FIELD TWP- North Woods Grizzlies standout wide receiver/safety Erik Aune will continue his football career next fall with the Hamline University Pipers.
The 6’1” senior became a favorite target of North Woods quarterback Ty Fabish after joining the Grizzlies in his junior season. Aune previously was an all-state receiver and defensive back and state statistical leader in receptions, receiving yards, scoring receptions, and interceptions for his eight-man state championship team in Louisiana. At North Woods he was honorable mention all-district last year and a pre-season second-team all-state defensive back pick this year.
“I heard from about a dozen programs, but it came down to Hamline and the University of Wisconsin-Stout,” Aune said. “In the end, Hamline just seemed like a better fit for me.”
Aune said he’s ready to play on either side of the ball for the St. Paul-based Pipers, an NCAA Division III school that plays in the Skyline division of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Hamline’s program gave him the best opportunity to contribute immediately, he said.
“They suit up everyone for every game home and away,” Aune said. “Everyone has an opportunity to start and play.”
An academic honors student with a 3.9 grade point average, Aune said he’s looking at studying business analytics, with an eye toward a master’s degree and possibly moving into the college football coaching ranks.