Montana State releases 2023 football roster, announces Nolan Askelson as No. 41

“That’s a very good query, I don’t even know,” he stated. “I can’t even image what that will be like.”

Askelson’s capability on the soccer discipline, and his toughness in competitors and in battling accidents, landed him a treasured spot on Montana State’s 2023 roster, which was unveiled Saturday. Bobcat head coach Brent Vigen stated Friday that Askelson, a Billings Senior graduate, will put on jersey No. 41 throughout his senior season. Montana State’s legacy quantity honors the Treasure State’s standing because the forty first state admitted to america, and likewise pays homage to the varsity’s 1941 soccer staff, which was nearly solely decimated throughout World Conflict II.

“Nolan will proceed the legacy of a senior Montana native carrying No. 41,” Vigen stated. “He has been a key contributor on the Bobcat protection and particular groups. Nolan is an incredible chief who takes nice satisfaction in representing MSU and his dwelling state.”

MSU pre-spring camp roster consists of Missoula Sentinel graduate Zac Crews, who’s strolling on to the Bobcats. Crews dedicated to the Montana Grizzlies out of highschool, however his scholarship provide was pulled after he wrote a racial slur on Venmo.

The roster additionally consists of 4 additions that weren’t beforehand introduced: defensive finish Michael Hulverson (of Draper, Utah), defensive lineman Nick Korom (of Bismarck, North Dakota), kicker Myles Sansted (of Alexandria, Minnesota) and defensive deal with Ryland Swarthout (of San Clemente, California).

Swarthout transferred from Wyoming, the place Vigen beforehand labored as offensive coordinator, whereas Korom transferred from Central Lakes School (Minnesota).

Askelson redshirted and earned defensive scout of the yr honors as a freshman in 2018, then performed all 15 video games as a part-time starter in MSU’s 2019 run to the Soccer Championship Subdivision semifinals. He performed within the 2021 season’s first two video games earlier than an harm (he returned for the FCS title recreation in opposition to North Dakota State) and performed within the first 11 video games final season earlier than an harm saved him out of the playoffs.

Vigen stated Askelson’s willingness to work via such circumstances attracts admiration from everybody in this system.

“Nolan has proven nice perseverance and toughness throughout his time at Montana State,” Vigen stated. “That reveals in his arduous work.”

Little fanfare accompanied Askelson’s transfer from 34 to 41. He stated Vigen “simply pulled me apart within the weight room sooner or later and stated, ‘Hey, do you need to put on 41?’ I stated, ‘Yeah, it’d be an honor. It’s a blessing, thanks for asking.’ That’s all it was, it was fairly discreet.”

The importance of the consideration belies Vigen’s notification, Askelson stated.

“It means the world simply desirous about the fellows earlier than me,” he stated. “Once I was a freshman Grant (Collins wore 41), to (Brayden) Konkol, Chase (Benson), RJ (Fitzgerald). These guys are the guts and soul of what this program is about, these Montana guys that perceive why it’s vital for us and what it means to symbolize this college and this state, and take such nice satisfaction and all the time did issues the fitting approach. They had been all the time leaders on the staff, robust guys, robust mentally and hard bodily, and that’s what it’s all about in my thoughts. They had been the right instance of that, and I need to have the ability to do the identical factor. That’s what it’s all about.”

Fitzgerald, a Dillon native, wore No. 41 final season for MSU, which made it to the FCS semis.

MSU’s Spring Break begins Monday, and eight days later the Bobcats will start spring soccer. Askelson stated offseason exercises beneath the route of energy coach Sean Herrin have been productive.

“It’s been superior,” Askelson stated.” I actually suppose Coach Herrin is the very best energy and conditioning coach within the nation. I really like him, I belief him with every part, every part he says I’m going to do precisely how he says. With him it goes a lot past the load room. He’s invested in our sleep, our consuming habits, all of our habits. He stresses the little stuff, and that’s what finally makes a distinction in the long run. The eye to element he has is unparalleled, and it pays off within the weight room. Whenever you are available in and watch guys transferring weight they haven’t moved earlier than, carrying weight they haven’t carried earlier than, and so they’re nonetheless in a position to transfer functionally, that’s a testomony to him.”

Askelson’s personal rehab, he stated, has gone nicely.

“I really feel actually good,” he stated. “It’s proper on monitor, and I need to hold it that approach.”