5 Bonduel senior boys set to play in college

3 will play football, with 1 each in basketball and baseball
By: 
Morgan Rode
Sports Editor

Five seniors from Bonduel High School are planning on playing collegiate sports in the coming years, with four remaining in the state for college.

Baseball

Noah Beilfuss will continue his baseball career for Bryant & Stratton College at their Wauwatosa campus.

“I have dreamed of playing at the next level my whole life. I really never wanted anything more. To say that my dream is coming true is such a blessing and I am so very thankful,” said Beilfuss, who is looking forward to the higher level of play.

While the recruitment process can be stressful to some, Beilfuss enjoyed it.

“I started doing showcases and getting my name out there going into my sophomore year,” he said. “I did some Baseball Factory stuff, which got my name out there too — you need to really put yourself into the process. I was contacted and visited some amazing places. But in the end, Bryant & Stratton just fit better for me.”

The senior’s final high school season was erased because of the coronavirus pandemic, dashing some big goals he had. Beilfuss was a unanimous first-team selection in the Central Wisconsin Conference-East Division as a junior.

He said he’s texted coach Alex Tomter regularly, along with keeping in contact with the players through Snapchat. Beilfuss thanked his parents (Carrie and Brian), brothers (Adam and Carter), coaches and teammates for making him the player and person he is today.

Basketball

Justin Bahr is also headed to Wauwatosa, but he will suit up for the Bryant & Stratton men’s basketball team.

Bahr looks at the college as a springboard for his future. He hopes to obtain a Division I scholarship after putting in the necessary work at Bryant & Stratton.

“It’s amazing to go play basketball in college,” said Bahr. “But Bryant & Stratton is only the first step on to my goal to play professional basketball somewhere.”

Bahr said coach JT Gritzmacher has been in touch with him, and that he hadn’t met the team yet. The big man thanked his two trainers (Antoine Harris, Steven Baker) and AAU coach (Rodney Owens) for their help and teaching over the years.

Bahr believes he’s ready to make a successful transition to the college game.

“I’m mostly looking forward to meeting the team and making some amazing friends and memories,” said Bahr. “But I’m really excited to have a coach and teammates that will push me to my limit to make sure that I will succeed.”

Football

The other three senior athletes — Brody Wussow, Logan Guenterberg and Jason “JJ” Calaway — will play football.

Wussow is headed to Menomonie to play for the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

“Playing football in college is a dream come true, and I cannot believe that I’ve got this opportunity to be a college athlete,” Wussow said. “Football has always been special to me, and I thank God every day that I’m able to do the thing I love the most. I’ve worked very hard to get where I am today, and I’m glad all of it paid off.”

Wussow, a lineman in high school, capped his career by making the CWC-Large first team on offense and honorable mention team on defense.

He thanked several individuals for their help, including his parents (Teri and Dan), recruiter (John Larson), teammates and especially varsity coach James Westrich.

“I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me and the rest of my teammates,” Wussow said. “He has pushed me to be the best player, best leader and best man I can be. I wouldn’t be where I am today with his help and support.”

Wussow, who looks forward to learning under new coaches and the new atmosphere a college football game brings, said he had great interactions with the coaches and some of the players during an official visit. He’s also contacted some of the other incoming freshmen.

Guenterberg will try out for North Dakota State University in Fargo.

“I chose the college I did because the winning culture drew me in, and I wanted to challenge myself to move out of my comfort zone,” said Guenterberg, who made the CWC-Large second team as a kicker this past fall.

“Being able to pursue college football is extremely special to me, as I have been addicted to it from a young age and always dreamed about playing at the highest level, any way possible.”

Guenterberg mentioned his parents (Deb and Jim) and family friend (Steve Johnson) for helping find a college that suited him.

“The one thing that I want everyone to know is all I need is a shot, and I’m prepared to make the most of it and prove all of those who doubted me or held me back wrong,” said Guenterberg.

The pandemic is putting Calaway’s college plan on hold.

He was set to join the UW-Platteville football team but will instead attend Northeast Wisconsin Technical College this coming year because of the coronavirus. Calaway expects to join the Platteville team in 2021.

“I chose Platteville because my older sister (Jessie) attends that school. She’s the one that got me in touch with some of the coaches, and I managed to send them some of my game film and talk to them quite a bit,” said Calaway.

The Bonduel senior had a visit to Platteville planned in mid-March that was wiped out by the pandemic.

Calaway is grateful Platteville offered him an opportunity to play the sport again. He thanked Bonduel teammate Alex Garside, who served as his workout partner.

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