Recruiting Report: Hunter Berthiaume (Wayzata-2021)

In this latest edition of Northstar Football News’ “Recruiting Report” we get some exclusive insight into rising Wayzata High School senior WR Hunter Berthiaume. At 6’3 and 175 lbs., #19 for the Trojans is a potential matchup nightmare for opposing DBs, and is looking to have a breakout season for Wayzata in 2020 after he helped them win a state championship this past fall. With junior day invites from Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia St. Paul, it seems that there are others who believe in Berthiaume’s skill set and size, and NFN was lucky enough to score an interview with the junior wherein we discussed what it means to him to be a Trojan, how he feels taking over the reigns of a defending state championship squad, and his hopes for recruiting. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy! [embed]https://twitter.com/hrberthiaume/status/1232878183634087936?s=21[/embed] NFN: Hello and thank you for your time, Hunter. Please begin by sharing with us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? When did you begin playing football? And what do you like about the sport? Berthiaume: “I’m from Plymouth, and I started playing football when I was in first grade. I had to play for Osseo when I was younger because they were the only league that allowed tackle football at the time. I’m 6’3, 175 lbs., and run a 4.7 forty-yard dash. I like the brotherhood the most about football, just knowing that I’m surrounded by people all trying to become the best they can be in order to win for their brothers. NFN: It has been an incredible year for you and the Wayzata Trojans. Now tell us what it means for you to be a Trojan, and what your career has been like at Wayzata. Berthiaume: “To be a Trojan is to fight for your brothers and unite for a common goal. So far my career at Wayzata has been very good and allowed me to grow both as a person and a player.” NFN: Walk us through some of differences the program has seen since you were a freshman to now rising senior. What difference can you credit with having the biggest impact on the Trojans success this year? Berthiaume: “Since our freshman year the real change has come in leadership, whether it was our coaches or our players we all banded together and put in the time to become what we are now. I think we all really became committed to our family and one another which allowed us to really put it all out on the line for each other.” NFN: How was the 2018 season for you as well as Wayzata? What were some big games, low moments, and how did you build off 2018 to succeed in 2019? Berthiaume: “The 2018 season was fun overall, the big games were sections and the rivalry games. The low moments were some tough close losses, and losing to Woodbury. This all just pushed us to bring it this past season. I remember us all just saying that we wouldn’t feel this same feeling next year. And we didn’t.” NFN: How was are offseason’s at Wayzata? And how was it playing offense with studs like Vasser, Wildermuth, and Schmidt? What have they taught you about the game that you can use next season? Berthiaume: “The offseason was a lot of time grinding to become better. Working harder each day in order to reach our common goal. Playing with Christian, Jakey, and Tom was really fun, there all great players and are just as good of people. Loved being around them at practice and competing them. They made practice fun, but still kept it serious and made us grow.” NFN: Describe the 2019 regular season. How was it going undefeated? When did you know you guys were going to be legit, and how fun of a year was it just to be apart of an undefeated team like the Trojans? [caption id="attachment_17978" align="alignright" width="225"] #19[/caption] Berthiaume: “It was really fun going undefeated in the regular season, school was very fun and live, but we still kept the same mindset throughout it. I think we always knew we were a legit team, the confidence we had in ourselves came from the time we put into each day in the off season, but people really began to see us as a contender was when we started beating other lake conference teams. Each week became more and more fun as we began to see our work continue to pay off. Really though to us there wasn’t any relaxing though, we were set on winning state and not stop working until we made it reality.” NFN: Elaborate on the state playoffs and especially the championship game! What were some big plays and moments, and how was your performance? Berthiaume: “The playoffs were very fun and a unique experience. It was a different feeling coming into the games, a lot more excitement and more nerves as well. The games were all very different, each week a different gameplay so we could move on to the next one. The championship game was wild, the lights from the stadium and the crowd make the atmosphere incredible. The big plays came on picking up third downs and our defense shutting down great offenses. Our oline was consistently great and continued to allow our great players in the backfield make the plays they can make. Key turnovers allowed us to continue our momentum and take control of the game. Overall I didn’t have the greatest impact on our games, but it isn’t about me or any one player on our team. It’s about all of us doing our part to make the team be as successful as it can be. That’s what we’re all about. Doing it for your brother next to you.” NFN: Well said. So now that you will be a senior, how do you feel to be a leader on the team? What are expectations like and do you feel any pressure from the results of this year? Berthiaume: “It feels different knowing this will be my final season as a Trojan, but I feel as though we’re all leaders and we need to all push one another and work no matter the seniority. I feel a responsibility to pass on our beliefs and ways to continue to grow as a team. I don’t truly feel a lot of pressure because I know how much work we put in and see our team grow continually, so when season does come around I believe we will be ready to preform.” NFN: I believe it as well. What’s going on with recruiting? Who are some schools you’re interested in? And what are you looking for in a college? Berthiaume: “I’m interested in a couple colleges currently such as the U and others surrounding that I have teammates going to play for next year. I have a couple junior days visits planned coming up soon with teammates. I really haven’t decided on what I want in a school yet, it really depends on my teammates and how this offseason goes. I’m looking for a home in the college I attend, an education and to create a family. I am planning on going to some camps this summer. To me I really just want a good fit with whichever college I end up deciding to go to.” NFN: And what did you think you can add to a college program? What do you do well as a football player? Berthiaume: “I feel like I could add a sense of responsibility and brotherhood to a team. I bring a fun energetic personality and wish to give my all in order for the team to succeed and I’m willing to go the extra mile for my brothers.” Stay tuned for news on Berthiaume and the Trojans this upcoming season with Northstar Football News!

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Recruiting Report: Hunter Berthiaume (Wayzata-2021)

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