Signing day on Feb. 25 marked a major milestone for senior Evan Berg, signaling both an achievement and a new beginning. On this day, Berg formally committed to Bismarck State College to play football at the collegiate level. “The signing means a lot to me because I get to go on and play in college, as well as a new chance to start another program,” he said. Coach Holmen, the head coach of Minot North’s football team, said the “football program could not be more proud of Evan.” The program looks forward to watching Berg develop at the college level as his biggest fans.

Berg, who has been playing football for four years, stated that he only started taking the sport seriously in his sophomore year. His father convinced him to play football during his freshman year, and since then, both his parents have supported him throughout his journey.

The realization that college football was within reach came after his junior year, when he earned All-State. That recognition confirmed what years of hard work and dedication had been building toward, opening the door to the next level.

Choosing a program to commit to wasn’t a light decision. He selected Bismarck State College to play with because of the coaches and their vision for the future. “Playing at Minot North showed me what a great team environment and coaches are like,” Berg explained. “Meeting [the coaches] at Bismarck State felt like Minot North again.”

Now, as he transitions to college-level play, Berg is focused on preparation and improvement. “I plan to keep working hard to improve,” he said, highlighting his commitment to become a starter for Bismarck State during their first season. Coach Holmen described him as a tremendous worker and “as tough as they come,” noting that nobody in the program has played more snaps than Berg.

Berg plays both fullback and middle linebacker, positions he believes suits him because of his toughness. However, football has always been more than just a game.

“My favorite part is playing with all my good friends,” he said. Beyond the game itself, Berg said football has taught him important life lessons. “Sometimes things don’t go your way,” he explained, reflecting on the challenges he faced during his freshman year, when he struggled with the desire to quit. Pushing through those moments helped shape his growth as both an athlete and a person. Coach Holmen added that the team relied heavily on Berg during challenging times, demonstrating the resilience and leadership he brought to every game.
When asked what advice he would give younger athletes hoping to follow in his footsteps, he had a simple and direct response: “Keep working hard.” Berg’s message shows the dedication and discipline that have defined his football journey, all the way from his first years in high school to his next chapter at Bismarck State.

Beyond his performance on the field, Berg’s leadership has been a monumental part of the team. He served as a captain for three seasons, and Coach Holmen said that, “for as good as Evan is as a football player, he is an even better person. The example he set for our younger players was vital in helping develop the standard of what it looks like to be a Sentinel.”

His journey from Minot North to Bismarck State not only reflects talent and dedication, but also support, resilience, and a love for the game. Coach Holmen stated that Berg was a joy to coach and an invaluable leader and someone the program will remember for years to come. With college football as his next step, Evan Berg is ready to take on the next challenge while carrying the lessons and experiences of the past with him.