Wednesday was an exciting day for Cotter high school, as two student-athletes signed national letters of intent to play football at Winona State University next fall.

Colin Duellman and Kyle Kerrigan, both standout multi-sport athletes at Cotter, accepted scholarship offers and look forward to continuing their football careers at the next level.

“It just felt right,” said Duellman, “the atmosphere is right, I knew I needed to go here.”

“It’s pretty exciting, I have always envisioned myself playing college basketball or football at a higher level,” added Kerrigan.

When it comes to athletic ability, each possess a certain trait.  Kerrigan stands 6’6” and has excellent hands,  while Duellman finished 7th in the 100 meter dash at last years State track meet.

Kerrigan expressed his excitement for the comraderie that college football has to offer.  “When I visited, the football players talked about how there are no bad feelings among the 100+ players.”

Duellman, on the other hand, is looking forward to playing with players that he has watched over the past couple of years.

“I’m looking forward to playing with running back Paul Preston, quarterback  Jack Nelson, and wide receiver Will Clauson,” said Duellman.

Both players know how much work will be needed to actually get on to the field.

“I need to put on some weight,” said both Duellman and Kerrigan.  Odds are, these two football players will make their second home in the weight room this off-season.

Kyle plans on going into business, while Colin is taking pre-med.

Along with Winona State, Duellman was also considering Whitewater and Mankato, while Kerrigan was considering St. Thomas.

Cotter will miss the scoring ability and leadership of both of these two year starters.

Colin and Kyle combined for 14 touchdowns this past season and are the first Cotter athletes to commit to Division II since Kenny Kirkvold committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth back in 2012.