Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Kody Strutz, Big Sandy football

The Big Sandy six-man football team has been on a roll this year. The Pioneers have gone 5-0 with an average margin of victory of 52.6 points a game. A key player for the Pioneers has been senior Kody Strutz who plays wide receiver and safety. With their strong start to the year, Strutz has high aspirations for what he and the Pioneers can accomplish this year.

"We want to get to the state championship. We've been in the semifinals four times so it's time to get to the state championship and win it," Strutz said. "I really think we have the group of guys that can do it this year."

The Pioneers came into this year with state title hopes after a strong end to the 2021 campaign. After starting that year with two losses, the Pioneers got on a roll all the way through the postseason. In the semifinals, the Pioneers lost, 24-20, to Medicine Lake/Froid, who went to win the state title the following week. With no seniors on last year's team, Strutz believed that run has given the Pioneers the confidence they can go all the way this year.

"I just thought that shows a lot for this group," Strutz said.

Strutz has been one of the Pioneers' best players this year in their undefeated start. Just this past weekend against the North Star Knights, Strutz caught four passes for 36 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Of course in six-man football, Strutz got plenty of chances to carry the ball as he ran for 48 yards and another pair of touchdowns. He even got to throw some passes as he went 4-for-7 for 61 yards through the air against the Knights. He also led the team on defense with 12.0 total tackles.

Strutz's impressive career in football should not be a surprise to those familiar with his family. His father played college football at Bethel University in Minnesota and both his older brothers played football at Big Sandy. With this upbringing, it would have been impossible for Strutz not to become the player he is now.

"There's really no way I couldn't have ever played football. It's always been a big part of my life," Strutz said. "My brothers set a great example for me. They just helped me grow as a player and got me in the gym and worked with me."

Strutz is like many other teenagers on the Hi-Line. Along with football, he keeps himself busy with other sports such as basketball and track and field during the school year. Outside of school and athletics, he enjoys hunting, riding on his dirt bike and hanging out with his friends.

Strutz and the Pioneers will look to remain undefeated when they host Box Elder this weekend. Before his game against the Bears, the Havre Daily News got to ask Strutz five questions.

HDN: What do you enjoy the most about football?

Strutz: "It's just the community that gets behind it. How involved they get. It just brings so much joy to our game. Winning football games is fun. I love that, and it's just been a big part of my life so I can't live without it."

HDN: What motivates you in football?

Strutz: "I've always had a dream of playing for the Bobcats. That's my motivation. I want to get there, I want to play DI and that's just what I keep on my mind every day when I lift and when I practice. It's just my goal in life."

HDN: What has been behind your team's success this season?

Strutz: "Practices are a big part. We have a great scout team that really pushes us hard. Sometimes we get some games where we're not getting the most challenged but being able to come to practice every week and have a challenge is great and it helps us improve as a football team."

HDN: What needs to happen for you guys to accomplish your goal of a state title this fall?

Strutz: "Just no mistakes. Every play just needs to be perfect and I believe we have the group of guys that can do that. Just keep our composure, don't get too cocky and just roll through these teams, take it one team at a time and get to the state championship."

HDN: What would a state title mean to you and this program?

Strutz: "It would mean a lot. We haven't ever gotten a football state championship and I'm looking to be the guy that leads our team to that, so I'm really looking forward to getting there."