For many high school athletes, getting a scholarship offer is the result of years of hard work and dedication. One standout player from Shadow Ridge High School recently reached that goal. After an amazing season on the field, Senior Joseph Darr received a scholarship offer from Mayville State University, a school known for its strong football program. The connection is even more special because Mayville State is where Shadow Ridge alum Devon Woods, who became an All-American linebacker, made his name.

Darr says, “It is encouraging to see someone from the same high school as me succeed at the university that I was offered by. It leads me to believe I could find great success there too.”

This program will help Darr reach his full potential as a wide receiver whereas his position was limited in the Shadow Ridge offensive scheme

“I’ve heard from my coaches here at Shadow Ridge how great of a leader Devon was. Although we play different positions, he was a standout player and a great example for underclassmen athletes. I hope the underclassmen now view me in the same way,” says Darr.

Darr was thrilled to receive this offer as it was the first offer that he has earned and was excited by the belief Coach Olsen of Mayville said that they had in him. 

Darr says, “As a football player the most important factors to me are how well the program is run and how much the players already on the team enjoy it. I want to find a place where I can realize success in athletics while also receiving a good education.”

Most athletes know that balancing school and sports is a demanding task but this school year has been Darr’s best academically as he’s been able to reach out to coaches and teachers like Coach Nighswonger and Ms. Smith to help him stay on top of his assignments during the season. 

“I look back at the 2023 playoffs in a big game against our biggest rival, the Arbor View Aggies where I was able to provide a spark on offense with 2 big plays with a strong contested catch and another reception on the sideline on 3rd down. This season in another playoff game, I was able to get a deflection on defense during a big 3rd down play against Legacy’s 3 star, Utah Tech commit, wide receiver, Dominic Oliver. These plays helped us triumph in both big playoff matchups,” says Darr.