by By Dan Ninham
Kenly Gordon, 18, is a senior at Bagley HS in MN. He is a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe.
“I compete for the Bagley HS Flyers and I was on varsity basketball for four years,” said Kenly. “I became an athlete in the third grade when I played basketball all year long. I played my last year of basketball this year. I was on the varsity roster as a freshmen and started my sophomore year.”
“I started football in fifth grade and finished this year. I played varsity football my sophomore year. I also started playing baseball in the seventh grade, and got my first varsity at bat in ninth grade. My sophomore year I was been named All Pine to Prairie Conference and honorable mention in the 8AA section. I also won offensive player of the year. My junior year I won the same exact awards,” added Kenly.
“My tribal core value is what pushes me to be the best I can be, to show people that we can all make something of our lives,” said Kenly. “To influence the little kids to do well in school and make something of themselves.”
“My dad Kenny Gordon has been the biggest influence in my life whether that be pushing me in the classroom, on the basketball court or football field,” said Kenly. “He pushes me to be the best I can be. Even on the days I don’t want to do anything he’s there to push me.”
“My brothers have a huge role in my life too,” said Kenly. “I want Holden and Knoah to look up to me and be a good influence on them so when they get older they can make something of themselves and be a positive influence on younger kids.”
“Kenly has been an outstanding student-athlete while at Bagley High School,” said Brandon Schwegel, head BHS football coach. “His work ethic and positive attitude have made him excellent role model in the Bagley School Community.”
“Kenly has been one of the most enjoyable players I have coached,” said Darin Carstens, head BHS basketball coach. “He has an inner drive, is goal driven and has the ability to be a leader on and off the floor. His work ethic is impeccable and Kenly has been able to prioritize and balance all that comes his way in daily life and maintain his humbleness while being at or near the top athletically and academically. He is a role model to so many younger players due to his great personality and not letting disappointments get in the way from him always smiling and laughing.”
“I just keep a positive mindset and just keep training and working hard in the classroom,” said Kenly. “I am a three-sport athlete and have been competing at the varsity level for a few years. I have a 3.3 GPA and work hard in school to be the best for me and my family.”
Photo Credit: Jane Crist Photography and Carrie Schwageman
