Henjum signed his National Letter of Intent to play at Minot State on Wednesday, while Lundeen inked with the University of Mary in Bismarck. Both Henjum and Lundeen shared a laugh while joking about their impending NSIC rivalry.

“It feels good to stay here at home,” said Henjum, who will play offensive line at MSU. “Just knowing that I have my family here. I’m adding more family members on the football team. It’s a big family atmosphere at Minot State.”

Lundeen added: “Signing with the school that I’m going to spend the next four years at is a fun experience. It’s a good time, and it’s a very happy moment in my life. I’m very excited for the next level.”

The two Lions have enjoyed great success in their athletic careers. Henjum, a five-year letterwinner in football, anchored Ryan’s offensive and defensive lines in its state run.

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Bishop Ryan senior Keegan Henjum (left) and head football coach Roger Coleman (right) pose for a photo during Wednesday's ceremony. Henjum will continue his football career at Minot State.

Henjum has also wrestled for four years and participated in track and field for two years. The All-State First Team player will also enjoy some home-field advantage — Ryan and MSU share Herb Parker Stadium.

“It’s very special to have my friends and family here,” Henjum said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

Lundeen has also made his mark in those three sports. He has tallied five years of service in football, six and track and field and three in wrestling.

After playing wide receiver and safety for the Lions, Lundeen will roam the Marauders’ secondary.

“I wasn’t sure which school I would continue my career at, or if I would play at all,” Lundeen said. “Once I met the coaching staff, saw the facilities and got to know my defensive backs coach (Matt Splon), the decision was practically immediate. I knew it was the school I wanted to spend the next four years of my life at.”

This past fall marked a special season for the Lions. Ryan made its first state title run in 20 years, defeating Velva 32-20 in a Class A semifinal before falling 42-14 to Langdon Area/Edmore/Munich in the state championship game.

“It’s hard work and dedication,” Ryan football head coach Roger Coleman said of the two athletes. “They have the desire to excel in the aspect of a team.”

In an ironic twist, Henjum will join forces with Jaeger’s older brother Jaxon at MSU. Jaxon played 10 games at tight end this past season and is one of three Ryan graduates on the current roster (Chris Sowitch, Jordan Will).

Although Wednesday’s mood was light-hearted, both Lions bring a winning pedigree to their respective teams.

“In the three years that I’ve been here to get to coach them, we’ve grown,” Coleman said. “They’ve grown as young men, grown as leaders. We’ve seen those results for our team here at Bishop Ryan. They will hopefully take those skills, things that they’ve learned and left here, and give those to programs at the next level. It’s awesome to see. I’m excited.”

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.