by By Dan Ninham
Peyton Neadeau is a graduating senior of the class of 2024 at Bemidji High School in Bemidji, Minnesota. He is also a multi-athlete for the BHS Lumberjacks for the past few years.
Neadeau signed his national letter of intent to attend and compete in baseball at the NCAA DIII University of Minnesota Morris.
Neadeau considered his major athletic accomplishment was being a multi-athlete in a large school classification in the state. He not only played three varsity sports but started in all three sports since he was a sophomore.
Representing his family and his racial identity are important traits. “Being multi-racial I’m always thinking about representing my people well on the field, in school, in my community,” said Neadeau who is also a Red Lake Band of Ojibwe member.
Elite athletes have a strong support network that oftentimes begins at home and extends to their coaches.
“My parents are my mentors,” Neadeau said. “They help me with whatever I need help with. They are always making me be the best version of myself each and every day.”
Dad Ogema and mom Erica Neadeau are the biggest fans of their son the multi-athlete as well as graduated daughter Isabelle and Peyton’s twin Audrey who both played varsity volleyball and softball for the Bemidji HS Lumberjacks. Isabelle is a freshman at the University of Minnesota and Audrey is healing from a summer softball injury and looking forward to spring softball.
Ogema said, “Peyton is more of a ‘on the field’ leader than a verbal leader. He’s been counted since he was a little kid to perform in big moments and he’s never backed away from those moments. Sometimes they worked out in his favor and sometimes they didn’t but he’s never shied away.”
“When he’s finished with high school he will have lettered in football, hockey and baseball for three years and he’s been a contributor all three years. What we are most proud of is that he is one of just a few kids of color on the field or ice. I don’t know if there has been a Native American/Filipino kid who’s played QB at BHS. He is very aware that he represents his peoples and is hopefully opening doors for other kids.”
The varsity head coaches that have believed in him through his high school years are Brian Stoffel, football, Pete Stanhke, hockey, and Mike Fogelson, baseball. Fogelson and Stanhke have stepped down since their last seasons as head coaches.
Neadeau was the starting quarterback for the Bemidji HS Lumberjacks. He sustained a broken collarbone on October 18. He said, “My recovery is going great. I haven’t had any pain at all over these last couple weeks. I attend hockey practice as an observer. I can start skating again in about one-two weeks.”
Neadeau’s former head coaches commented on his athleticism and team first leadership.
“What I have appreciated about Peyton‘s leadership is that he is humble, and willing to put others first,” said Bryan Stoffel, head football coach at Bemidji HS. “My favorite story of Peyton’s leadership happened at the end of this year. Peyton suffered a season ending injury in his final regular season game as a senior. In a situation where most kids would sulk, Peyton immediately went to help his replacement. For the remainder of the game, Peyton was on the sideline cheering for the back-up and talking about adjustments needed to be made on the sideline, all the while having a broken collarbone.”
Pete Stanhke, former head coach of the boys varsity hockey program said: “Peyton is a highly skilled hockey player with an excellent shot and mobility. Peyton shows his leadership not by being highly vocal but by treating everyone with respect. He treats his teammates and coaches as well as any player I have ever coached. For example, in one game, we held him to a higher standard, and he absolutely delivered his best game as a Lumberjack.”
“He is one of the most coachable players I have ever coached. He always comes with the same personality and work ethic to every practice and game. He is an outstanding young man!” added former Coach Stahnke.
Mike Fogelson coached Peyton during his sophomore and junior seasons. He talked about his former athlete: “Peyton was an integral part of our baseball team as a junior last year. He was one of our top pitchers and pitched in a lot of big games for us. He also was our second baseman and had some key hits and defensive plays for us throughout the year.”
“Peyton was a big game pitcher for us and took the ball for some key games when we really needed someone to step up and set the tone. His ability to compete in tight situations and throw great pitches with the game on the line was huge for us. He will be looking to capitalize on that momentum and have a great senior season!”
“I picked college baseball over the other two sports because I love playing it and I have the most fun doing it,” said Neadeau. “I chose UM Morris early on in my senior year because it was the best fit for me and I didn’t want to go my senior year not knowing where I was going to attend college.”
Photo: Ogema and Erica Neadeau
Congratulations to the parents and Peyton! Good luck at the next level!