NICK EKLUND-GORE
Senior Nick Eklund is enjoying this year in a new environment as the Hilldale transfer is making himself at home in Gore. He grew up playing soccer and was an all-district player at Hilldale last year, so soccer will always be an important part of his life. And even though they don’t have soccer at Gore, he has found joy in playing football and running track this year for the Pirates.
His football and track coach, T.W. Estes, has been pleasantly surprised at what he’s seen of the newcomer.
“I really didn’t know what to expect when he first came but I found out he’s quick as cat even with football pads on. He was our kicker and a receiver in football and in track he’ll run the 100- and 200-meter sprints and anchor our 4X200 relay team and from what I’ve seen, he’ll have a good chance to make state in Class A.”
For his part, Eklund says he’s enjoying the new atmosphere.
“It’s been pretty easy to fit in with these guys and I’m really enjoying it. This was my first year playing football and it was the most fun I’ve ever had, kicking a lot of field goals and catching a touchdown pass. I actually had a little track experience last year at Hilldale when me and three other guys off the soccer team were asked to form a fill-in relay team and ended up beating the A-team. But we never got to compete in a meet because it interfered with soccer too much once the season started.”
While he will finish his athletic career at Gore, all the time he put into soccer will be a part of Nick’s fond high school memories.
“I’ll always favor soccer because of all of the time I spent with it growing up. Our competitive team has been to the nationals three times and at Hilldale I went to the state tournament twice including playing for the state championship.”
Eklund has hopes of concluding his athletic career with a trip to the state track meet later this spring and after graduating, plans to continue working with his dirt work company and expanding it in the future.
