Alex Eisen/MDN Des Lacs-Burlington wrestler Coy Spooner (right) signs his National Letter of Intent to attend the United State Coast Guard Academy while sitting next to DLBLC wrestling head coach Kellan Zietz (left) Wednesday in Des Lacs.

DES LACS — Following an undefeated junior season that ended with an individual state championship, Des Lacs-Burlington wrestler Coy Spooner put himself in a favorable position to be recruited.

The United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, eventually drew Spooner in and that’s where he committed to by signing the dotted line Wednesday afternoon during the fall National Signing Day.

“They weren’t my first pick in the beginning, but they reached out to me, and I found interest in them,” Spooner said. “I went for a visit, and it was a really good time over there. I really like the facilities and the coaches. The coaches have built a tradition there, and that’s something I really want to be a part of.”

The Coast Guard Academy recruits nationwide, but this is the first time they have signed a North Dakota recruit. The wrestling program is part of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) at the NCAA Division III level.

“It’s been a goal ever since I was young to be a collegiate athlete, so to finally take that step really means a lot,” Spooner said. “I want to pave a path for the younger kids. I hope many kids after me go on to wrestle at the collegiate level. I don’t want to be the last one to do this.”

Spooner is going after his second individual state title this winter with the DLBLC wrestling program.

“I can’t look back at last season,” Spooner said. “I can appreciate it, but it’s one of those things where I got to keep moving forward. I have to keep striving for greatness.”

Alex Eisen covers Minot State athletics, the Minot Minotauros and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @AEisen13.