This week’s Athlete of the Week is Crookston Pirate senior Football player Tanner Giese. Tanner has rushed for over 100 yards this season and a pair of touchdowns as the team’s second-leading rusher, and also plays a big role as a blocker. On the defensive side of the ball, he has helped the Pirates keep opponent rushing attacks quiet as a fierce Linebacker.
Tanner and his family moved to Crookston last year from Fargo. While it can be challenging to make a move to a new city while in High School, Tanner has felt right at home. “It’s been fun, and I’ve really enjoyed being in Crookston,” said Tanner. “My teammates and everyone else have been easy to get along with and they’ve all been super welcoming.”
Not only has Tanner thrived and gotten along with everyone at the school, but according to his head coach, he has also become a strong leader thanks to a great work ethic. “Tanner has an extremely hard work ethic and does whatever he is asked to do,” said Pirates coach Nate Lubarksi. “He has stepped in and become a very good leader for us both on and off the field.”
Tanner also plays Basketball and ran Track & Field this past Spring for the Pirates. He plans on playing baseball this upcoming year as well. Other hobbies for Tanner outside of sports and school include being outside, being at the lake, and hanging out with friends.
The Pirates record may be 2-4 so far this football season, but they are clearly a much-improved team from a year ago and have their sights set on making some noise in the Section 8AA tournament. To do that, Tanner will need to play a big role in the team’s success, and he is excited for the last few weeks of the season. “I think the goal for us is to make sure we finish the regular season with two wins,” said Tanner. “It would be good to see some offensive numbers go up as well for us and continue to put points up on the board.”
First started playing football – 4th Grade
What do you feel is the strongest part of your game – Blocking or tackling
Part of your game that needs work – Getting off blocks
Do you prefer offense or defense – Offense
Favorite football field away from Crookston – US Bank Stadium
Do you have a pregame ritual – I just do whatever I need to throughout the day
Toughest football player you’ve ever played against – Ethan Boll in practice
Favorite sport – Football
Favorite sports team – Minnesota Vikings
Favorite athlete – Justin Jefferson
Last movie you’ve seen – The Sandlot
Favorite TV Show – Breaking Bad
Favorite food – Steak
Something people don’t know about you – North Carolina is my favorite college basketball team
What music are you listening to – Rap
You’re stranded on a deserted island, and you can have ANY three people with you – Adam Sandler, Justin Jefferson, Kevin Durant
Plans after graduation – Become an electrician
Family –
Dad – Brendan (Works at Microsoft)
Mom – Trista (Stay at home Mom)
Brothers – Gavin (9th Grader)
Logan (8th Grader)
Zaden (6th Grader)
Jaxon (4th Grader)
