James Jackson/MDN Nedrose Cardinals senior football Mitchell Heinert put his name on the dotted line on Wednesday to become the newest addition to the Minot State University football program.

Taking one last glance over the paper in front of him to ensure no signature lines were passed over, Nedrose senior Mitch Heinert let out a sigh of joy and relief after making his addition to the Minot State University football team official Wednesday morning.

Joining the Beavers after a standout four-year career that saw him earn North Dakota Class B All-State honors as an integral member of Region 3’s Nedrose Cardinals, Heinert served not only as a looming presence on the defensive side of the ball, but as a downfield threat at the tight end position given his athletic mix of height, speed, and receiving ability.

Watching proudly from a nearby table in the Nedrose High School common area, Cardinals head coach Tommy Weidler had plenty of praise for the newest addition to the Minot State football program.

When asked what first comes to mind as it pertains to Heinert as both a Nedrose student and athlete, Weidler responded, “Mitch is a smart kid, a hard worker, and someone we leaned on as a football team. He just wants to be a better football player and I think he’s looking forward to the opportunity to grow as a player and a person at Minot State.”

Weidler would go on to add, “I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do at the next level and MSU is getting a kid that listens, puts in the work, and wants to win.”

Soaking in the moment with coaches, friends, and family, Heinert expressed his excitement to continue his football career as a Beaver by stating, “Being able to play close to home means a lot to me, along with the fact that I already have friends on the team and have enjoyed getting to know my new teammates in person.”

Although understandably peering ahead to what lies ahead on the horizon, Heinert was heartfelt when reflecting on his unforgettable time as a Cardinal and how it has prepared him for the next step in both his athletic and academic journey.

Before taking a moment to embrace both his dad and head coach in a hug, he explained, “My time at Nedrose has helped me learn a lot about leadership and how to be a good teammate on and off the field, and I look forward to continuing that at MSU.”

Heinert plans to study sports psychology at Minot State to one day help competitors with the mental side of athletics.