Photo by Sam Thiel Marshall’s Blake Fogelson signs his National Letter of Intent Thursday to play football at the University of Wisconsin River Falls.

MARSHALL — With a quick scribble of the pen, the next step to Blake Fogelson’s athletic career was complete. The Marshall senior signed his National Letter of Intent on Thursday to play football at the University of Wisconsin River Falls.

Fogelson said he’s excited to finally have this day come and felt River Falls was the best fit for him.

“I’m just really excited. I was nervous for a long time, it was just narrowing down the choices and it was either between SMSU or River Falls and River Falls was just the choice for me,” Fogelson said. “I felt like I was at home there and I love the coaching staff. Coach [Matt] Walker and coach [Sam] Gooding, they’re amazing coaches and I’m just looking forward to playing again.”

Fogelson said in addition to the coaches, his connection with former Marshall teammate Konnor Aufenthie as well as the ones he built with the current players on the roster were key factors in his decision.

“The coaching staff and Konnor were key factors and then I got some numbers of the guys on the O-line that I’ll be playing with and they were just really nice guys and they really changed my mind on where I wanted to play,” Fogelson said.

Helping anchor the offensive line, Fogelson has been a key contributor to Marshall’s success on the gridiron throughout his time at MHS. He attributed that to the impact his coaches and teammates have had on him.

“My coaches have had a major impact on me. If you look at me from freshman year until now, it was just a major change and they made me a better man and better player overall. I learned to love the game as much as I do now,” Fogelson said. “My teammates have really supported me throughout the season with COVID and everything, it was rough, but without those guys this wouldn’t have happened and I wouldn’t have been where I am today without them.”

Fogelson said he plans to major in criminal justice, with a focus in either law enforcement or becoming a DNR officer. Going into next year, Fogelson added he’s looking forward to just being able to step onto the field and play the game he loves again.

“Just playing again, hopefully without all of the restrictions that we had this season,” Fogelson said. “I’m just looking forward to getting to the college atmosphere and playing college ball.”