Briese signs to play football for Montana Tech

Havre High senior Levi Briese will become the second player from the 2003 Havre Blue Ponies to sign a NAIA letter of intent to play college football for the Montana Tech Orediggers next fall in Butte.

"I am really happy and excited to get a chance to play football at Montana Tech," Briese said. "I always told myself that I could play football at the next level and now I have that opportunity."

Briese opted for the Orediggers over South Dakota Tech and said that family and friends played a big part in his decision.

"My parents told me that they would support me no matter what my decision would be, but I know they were leaning towards Butte," Briese said. "Now, I will have the opportunity to be close to my family and friends. I will get to continue to play football at Blue Pony Stadium once a season."

Academics also played an important role in Briese's decision to play football at Montana Tech. He has a 3.89 cumulative GPA and he plans on majoring in Petroleum Engineering at Montana Tech.

Briese capped off a phenomenal career as a Havre Blue Pony last fall as he helped lead Havre to the Central A conference championship and a trip to the Class A state championship game where the Ponies were defeated by Laurel in Havre in November.

He was named as a first team all-state fullback and a second team all-state linebacker in 2002. Briese was named to the all-conference first team at both positions.

Defensively, Briese set the Havre High School record for most tackles in a season with 136. While on offense, he rushed for 615 yards and five touchdowns and caught 14 passes for 143 yards including three touchdown catches. He was named by his teammates as the Ponies most outstanding player this season.

Briese is listed as a running back by Montana Tech head coach Bob Green, but he isn't quite sure what position he will play for the Orediggers.

"I don't know where they want me to play," Briese said. "It will be a tough decision to make because I love playing both positions, but I am prepared for whatever they need me to do."

Briese will join fellow Havre High teammate Justin Kegel at Montana Tech. Kegel signed with the Orediggers to play quarterback last month.