Vikings helped Minneota accumulate a 50-1 record during his time under center, and was a driving force behind three state championship teams.

Pohlen met every challenge that came is way as the quarterback of the Vikings. Now he’s getting prepared for the next challenge. Pohlen recently committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Dakota Wesleyan University.

“The opportunity to play college football means a lot to me,” Pohlen said. “After my shoulder surgery, I was worried I would not have the opportunity to play in college. Thankfully that opportunity has come. College football is going to be a great new challenge that I’m sure will have it ups and downs. I’m excited to learn a new system and playbook, which will certainly help me if I get into coaching when I am older.”

Pohlen’s first memories of the game of football is with his father, when they would play catch in their backyard. Pohlen said both his parents have played a huge role in his love for the game.

“My parents were what first got me into playing football,” Pohlen said. “I remember playing catch with my dad when I was very young, and that is what sparked my love for football. My parents have continued to give me opportunities to grow as a player, and I can not thank them enough for that.”

When Pohlen started playing competitive football he started to envision himself playing at the collegiate level. Pohlen said that getting the opportunity to continue playing the game he fell in love with at a young age is a dream come true.

“Playing college football has always been a goal of mine since I began playing high school,” Pohlen said. “I hadn’t thought about it too much during the seasons because I just wanted to be focused on the goal at hand, but it has always been a thought of mine. I am excited to go play at the next level.”

Standing at 5’11” Pohlen doesn’t have the look of a prototypical quarterback. Pohlen said his lack of size will be his biggest challenge at the next level, a challenge that he’s been able to overcome throughout his career thus far.

“The biggest challenge for me at the next level will probably be the fact that I am only 5’11”,” Pohlen said. “But the coaches think my talents will help me overcome that. There are guys like Drew Brees in the NFL who are not tall, but can make it work. The way I combat being a little shorter is trying to know what side I’m going to want to throw the ball to before the play starts so I can get it off quickly before the defenders get in the throwing lanes.”

There were a number of factors that played a role in Pohlen’s decision to commit to DWU. Pohlen said that there are a lot of similarities between the DWU football program and the Minneota football program.

“I decided to commit to DWU for a few different reasons,” Pohlen said. “First, they have been great throughout the recruiting process. I had first contact with them when I was a freshman, and they have continued to talk with me. Second, the coaches make it feel like home. They have done a great job to tell me where they see may in their program, and how I can benefit them on and off the field. Third, I love the overall character of the program. They want to win games, but also excel in the classroom and as men. I feel that this ties very well with our program here in Minneota. It seems like a great fit.”

This past season Pohlen passed for 2,444 yards and 34 touchdowns. His 2,444 passing yards is the fifth highest mark in a season in program history. Pohlen finished his career second in program history with 7,23 yards. His 93 career passing touchdowns rank second all time in program history.

Pohlen has made a lot of history during his time with the Vikings. He’s part of a senior class that finished their careers with more state titles (3) than losses (1). He’s second all-time in program history in passing yards and touchdowns. He’s the only player to have played a state tournament game at the Metrodome, TCF Bank Stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium. Pohlen said when he graduates this spring he said it will be his teammates that he misses the most.

“The thing I will miss most about plying for Minneota is playing with the guys I have grown up with my whole life,” Pohlen said. “I have made the best friends I could ever ask for. I will also miss playing under our amazing coaching staff.”