by Malik Mitchell
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg High School is finding success early in the 2023-2024 season, currently on a 5-game win streak. Last season, KMS had an 8-3 record, making a Class A quarterfinal game appearance. Contributing to the Fighting Saints’ success are three stars who dominate on both sides of the ball.
“Our wins are because of how our family is,” senior Hunter Kallstrom said. “We trust each other, hold each other accountable, and work as one team on that field.”
Senior Hunter Kallstrom (pictured above), a 6-foot-4, 235-pound tight end/defensive end was named 2023 Class 2A preseason player of the year. Last season, Kallstrom had 92 carries, 574 rushing yards, 35 receptions for 566 yards, 53 tackles, and nine sacks. In June, the giant clocked a 4.58 40-yard time, 9’10” broad jump, and a 36-inch vertical at the Minnesconsin Mega Camp. A month later, on Aug. 27, he accepted an invitation to play in the Blue-Grey All-American bowl game as a tight end, which will take place in January.
“I feel very blessed to be from a small community in Minnesota and get recognized by a big national game,” Kallstrom added.
The Fighting Saint marks a 225-pound bench, 405-pound squat, and a 405-pound deadlift. According to 247Sports, Kallstrom is the No. 15 recruit and No. 5 as a defensive end in the state for the class of 2024. Kallstrom held several Division 1 offers from programs like UND, SDSU, and St. Thomas before committing to Wyoming to play tight end on Aug. 7.
“I feel like God was the main reason why I chose Wyoming. I prayed and prayed and I felt like God was leading me in that direction,” Kallstrom.
Senior Malaki Lee is a 6-foot-2, 215-pound athletic player who plays wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive end. Lee was named 2023 Class 2A pre-season second-team wide receiver. Lee became the player he is now as a result of him practicing with varsity since the eighth grade.
Senior wide receiver/defensive back Malaki Lee is one of the big three for Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg who is off to a 5-0 start in Class 2A. PHOTO SUBMITTED“Our goal is to finish what we started last year. After making it to state and losing in the first round, we want to win it all,” said Lee. “I took that loss personally because I knew we were the better team and we should’ve won, but we didn’t. I played so hard just to lose that game, so this year is personal.”
Lastly, junior Jett Olson is a 5-foot-10, 180-pound running back/linebacker who is the No. 22 overall linebacker in the class of 2025 per Prep Redzone. Last season, Olson had 64 tackles, five of which were tackle for a loss, and two fumble recoveries. Through the first three games, Olson had 52 carries for 584 yards and five touchdowns. Olson has been playing varsity since his freshman campaign in the 2021-2022 season, in which they had a record of 3-7. Things turned around in the following season, as the Fighting Saints would make a state tournament run.
“Watching this team go from that to making a state tournament run last year was a great experience,” said Olson. “Through that change, this team has built a culture that I am grateful to be a part of.”
Junior running back/linebacker Jett Olson has bene solid on both sides of the ball for KMS as they enter Week 6 undefeated at 5-0. PHOTO SUBMITTEDOlson values being able to play in front of his community and the encouragement they provide throughout each season, which helps him become a better person. He is what he is today because of his family, community, and coaches. He not only gives his all on the field, but he also will go above and beyond for the benefit of the team.
“My coaches know that they are getting 100 percent of me every day and that I am willing to do whatever the team needs to win that week whether that be changing positions or helping teach younger players,” Olson added.
Olson has aspirations to play at the collegiate level and is excited to see where that goal brings him as a player and a person.
