Pony Power signs on the dotted line

The Havre High football season may have passed, but there has still been a lot of exciting happenings on the team. In general, many Blue Ponies have been given awards and honors for their efforts throughout the year.

Those efforts will be paying off for two Havre athletes, Mason Dionne and Kasee Henderson, who signed with their respective college programs on Tuesday afternoon, one day in advance of the National Signing Day.

Dionne signed with the the Montana Western Bulldogs and his decision was made when he visited the program in November.

"They're just a really good group of guys," said Dionne. "I know a lot of them from wrestling. I think Western will be a great fit for me academically and for my football career."

Western has been a very strong football program, led by head coach Ryan Nourse, who will be very glad to have a skilled and strong running back on the team come next season. On top of that, there is always something special about playing in the Frontier Conference every fall, where every game is a tough bout.

Dionne's talent is very excitable for any program. The running back has rushed for over 1,000 yards in his career at Havre High and has been selected as a first-team running back, as well as an Eastern A All-State member two years in a row.

Overall, Western will be receiving an all-around physical, tough player with a lot of love for the game to go along with it. There's no shortage of passion in Dionne when it comes to the game and now he will get to share that intensity with his teammates as a Bulldog.

For HHS head coach Ryan Gatch, Dionne will be a great part of the Western program.

"I think it's great," said Gatch. "I know Coach Nourse, really enjoyed him on his official visit two weekends ago. He'll fit in good. We're really excited that he's going to a program that's got a great head coach, a great mentor and a coach that looks after his players, just like most of the Frontier Conference. I know he's going to a quality person down there."

Dionne has been a force on the Blue Ponies, but like many players, the collegiate-level programs will look to push his already amazing skills and unlock even more potential from the powerful running back. Dionne will be heading into a tough conference with man-hungry teams and his skills will definitely be put to the test.

But, Dionne is not just looking to do well with the Bulldogs, he is aiming high when it comes to his education, as well as being a key contributor on the squad.

"I hope to achieve in just making connections with the guys there," said Dionne. "Just be the best I can be for the team."

Next fall will be an exciting time for Dionne as he steps into the new, intense atmosphere in the Frontier Conference. On top of that, he will get to see his best friend in action twice a year, too.

Henderson verbally committed to the Montana State University-Northern Lights program last month and he made it official on Tuesday. His skills as an offensive lineman are placed at a high level and now he will get to grow even more with the Lights next fall.

The signing has been due for quite some time and Henderson is happy to finally be a part of the Northern program.

"I feel great, man," said Henderson. "It's the best fit for me. I love the coaches and I hope they love me. I've always wanted to be a Light ever since I was a little kid. I never saw myself going anywhere else."

Henderson will be put to the test among the Frontier conference, as well. On top of that, the Northern program is hungry and passionate about the game, which will be even hungrier with Henderson on the squad.

And MSU-N offensive line coach and run-game coordinator C.J. Robertson is happy to have Henderson on the squad.

"It's awesome," said Robertson. "It's amazing. It's a great feeling. We're excited to have him."

Now, the Havre High standouts have been inked and are looking forward to their futures within the Frontier Conference. There is a lot to be excited about when it comes to the Western and Northern programs, who will be utilizing the talents of Dionne and Henderson for the goal of getting to the top.

Look forward to seeing a lot more the Dionne in Henderson next year because the two will look to help make some noise among one of the toughest conferences in the NAIA.