Family advice leads Truelson’s college decision

The decision on where to go to college is a tough one for any high school student.
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, 18 Owatonna high school student-athletes made that decision in celebration of National Signing Day, signaling not only would be furthering their education at these schools but also, furthering their athletic careers.
For Brayden Truelson, this part made the choice even tougher.
Not only did he need to decide where he wanted to go, but what sport he wanted to play, as his ability at football and baseball drew the attention of schools.
Truelson said when decided to go with baseball, it narrowed down his choices, and considered his options with advice from his family lingering in his head.
“They told me to pick wherever I felt comfortable, wherever I felt like was home,” Truelson said.
Truelson noted that his family has always been important to him, saying how they have given good advice that has led to him making good decisions.
With that, he ultimately chose St. John’s, where off the mound he will studying business.
The decision brought excitement to some of his biggest supporters, his grandparents, Ann and Roland Truelson, both of which knew for a long time that Brayden was athletically gifted.
Ann Truelson remembered games from years ago where other spectators would come up to her and Roland and tell them about how talented their grandson was. For Roland, he noticed and experienced the strength of his grandson firsthand when he was playing catch with Brayden, who at the time, was only in third grade.
“I told him, ‘Bradyen you can’t be a catcher, you got to be a pitcher’ because my hand hurt so hard from him throwing the ball,” Roland Truelson said.
Watching the transformation of this young boy develop into a college athlete has been one that they have enjoyed greatly and have been able to enjoy most of his athletic events when they take place at Owatonna. However, their ability to attend events this year in-person has been difficult due to the ongoing pandemic.
While they may not see him competing as much, Roland and Ann have still been able to see Brayden, as he is often over providing a helpful hand to his grandparents.
“We see him quite often, he helps whenever we need jobs to be done that we cannot do, he is always willing to come and help us,” Ann Truelson said.
As Brayden finishes up his high school career, his grandmother gave some advice as he looks ahead to his future at St. John’s.
“Just study, and continue studying hard, and have fun, enjoy his college years,” Ann Truelson said.
 
 
Owatonna National Signing Day Signees
Maggie Newhouse – Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Pre-Sonography – Basketball
Sarah Kingland – Minnesota State University, Moorhead – Elementary Education – Basketball
Lindsay Bangs – Gustavus Adolphus – Biology – Gymnastics
Matthew Seykora – Southwest Minnesota State University – Agricultural Business – Baseball
Grace Wolfe – St. Cloud State University – Forensic Science or Criminology – Hockey
Anna Herzog – University of Wisconsin, Stout – Applied Sciences – Soccer
Sydney Hunst – College of St. Benedict – Integrated Science or Biology – Hockey
Nolan Burmeister – St. John’s University – Kinesiology – Basketball
Lincoln Maher – University of Wisconsin, La Crosse – Political Science – Tennis
Libby Janka – Rochester Community and Technical College – Soccer
Megan Johnson – Minnesota State University, Mankato – Nursing – Tennis
Caitlynee Bussert - Minnesota State University, Mankato – Criminal Justice – Tennis
Jenna Gleason – Dordt University – Nursing – Track and Field
Emma Dahnert – Southwest Minnesota State University – Elementary Education – Soccer
Jacob Meiners – Augsburg College – Statistics – Baseball
Zach Stransky - University of Wisconsin, River Falls – Ag Business – Football
Brayden Truelson – St. John’s University – Business – Baseball
Cole Earles – St. Scholastica – Athletic Training – Football