Pappas, Glasrud, Otto sign letters of intent
Posted on: Feb 5, 2020
Grace Glasrud, Max Otto and Tate Pappas have had memorable athletic careers at Delano High School, but their stories won’t end at graduation this spring.
All three signed national letters of intent in front of family, friends and coaches on Wednesday, Feb. 5, to play at the college level next fall. Glasrud will play Division I hockey for Post University in Connecticut, Pappas will run Division I cross country and track at the University of Illinois Chicago, and Otto will play Division II football and baseball at Northern State University in South Dakota.
“This is a big moment for these students and their families. A lot has gone into this,” said DHS Activities Administrator Ryan Tool, adding that less than 7 percent of high school athletes keep playing in college, and less than 2 percent make it to the Division I level. “We’re very proud to call them Tigers.”
Grace Glasrud
Glasrud is making history as the first player from the Delano-Rockford program to advance to the Division I level. That accomplishment crowns other recent achievements, including her 2,000th career save and being named one of 10 semifinalists for Senior Goalie of the Year Award by Let’s Play Hockey.
In a brief speech before her signing, Glasrud thanked her parents, brothers and other family members for their support over the years. She also thanked her coaches for developing her into the player she has become.
“They have helped me, pushed me and taught me so much about being a good hockey player, leader and captain,” Glasrud said.
She also thanked her teammates for countless memories, many that weren’t necessarily made on the ice.
“You have been my best friends for the past 14 years, and I can always count on this family,” she said.
Glasrud’s coach, Jackie Johnson, said that her mentality made her a standout from the beginning.
“From the first moment I met Grace I knew that she was the most determined individual I’ve ever met, ever coached,” Johnson said. “The hardworking dedication that she puts into her craft is something I wish all kids did. That’s why she’s going where she’s going. That’s why she’s our first DI commit in the history of our program. That’s something that is so cool. To be able to say you’ve done that. To be able to say you’ve reached that level is something that no one can take away from you.”
Glasrud plans to study psychology and criminal justice at Post University, with the intention of going into a field involving forensic psychology. She is the daughter of Robert and Hilary Glasrud.
Tate Pappas
Pappas is a bit of an anomaly among athletes heading to Division I in that he is a relatively inexperienced runner. He made a name for himself as a soccer player at DHS, but quickly stood out when he tried track for the first time as a junior last spring. His speed also translated to distance running, as he was a successful in cross country while also playing soccer this fall.
“Usually when you think about kids who are going on to the next level, they’ve been doing this for years and years and years,” said Tool in introducing Pappas at the signing ceremony. “Well, Tate has been an excellent soccer player for many years, but we also realized he’s pretty dang fast out there. Last year we got him out for track and he did really well. We got him into cross country this year, and he did really well.”
Pappas said in his signing speech that he never would have anticipated a future in running as opposed to soccer, particularly since he said he entered track with no expectations and was ready to quit after the first practice.
“But I realized I couldn’t go backwards; I could only go forwards. So I kept going and started working harder and harder,” Pappas said. “The journey made me stronger, and with hard work and circumstances, I found some success. But I couldn’t have done it alone.”
He thanked his sisters and brother, parents, and coaches Mitch Rue and Jackson Lindquist for their work in developing him as an athlete and as a person.
“To my teammates, I look forward every day after school to running with you guys. It is truly a blessing to have teammates who will cheer you on in every single race,” he said.
Lindquist said that Pappas has been a great role model for younger athletes, involving everyone from seventh grade on up, in addition to standing out through his performance.
“He’s a gifted, dynamic runner. For someone who came in (late), he’s been impressive to watch,” said Lindquist. “He can find success from the 200 to the mile, which not a lot of kids can do.”
Pappas plans to study business in Chicago. He is the son of Brad Pappas and Carolyn Milano.
Max Otto
Otto is a familiar name to Delano sports fans, as he excels in all three seasons as the quarterback for the football team, a member of the basketball team and a pitcher and infielder on the baseball diamond.
He thanked his parents, John and Andrea Otto, for their dedication in attending his games and tournaments, and for the instruction and companionship of his coaches and teammates.
“My favorite moment as a Tiger was winning the state championship in basketball as a sophomore,” he said. “The way the community supported our team that year was super cool to see and is the reason why Delano is so special.”
Otto also helped lead the football team to the state quarterfinals the last two seasons, and threw for over 3,600 yards and 38 touchdowns in parts of three seasons, according to the Delano Herald Journal.
DHS baseball coach Jeff Olson said that aside from his skill, focus, toughness and determination, one of Otto’s defining traits is “a unique and almost perfect balance of confidence and humility.”
“Whatever Max competes in, those are the attributes he brings into it,” Olson said. “It’s not only that. It’s the way he conducts himself, the way he treats his teammates and his opponents and everybody involved in the event. It shows his character and class.”
Otto will study agricultural science at Northern State.
“I’m thankful for the time that we’ve had with him here, and wish him all the best,” said Olson.
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