Detroit Lakes senior running back and linebacker Gabe Hanninen has been selected to play in the 2019 Minnesota Football Showcase game presented by Andersen Windows and Doors.
The all-star game will kick off at 1:05 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Hanninen had a superb season on both sides of the ball for Detroit Lakes (9-1) finding the end zone often. His season was highlighted offensively in the section semifinal victory over Willmar. He gained 182 yards on 13 carries scoring three touchdowns and completed a historic performance catching two touchdown passes for 72 yards. He was a man possessed defensively also getting in on 15 tackles (5 solo, 10 assists).
Another memorable moment was Hanninen’s 65-yard, game-winning, interception return in the fourth quarter of a 20-14 victory at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton in week six.
The December game will be the 47th All-Star contest in state history and will again have some of the top players in the state from all classes. Going into this week’s State football semifinals, 25 All-Star players and one All-Star coach will participate in semifinal games at U.S. Bank Stadium.
ADVERTISEMENT
The head coaches for the 2019 game are Jon Konold of Willmar High for the North team and Brad Wendland of Waseca High for the South squad.
Mahnomen-Waubun’s Paul Clark will represent Class 1A on the North team’s coaching staff.
The first Minnesota All-Star Football Game was played in 1945 and has been an annual series since 1974. In the history of the series, 94 players have gone on to play or coach in the National Football League, including current Vikings Adam Thielen (2008 All-Star) and C.J. Ham (2011 All-Star).
The Showcase is played in partnership between the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and the Minnesota Vikings. Along with the game as the centerpiece, there will be youth football clinics, performances by high school marching bands, cheer and dance teams.
Admission for adults is $18 and $8 for ages 6-17. Kids 5 and under are free. All proceeds benefit the MFCA and the Tackle Cancer Campaign.
The teams will practice December 4-6 at Concordia University-St. Paul (North team) and Augsburg University (South team).
ADVERTISEMENT
