Arden Hills, Minn. – Josh Aakre, a four-year contributor to the Royals offense has made a name for himself beyond the scope of Bethel University and even the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), as Aakre has recently been asked to join the Osnabrück Tigers football squad. The Tigers, a German team in the northern half of the country, competes in the Regionalliga North in Group South.
 
Aakre, a senior out of Dawson, Minn., was contacted by Head Coach Jovi Stojceski, who inquired about Aakre because of the Tiger's desire for a running quarterback. Not a bad person to contact either, as Aakre finished his senior season with the most touchdowns in school history for a single season. Of the 30 touchdowns scored last year, 14 were rushing, as Aakre finished the season as a top ten rusher in the conference with 841 yards on 141 rushes. His 6.0 yards-per-carry and 84 yards-per-game helped him finish fifth overall in both categories.
 
This wasn't the first time Aakre was contacted, nor was it the first time the quarterback had thought about life overseas. Aakre said that he had been contacted earlier in the fall during the season by a different team and had really grown to appreciate different cultures quite a bit more after traveling to Belize for a class over interim break.
 
When asked about what excites him most, Aakre responds, “The opportunity to continue to play football – the sport I absolutely love, have grown up with, have watched since a little boy – is exhilarating.” Aakre continued, “I was initially hesitant about the culture barrier and how it cuts into my education desires though.”
 
Head Coach Steve Johnson believes that the change of scenery may be one of the most valuable components to this opportunity. “Having the chance to play football in a different country is truly exciting. Josh will learn a new culture and I am excited about what encounters he will experience. It will be an eye-opening time, but I am anxious to witness 'Aak's' growth in the process.”
 
Aakre took comfort from a former professional athlete from his hometown, who spent significant time in Germany. Former NBA and European player Jeff Nordgaard, a Dawson, Minn. native, advised Aakre that the language barrier is moderate and that Germany, in general, is very Americanized and easy to get around.
 
Fortunately it won't be a completely uncommon place, as Aakre stated that each German team has the opportunity to bring in four American players and he will likely participate with three others from the United States. The quarterback also noted that the offensive coordinator is originally from Des Moines, Iowa.
 
One item Aakre was intentionally praying about as he was determining whether or not to accept the offer was the question of finishing his collegiate degree this spring. Fortunately, Aakre was able to make arrangements with his professors to complete course work from a distance.
 
Due to the German team's desire, Aakre needed to make a rather quick decision. After studying the contract and conversing with family and close friends, Aakre made the decision to go for it. “Football was something my dad wishes he wouldn't have given up as early as he did and its something I can't see myself giving up yet,” says Aakre. “If it's only for a year, I am okay with that. But if more doors open up in the future I will be greatly excited to be a vessel wherever the Lord has me.”
 
Bethel University's quarterback coach, Scott Kirchoff, expressed his excitement for Josh in the new endeavor. “Josh's ability to play in Germany provides a neat opportunity to showcase his athletic skills and serve those in a very different culture,” says Kirchoff. “Just by virture of going somewhere that is unfamiliar to Josh, it will allow him to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.”
 
Aakre knows this is a unique experience and he sees it as outlet to utilize the education and experiences he has received while being a Bethel University student in the real world. “The coaching I've had has prepared me as a better QB and player. That will give me the skills to be a better player overseas,” expresses Aakre. “The city life here has changed my perspective after growing up in a small town. Furthermore, my education intertwined with faith component has allowed me to strengthen my faith as I go into a new place, new culture, and new religious thoughts thrown at me.”
 
Aakre leaves for Osnabrück next week, as he and the Tigers will prepare for the upcoming season that starts in May and stretches until September.