FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – March 30, 2022 –  Maple River High School’s Colten Berkner 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. Berkner, a native of Amboy, Minnesota, is one of eight scholar-athletes who will be recognized during this summer’s Minnesota Football Honors show. 

“Colten’s well-rounded accomplishments as an athlete, community member and student were very impressive. It was cool to see what he has done with the ‘My Free Libraries’ concept,” said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. “We are very excited to honor him during this summer’s show.”

Colten Berkner, an All-District offensive lineman, was a three-year starter and team captain during his junior and senior seasons. While starting along the offensive line, Berkner led his team to a state semifinal appearance. The young offensive lineman’s leadership, work ethic and determination were foundational aspects of Maple River’s recent success. 

“Colten has earned a reputation as a hard-working, trustworthy individual who strives to excel at whatever he does,” said Maple River head coach Dusty Drager. “He responds with courage when challenged to produce his best. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to coach Colten for four seasons.”

Off the field, Berkner invested more than 200 hours into youth football camps, church events and National Honor Society. He also advocated for reading in his community by building two “My Free Libraries.” Berkner created the public book exchange by collecting and stocking books for each library location. Additionally, Colten finished his academic career with a 3.987 GPA and was one of 15 players in Class AA to be awarded Academic All-State Honors from the Minnesota Football Coaches Association. 

Minnesota Football Honors is hosting a show later this summer to honor its high school, college and Minnesota Vikings award winners. Full broadcast details will be announced in the coming weeks on www.minnesotafootballhonors.com.

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About the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation:

The Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote amateur football’s ability to develop leadership, sportsmanship, competitive spirit and academic excellence in Minnesota’s young people. The Minnesota Chapter recognizes legendary football icons, college football Hall of Famers and Minnesota’s top high school and college football scholar-athletes. For more information, visit www.nffmn.org, or Facebook (@MNFootballHonors) and Twitter (@NFFMN).

Contact:

Todd Fultz, President              

MN Chapter of The National Football Foundation 

Phone: (612)-325-5500    

Media Contact: 

Daniel House, Director of Media Relations and Content 

MN Chapter of the National Football Foundation

daniel@nffmn.org