Jessica Parrott, Sports Editor
Most people here in Texas don’t even know if there’s football in Alaska, but one Leopard has been able to prove that good football players can come from up north. Senior Nick LaSane was born in Alaska where he lived until he was six years old.
While stationed in Anchorage, Alaska as a member of the United State Military, LaSane’s father met his mother. LaSane was born there and lived in the Alaska until he was six years old.
“In my opinion, Alaska wasn’t very nice even though a lot of people think otherwise,” LaSane said. “We moved away because my parents wanted to give me and my sister a fresh start for a life we couldn’t pursue in Alaska, specifically sports-wise.”
LaSane’s football career began when he was in second grade and from then on he loved the game.
“I love everything about football, I just love the sport in general,” LaSane said.
His love for the game shows through his work ethic and talent on the field.
“Nick is a very talented young man. He is a very physical runner that punishes defenders at the point of contact. Nick also catches the ball very well out of the backfield and turns short passes into big gains,” football head coach Matt Green said. “Overall, he has a high football I.Q. and he is able to do whatever is necessary to find success on the field. Nick has a strong work ethic and I know that he will benefit greatly from this attribute. I don’t know what he desires to be in the future, but whatever he chooses he will find success.”
LaSane started school here late in his freshman year because his father believed that he would have great opportunities.
It’s a move that LaSane appreciates.
“This is definitely a big up-and-coming 4A football team. I love the program and consider every person that’s a part of it a brother of mine,” LaSane said. “The program has helped me to grow as a person because it taught me that football isn’t about me and what I do or what my stats look like.”
LaSane has been looked at by many D1 schools and gotten offers to play football at the University of South Dakota and Montana State University. He has verbally committed to Montana State but could be getting more offers in December when the football season is officially over.
“Montana State’s football program has a lot to offer and it’s beautiful state,” LaSane said.
LaSane is praised by his coaches and teammates as being not only a phenomenal athlete but also a great person off the football field.
“I always enjoy being around Nick and I will say that he is very competitive which serves him well on the field and it will serve him well in life,” Green said. “Nick’s future is very bright. He is an intelligent young man and he is very articulate. Nick has an opportunity to play Division I football and earn a degree that will propel him in life to be whatever he chooses.”
Even though LaSane suffered an ACL tear earlier in this season, he does not believe that it will have any effect on his future plans as a football player.
“This is not going to affect my college plans. In about 5 months my knee will be stronger than it was before the injury and I will be ready for college ball,” LaSane said.
LaSane is popular among his teammates not only as a player but also as a friend.
“Nick is a hard worker, he strives to be the best on and off the field,” teammate Brandon Scott said. “He has all the great traits of a great athlete and person– perseverance, determination, heart, sportsmanship, and kindness. He’s the type of friend who will always be there for you in good times and bad. He makes us all better players and people.”
