Colony senior linemen headed to Valley City State to play football

While Colony had its share of studs at the skill positions, Robbie Nash never hesitated to praise the boys up front during his time as head coach of the Knights.

His “war horses.”

Now, two of Colony’s standouts on the front lines are taking their next step in their careers together after helping the Knights to multiple playoff appearances and a 2022 Division I state title during their prep careers.

Seniors Nolan Thaler and Reese Rodriguez have committed to Valley City State, and will play college football for the North Dakota NAIA program.

“It’s great. A blessing, 100 percent,” Thaler said. “I’m super excited for us. It’s going to be awesome having the same teammates, friends around.”

Rodriguez, a first-team all-state selection, will play on the defensive line for the Vikings. A defensive end for the Knights, Rodriguez led Alaska’s Division I in tackles as a senior. Rodriguez also had options at George Fox College in Oregon and Wabbash College in Indiana, but ultimately chose VCS.

“The coach reached out to me. They were very friendly, very nice to me. I thought it was like a family,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez officially committed after Thaler made his choice.

“It’s going to be nice,” Rodriguez said of joining Thaler at the next level. “He’s been a great teammate.”

Thaler will play on the offensive line for the Vikings. As a Knight, Thaler was the anchor at center, but could also potentially play at guard.

“I’ll play wherever,” Thaler said.

Thaler said Dakota State, a rival of Valley City in the Dakota 10 Conference, was another option.

The Valley City State program has had a long tradition of luring Alaska and Valley talent to the midwest.

“I think it’s great it’s a place where a lot of Alaska players have gone,” Thaler said.

Colony graduate Jace Trangmoe is a junior defensive lineman.

Colony’s Riley Fredrickson, Ryan Wharry, Cooper Sant, Martin Jones, Ethan Connaker, and Ridge Raval; Houston’s Reed Graham and Tolupo Falaniko; and Wasilla’s Dahlton Wasankari and Joe Ruge have also all been a part of the Vikings program during the past decade.

The list also includes former Palmer standout Mike Weber, who still holds Valley City’s program record with four interceptions returned for a touchdown.

Contact Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com.