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Randolph High School’s Clay Nielsen Named Minnesota Football Honors Scholar-Athlete

By Daniel House , 03/31/22, 11:30AM CDT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – March 31, 2022 –  Randolph High School’s Clay Nielsen 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. Nielsen, a native of Northfield, Minnesota, is one of eight scholar-athletes who will be recognized during this summer’s Minnesota Football Honors show. 

“Clay’s academic achievements and community service accomplishments are impressive,” said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. “He not only made key contributions on the football field, but extended his impact into the community. We are thrilled to honor him among our group of scholar-athletes.”

Nielsen was a star offensive and defensive lineman for the Randolph Rockets. He made an impact on both sides of the ball and earned three-time All-District honors. In 2021, Nielsen played in the Minnesota Football Showcase and was named District Lineman of the Year. Those accomplishments illustrate the difference that Nielsen made as a player and leader. 

“As Clay’s football coach, I have witnessed his extraordinary determination and ability to lead,” said Randolph football coach Mike Schmidt. “Each day, Clay is always giving maximum effort and is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team experience success - even if it means sacrificing personal gains.” 

Nielsen’s leadership skills extended into the local community too. He accumulated more than 200 community service hours while serving as a Special Olympics gymnastics coach, youth church volunteer, football/basketball camp assistant and National Honor Society member. In the classroom, Nielsen posted a 4.0 GPA and was named a three-time Academic All-District selection. 

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