MENAHGA, Minn.– Menahga Braves football keeps building. Bringing out a record number of nearly 30 athletes since returning to Menahga football in 2020.
“It’s really fun,” said junior running back Conrad Koll. “Just being with the boys.”
A team stocking up on varsity experience the last couple seasons. The Braves, led by head coach Kris Koll, look to make the leap in the upcoming battle that is the 2025 campaign.
“We’re going to be playing men against men,” said coach Koll. “They have kind of taken their beatings and they believe that it’s their turn. Their turn to be the guys on top and they truly believe that.”
Menahga coaches love their depth in the running back room that’s led by Conrad Koll.
“Just got to be mean,” Conrad said.
A violent running style is what he hopes to bring to the Braves. Keeping it simple on the field.
“Finding the hole. I’m going yard,” Conrad added.
Those running backs will be guided by Menahga’s offensive line. Winning in the trenches is where coach Koll knows their success matters most.
“It is ultimately going to come down to how durable our line is. Staying healthy, conditioning, can they play,” said coach Koll.
A leader on the offensive line is right tackle Tanner Trombley. The senior may be undersized compared to traditional offensive tackles but with years of experience, he feels he can turn it into a strength.
“I’m smaller than most tackles. I weigh about 150-155 [pounds]. So I may not be as strong but I’m quick and agile. I’m able to get around people a lot quicker than most people would be able to be,” said Trombley
Senior Dean Torma is ready to fly all over the field in any position the team needs him to be in. But loves roaming the middle of the field as a linebacker most of all.
“You get to hit people every time,” said Torma. “So fun.”
Torma’s favorite football memory is upsetting New York Mills during his freshman season. Now he wants to make more memories in his final year on the gridiron in front of the Menahga fans.
“It’s going to be great,” Torman continued. “I’m getting shivers and goosebumps just thinking about it.”
The 2025 schedule filled with local rivals like Wadena-Deer Creek, New York Mills, Otter Tail Central, and others. It’s a welcomed sight for coach Koll, who feels his team has an opportunity to continue growing Braves football into this season and beyond.
“We have had good fan support, especially here at home. and I think if we can come out and get a win or two early. I think that the town and community would just be ecstatic,” said coach Koll. “So if we start putting a couple wins together early in a season that’s going to build huge momentum.”
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