G-R’s Jace Freeseman makes it official, signs with Dakota Wesleyan

By Scott Bidroski

Another pen was pressed to paper this past week, as Gordon-Rushville senior Jace Freeseman has signed his Letter of Intent to run track at Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU).

Freeseman, who has excelled on the football field, wrestling mat, and the baseball diamond, has set his sights on another sport which he has had a lot of success in; track.

DWU is located in Mitchell, S.D. and is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

The Tigers compete in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC).

DWU Head Coach Matthew Rosado made the trip to Gordon, Neb. for the signing event and he is excited for Freeseman to get started.

“Jace will make an immediate impact within our program. From the day I met him he possessed all the traits I look for in a sprinter. He was tough, communicative, driven, and passionate about what he does,” said Coach Rosado.

“As we continue to build, these qualities will be of focus for our entire roster. Plus, he has had a range of events he has been able to run well so he can fill many shoes when called upon,” he added.

The Tigers are in a bit of a culture rebuild, according to Coach Rosado, but his vision for the program is crystal clear.

“I am wanting to build a championship caliber team; my vision is to start to compete for conference championships within the next 3 years. This will be no easy task as we compete in arguably the toughest conference in all the NAIA but I believe by finding the right people and not necessarily the best athletes we can get this done,” said Coach Rosado.

As a Mustang, Freeseman has excelled at many distances, ultimately finding his niche in the 400 meter race.

He qualified for the State Tournament as a junior and carried some of the best times in the State throughout the season. He now looks to build that success heading into his final year.

Freeseman’s impact and ability at GRHS is no secret to his Head Coach Nate Haag.

“Jace’s impact on our program will be a positive one. He has shown the younger kids what it takes to be a successful runner,” said Coach Haag.

“I am very excited to see Jace continue his athletic career at the collegiate level. Anytime one of our athletes gets to do that it is a big accomplishment and I am proud of Jace for continuing on,” he added.

Freeseman will enroll and begin this fall, opening a new chapter in his academic and athletic life.

“I’m excited about his growth and the things I believe he can accomplish once he gets to campus,”said Coach Rosado.