Commitment Report Transfer Special: Thomas Kiesau (La Crescent—>Upper Iowa—> ?)
Thomas Kiesau (6’2, 180 lbs.) was a three-sport star at La Crescent High School who chose to continue his football career at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. He was a two-way play as a prep and finished his career…
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Continue ReadingThomas Kiesau (6’2, 180 lbs.) was a three-sport star at La Crescent High School who chose to continue his football career at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. He was a two-way play as a prep and finished his career at La Crescent as the teams quarterback due to his athletic ability and grit. Kiesau played wideout his freshman year at UIU before the longing of Southeast Minnesota became too great and he chose to transfer closer to home and chose to join fellow NSIC competitor Winona State. He is an experienced athlete that brought his baseball team deep into the MN state playoffs while batting .338 with 17 RBIs.
Kiesau (14) avoids a sack.He also captained and led the schools basketball team and was a star guard for La Crescent. The soon to be sophomore was kind enough to give me and Northstar Football News some of his time and answer some questions for this special transfer edition of NFN’s “Commitment Report.” Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5333340/5bd5ca7847982609bc21e1af
NFN: Hello and congratulations on your decision to join the Winona State Warriors, Thomas. Start by telling us a little bit about your recruitment process coming out of La Crescent and how you chose UIU?
Kiesau: “The recruiting process started out during my junior year. Ever since my freshman year I thought I was going to play basketball in college but during my junior year I decided to think about football. I never thought I would be big or fast enough to play football. I grew a lot in high school and worked hard in the weight room to get to a level where I could play college football. I had around 500 yards my junior year so going into my senior year I thought I could have a very big year and maybe even get FCS looks. About week 3 I made the switch QB and played QB the rest of my senior year. That hurt me in the recruiting process but I think it made me a way better player because I am smarter football player because of it. I was stuck in between football and basketball for awhile so I didn’t commit to upper Iowa until February of my senior year.”
NFN: Interesting. Now explain the reasoning behind transferring, what excites you about playing for Winona State, and how you’re feeling after spending a redshirt year at UIU?
Kiesau: “Coming from a high school program that struggled every year and had culture problems, that was the biggest thing with me leaving Upper Iowa.
Kiesau (14) scrambles for La Crescent.Winona State has one of the best coaching staffs and cultures in the whole country. Coach Sawyer and Keller are special, and I connect with them on another level. Southeast Minnesota is home and it always will be, there is something special about high school and college football in Minnesota. Being only 30 mins from home is going to amazing. I look forward to playing in front of my family/friends and the community of Winona. The season at Upper Iowa was a developmental year for me. I redshirted but I took big steps forward in the weight room and on the field that I hope are going to show in the future. I look forward to competing in this great conference and winning a lot of games as a warrior.”
Stay tuned for news of the former La Crescent star as he develops into a NSIC wideout!