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Steve Wagner

Senior Stephen Wagner running past the White Bear defense on Senior night at Ponies stadium. “I always had it at the back of my mind that every team we played would be the last time I'd ever play that team,” says senior Stephen Wagner.

Consider what it means to be a student athlete. Then consider what it means to be at the top of your game as a student and at the top of your game as an athlete. Meet Stephen Wagner.

Senior Stephen Wagner, a leading running back, not only carries the ball, but also carries a heavy load of academics.  Ultimately, he stars in both.  The talents and skills he possesses make him shine as an athlete and a scholar, both of which are noteworthy and make him a well-rounded, highly-sought-after, college-bound senior.

Recently the Ponies were named an Academic All-State Gold Team from the Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA). Each year the team has been rising when it comes to grades getting recognition in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 as well.  Leading the pack, as he often does on the field, Wagner was chosen as an individual academic All-State team member which is a spot earned for academic leadership.  His academic history proves a track record of success in choosing and achieving high grades in several AP courses:  AP World History, AP U.S. History, AP Government, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, and AP Calculus. Wagner ended the football season with a G.P.A of 3.852, and is the thirteenth player in the school’s history to receive the honor of being named an Academic All-State player.

Though Wagner performs well in the classroom, he also enjoys performing Friday nights under the lights. When asked about his high school football season, Wagner replied, “My senior year was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. For the first time, all of the friends that I grew up with and I were given a chance to play for our own season, and prove ourselves. The entire season was emotional, even though I rarely let it show. I always had it at the back of my mind that every team we played would be the last time I’d ever play that team. It made every loss hurt more, yet every victory sweeter. This year was also a time in which I bonded with my existing friends and made new ones, for we shared a passion for the greatest sport on earth.”

Going into the sixth week of the season, Wagner was a contender for the Aspire Player of the Week. Captain Wagner was off to a great start, already being recognized for his talent on the field.  It seems as though that was just yesterday, but in reality, the season has since come to a close.

When asked about his favorite memory on the gridiron, Wagner recalls, “My greatest memory, while I have many from the season, was winning out Homecoming during that muddy trench fight of a game. It was our turning point.  It was when we showed everyone how we could play, and it was one of the most exciting moments of my life. There’s something to be said about the unbreakable bond between the young men of a football team.  All of whom are willing to sacrifice pride and health for the betterment of the team. Above all, I will remember the mutual sacrifice of everyone who had the courage to stand beside me.”

Back in the classroom, Wagner holds himself to high standards as well. As many students know, juggling a full load of classes is in and of itself hard work, but Wagner, chooses to challenge himself with AP classes more often than not. When asked what he attributes his success in the classroom to and what advice he would give to other student athletes, Wagner insightfully responds, “Honestly, success in the classroom stems from dedication as well. It involves sacrificing free time almost every night during the season to grind out homework, but in the end it’s all worth it. Anyone can earn the grade they want.  It’s up to them if they want to put the work in.”

As the quarter comes to a close, Wagner has the remainder of the year to achieve. He draws a parallel once again to how the lessons on the field will transfer to real life beyond high school by stating, “The value of hard work and sacrifice for a team is the most obvious lesson to be taken away from playing the sport.  Additionally, I learned the power of perseverance and how it can trump natural ability. What I will miss most isn’t necessarily the roar of the fans, or the feeling of winning. It was the community that we shared as athletes that, while not lost after the season, is not the same as it was during our season.”

With an impressive GPA of 3.852 and ending his senior season by rushing 250 times for 1,376 yards (5.5 per carry) and 16 touchdowns, leading his team to a 6-4 season, Captain Wagner has proven himself to be a student and an athlete worthy of praise.