Knigge commits to Briar Cliff; will participate in two sports for Iowa school

Bryant Knigge of Potter-Dix High School has signed a letter of intent to play basketball and compete in track at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa.

Knigge, a three-sport standout at Potter-Dix, played wideout and later quarterback for the Coyotes last season. During the winter campaign he was the leading scorer on the basketball team. Only recently he set a new personal record in his favorite track and field event. At the MAC meet on Friday in Chappell he cleared the bar at 13-10 in the pole vault.

Originally Knigge had his mind set on playing basketball in college. So when Briar Cliff track coach Nate Treinen contacted Knigge by letter during his sophomore year, the contents of the envelope went largely ignored. During his senior year, however, Knigge began thinking more seriously about his future.

As basketball remained his primary focus, Knigge made it known to Coach Treinen that he was also interested in playing basketball. Treinen obliged his prospective recruit by passing along his information to basketball coach Nic Nelson.

"We had visit planned to Briar Cliff for track so we set up a meeting with the basketball coach," said Knigge.

Had the basketball meeting not been arranged, Knigge wasn't even sure he would have made the visit. He had, however, begun to consider pole vaulting in college more seriously. The deeper interest he has taken may have had something to do with his continued success in the event.

What may be most remarkable about Knigge's success over the high bar is the lack of a practice facility at Potter-Dix. Instead of a routine practice schedule, he has to content himself with sporadic workouts in Kimball or Sidney. He recently trained in Cheyenne, where he cleared 14 feet.

Despite those challenges he medaled at state last year and is a good bet to repeat in 2014.

"I always thought I could be better at pole vaulter if I could get some consistent practice time and regular coaching," said Knigge. "At Briar Cliff I'm going to get that."

When Knigge made the visit to the school in April he was given the full-court press by Treinen. Before his meeting with the basketball coach, Knigge was treated to a track meet, which excited him even more about pursuing pole vault. After his long day in the hot sun, he had his meeting with Coach Nelson. He was also invited to workout with the team.

"I didn't have my best tryout or open gym after being outside in the hot sun for eight hours," said Knigge. "But the coach was very encouraging. He said I'll be one of those players that will take a JV spot with a chance to work his way up. And that's OK with me. I would expect to have to work my way in."

When Knigge returned from Sioux City, he received word that he was being offered a scholarship for basketball. That was on top of having already received academic and track scholarship awards.

When Knigge learned the degree to which Briar Cliff was committing to him, he committed to them.

The player the Chargers are getting led the Coyotes in scoring last season with 18.1 points-per game. Knigge, a 5-10 guard, also led the team in assists (2.8 apg), steals (1.9 spg) and minutes played. He was tops in three pointers made (113) and percentage of successful three pointers (36).

Knigge finished his career with more than 1,000 points scored.

"(Bryant) has excited me all year," said his mother, Mar-Lynn Knigge, who was herself a three-sport athlete in college. "First with being such a good all-around football player, then his 1,000 points in basketball and then again getting the best male actor award at conference one acts. He continues to make me proud every day."

Knigge's other family members include his father Steve and three siblings: brother Brady and sisters Brittany Belford and Danae Schlager.

"My parents are always there for me and they go to everything," said Knigge--to which his father Steve quipped, "Even if sometimes we make the refs angry."

Beyond the gratitude he has for his parents, Knigge expressed gratitude for many others.

Strength and Conditioning Coach Joe Kaup helped get him stronger and able to handle the rigors of a three-sport schedule. His track coaches Bob Hilpert and Amy Hicks "pushed me everyday." His pole vaulting and football coach Dale Frerichs, who was a great motivator, who always knew what button to push. Also his basketball coach Chad Miller, who Knigge said helped him on and off the basketball court.

He also acknowledged his first pole vault coach, Kimball's Gene Mohr.

Partly because he has had so many positive experiences and gained so much respect for so many of his coaches over the years, Knigge aspires to a similar career path. While at Birar Cliff he intends to study history and eventually gain teaching and coaching certificates. He hopes to be able to coach football or basketball in the future.

He'll probably also have a few useful tips on how to clear a bar 14 or more feet above his head.