FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – April 22, 2021 –  Heron Lake-Okabena High School’s Eli Fest has been named a Scholar-Athlete by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

This annual award honors Minnesota high school football players for their outstanding athletic, academic and community service accomplishments. Fest, a native of Heron Lake, Minnesota, is one of eight scholar-athletes who will be recognized during an upcoming television broadcast.

“Eli was one of the best quarterbacks in the state and made an outstanding impact on his local community,” said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. “We are very excited to connect with the southwest region of Minnesota’s football community.

Eli Fest, a quarterback for the Heron Lake-Okabena Coyotes, was named an All-State Honorable Mention selection. Fest led his team to a 5-1 record and was recognized as the program’s Most Valuable Player. The star quarterback also made the All-District team three times during his high school career.

“[Eli] impacts our school and community in an exceptionally powerful and positive way,” said Heron Lake-Okabena High School English teacher Doyle Zellar. “He is an exceptional young man in athletics, academics and character and is extremely deserving of this honor.”

Fest is heavily involved in every aspect of his school district. In the community, he works as a youth sports referee, helps with Vacation Bible School and participates in 4-H activities. His outstanding work in the classroom earned him All-State Academic honors. Most notably, Fest was named a Gold Honor Roll selection for maintaining a 3.71-plus GPA.

Minnesota Football Honors is hosting a show to honor this year’s high school, college and Minnesota Vikings award winners. Special guests will be featured, including Vikings players. An official broadcast date will be announced soon on www.minnesotafootballhonors.com.

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