Roe, Halvorson to play college athletics
MFL MarMac seniors Brent Roe (left) and Braxton Halvorson last week signed letters of intent to play college athletics. Roe will play baseball at Cornell College, while Halvorson will join the Luther College football team. The two are pictured with their respective coaches, Jeremy Schellhorn and Dan Anderson. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten | Times-Register
MFL MarMac seniors Brent Roe and Braxton Halvorson last week signed letters of intent to play college athletics. Roe will play baseball at Cornell College, while Halvorson will join the Luther College football team.
Roe plans to pitch at Cornell, which is located in Mount Vernon. He signed his letter sitting next to Jeremy Schellhorn, who has coached him as a member of the Northeast Iowa Mudd Puppies.
“One of the things that sticks out to me is the word potential. As Brent has learned about me, I hate the word potential. If you don’t do anything about it and work hard, potential means nothing,” Schellhorn said. “But he works hard. He wanted to get every pitch dialed in and work hard to get where he wants to go, and it’s paid off for him.”
Roe believes Cornell is a good opportunity for him, both academically and athletically. He will major in sports journalism, in addition to playing baseball.
“In baseball, they are an up and rising program. I’m pretty excited for it,” he said.
Heading into his final high school baseball season, Roe hopes to carry on a strong legacy established by previous senior classes.
“I’ve been working every single day,” he said. “I’m excited for what we have to come, especially with a new coach. I have to keep up what I’m doing and be consistent.”
While signing his letter, Halvorson was joined by MFL MarMac head football coach Dan Anderson, who noted Halvorson’s love for the game.
“At college, the level of play has increased, the athletes are better, and if you don’t have a passion or love for the game, it can fizzle out. But Braxton loves the game of football. He always has. So I believe he’ll be successful, no matter what he chooses,” Anderson said.
Halvorson was a key defender for the Bulldogs last season, playing nine of 11 defensive positions due to injuries to other players. Anderson said he never complained, instead relishing the opportunity to put the team first.
He called Halvorson a great person to coach with great leadership skills and a great attitude.
“If you take that same attitude to Luther College: ‘Play me where you need me to play, I just want to help the team,’ you’ll find your role there and be really successful,” said Anderson.
Playing collegiate football has been a long-time dream for Halvorson. He went on a lot of college visits, but Luther stood out.
“Their coaching staff was perfect for me—the connection I made right away,” he shared.
Halvorson, who will study digital marketing, will be a defensive player for the Norse. That could include linebacker or strong safety.
“I’ve known linebacker my entire life,” he said. “But, like Anderson said, I’ve played everywhere. I just want to be out on that field, wherever it is.”
