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A Tale of Two Bluejays: Friendship and Football


tale of two bluejays10/15/16

Fifth Grade. That is when Austin Pulse and Andrew Sorensen met for the first time and became friends not too far away, in Brandon, South Dakota. Fast forward a few years to today. Andrew and Austin, still friends and now roommates, both freshman at Minnesota West, both Law Enforcement majors and once again teammates - Bluejays this time.

Photo: Austin Pulse is pictured on the left and Andrew Sorensen is on the right.

Austin Pulse has been aware of Minnesota West for quite a while, both of his parents attended Minnesota West and were student athletes. Austin's father Scott Pulse wrestled under Bluejay Football head coach, Jeff Linder, and was also a graduate of the Minnesota West Law Enforcement program. His Mother, Karli Oye, played volleyball and softball as a Lady Jay. Austin said, “They both encouraged me to look into Minnesota West. So I did and I ended up loving it.” He decided to apply to the Law Enforcement program as his Father and many other family members have worked in law enforcement which has inspired Austin to make the same choice. Austin is an offensive and defensive lineman in the Bluejay football program. His favorite part of being a Bluejay is the way the team has come together and feels like a family as well as all the new people he has met and friends made in the last few months.

Andrew Sorensen learned about Minnesota West through Austin, as well as through his own Father. He was further drawn to Minnesota West by the comprehensive Law Enforcement program. Minnesota West was a great choice for Andrew to prepare him for his future career, as well as to continue playing football. And with an added bonus of being only about 45 minutes from home. Andrew’s draw to the Law Enforcement program comes from his desire to continue to be physically active within his career, but more importantly is his desire to be involved in community and make a difference. Andrew is a middle linebacker with the Bluejays and currently leads the NJCAA in tackles. Andrew was very modest when congratulated on leading the nation in tackles. Like Austin, he enjoys being part of a family here at Minnesota West, not only as part of the Bluejay Football Program, but also within the Law Enforcement Program.

We look forward to seeing many great things from Austin and Andrew to come! We are proud of our student athletes learning with purpose at Minnesota West.