Just a few weeks ago, the Citizen-Tribune featured the excitement surrounding the expectations of Dillon Radunz and Beau Pauly starting for the NDSU football team.
In the Bisons’ first game against Mississippi Valley State, Radunz played 15 snaps before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Prior to the injury, Radunz helped dominate the line of attack and boosted the Bison offense as they rolled up 175 rushing yards and a 30-0 lead in the first quarter.
The Bison were able to continue that roll and crushed MVS, 72-7.
Pauly has yet to see playing time as a freshman.
In NDSU’s second game of they year, they thrashed #7/6 Eastern Washington, 40-13.
At last week’s Becker Bulldog football game in Princeton, Radunz appeared and made his way down to the sidelines to greet the team. His presence was appreciated by all players and coaches.
Radunz interacted with the players, including his younger brother, Nick and when it appeared Dillon was going to make his way to the bleachers to sit with family and friends, this reporter approached him and asked him a few questions.
“So, what happened, Dillon,” I asked.
“Yeah, I got injured at one of our games,” he responded.
“So, how serious?”
“It’s an ACL,” he said. “I’m out for the year.”
I winced and tried to express my deepest sympathy for him, but he wouldn’t let me.
He just smiled.
“It’s all good. I have three years ahead of me.”
His response made me reel back on my heels. I was expecting a forlorn look and even major disappointment, but he just smiled a genuine smile.
I think I told him “okay, or good luck” but I just couldn’t believe this guy’s attitude. No wonder he was invited to the sidelines with the team. It’s hard not to look at a young man like this and just beam with pride that somehow, some way — this kid’s parents, friends, teachers and coaches molded Dillon Radunz into a fine role model for the youth.
And old guys like me.
And Pauly — another example of a super smart and kind kid who just so happens to be a great athlete.
Becker, you should be proud because at least two red-letter men are impacting the world around us.
