Trio of Northlanders sign NLIs to play football at UMD

On Wednesday the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) football team announced their 26 athlete 2022 recruiting class on National Signing Day.

Of that group of 26 signees three call the Northland home, including Superior senior Ross Rivord. He said he’s ready to cross the bridge and become a Bulldog.

"I was deciding between UMD, Bemidji State [University], and Drake University, but overall I thought UMD was the best option for me," Rivord said during a signing celebration. "Ever since I was a little kid UMD has always been the spot that I’ve thought of. Growing up going to games and, hopefully, thought to myself when I was younger that I’d want to be in the position that I am now."

The linebacker started three seasons with the Spartans at various other positions. A captain this fall he led the team in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks which earned him team MVP and first team all-conference honors.

Staying even closer to home will be Duluth Denfeld’s Raymond Bandy who Wednesday signed on with UMD as a defensive lineman.

The senior served as a captain for the Hunters the last two seasons, leading the team in tackles both years. His performance and leadership earned him all-conference honors twice, as well as finishing a two time defensive MVP.

Bandy shared that picking head coach Curt Wiese’s Bulldogs was an easy choice.

"I think he’s a phenomenal coach. He’s obviously led the team through a lot of success and I look forward to working with him," Bandy said. "It’s always been a dream of mine and I’m just really looking forward to getting on campus and being with the guys, being with the team."

Additionally offensive lineman Tait Kongsjord of Deer River also signed his NLI to join the Bulldog football team. The 6’6”, 265 pound senior was a three year starter and two time captain for the Warriors earning all-conference recognition three years in a row.