Bishop Garrigan’s Kellen Murphy Staying Football-Ready With Teammates

Photo: Renee Graves, Twitter

Dana Becker

June 27, 2020 @ 09:30 AM

While the coronavirus has made things different around the state, Bishop Garrigan's Kellen Murphy is find ways to prepare for the upcoming football season. Murphy, a Class of 2021 prospect, plans to stay active on both sides of the ball this coming year for the Golden Bears. Bishop Garrigan scored another successful season in 2019, finishing 6-3 overall including three consecutive wins to conclude the campaign. "I've been lifting five-to-six days a week," Murphy said. "We've also been working on speed, offense and defense three times a week with a few of my teammates at the local park." Just like he plans to do this coming season, Murphy did a little bit of everything for Bishop Garrigan and legendary head coach Marty Wadle last year. "Playing for a Class A school, I'll most likely have to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball," he said. "In college, I'd like to play receiver, but I'd play wherever the coaches think that I'd benefit the team the most." He ran for 282 yards with a touchdown on 72 carries, averaging just under four yards per attempt. He also caught a pass and completed another on offense. On the other side of the ball, Murphy made 30 tackles with 22 being solo stops and two interceptions. He also returned kicks and converted a two-point conversion. "Being a member of the Bishop Garrigan football team means a lot to me and I’m very grateful to be apart of the program," Murphy said. "Being a football player for Bishop Garrigan, we are held to a very high standard and expected to compete with the best each year, while becoming better men in the process." Murphy is one of several starters returning for the Golden Bears alongside Joey Trainer, Angelo Winkel, Derrick Kirsch, Mitch Buscherfeld and others. "I’m really looking forward to getting back on the field and building team chemistry," Murphy said. "Also, making more memories, especially with the seniors, and winning games." Murphy said his recruitment process is "going good" with virtual visits for junior days to both the University of St. Thomas and Simpson College. He also has a visit scheduled with Wartburg College. "COVID definitely makes it different because as of now, no one can get on campus and get a real feel of the school," he said.