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Two tough workhorses - Braham's Auger, C-I's Porta chosen Isanti County News co-Fall Athletes of Year

Posted Online: 11/12/02

By Greg Hunt

Tough as nails and relentless as a German diesel engine, Tory Auger led the Braham football to the section title game by never giving in. The Bomber fullback and middle linebacker often supplied the hardest-hitting sounds on the field when he met either the would-be tackler or the opposing runningback. Joining a list of great multi-talented athletes at Braham High, Auger has earned the Isanti County News Fall Athlete of the Year award.

Auger finished the season with 1,834 yards on 304 carries, an average of 167 yards and 28 carries per game. Scoring 26 touchdowns and finishing with 172 total points, Auger knew how to find the end zone, and often an unfortunate corner or safety was left laying in his wake in that pursuit. But what may be remembered most about Auger is the string of repeated carries when the Bombers were attempting a clock-killing, game-clinching drive.

"During those times when Tory kept getting all those carries, we called that 'Lombardi Time' where we knew the other team knew what was coming, but Tory and the rest of team were saying 'You try to stop us,'" said Bomber head coach Terry Bodeen. "You couldn't have asked for a better leader on the team than Tory. His work ethic is outstanding, and his leadership skills are beyond belief. He went into every game knowing we could win."

"He has the most extremely-developed linebacking skills. He wanted to bring a precision and perfection to our defense," continued Coach Bodeen. "And when he ran on offense, he would see the whole line and where they should be blocking. He was like having a coach in the huddle on every play."

One of Bodeen's favorite Auger playing segments came in the exciting win over East Central which kept the team's Great River Conference win streak on track. With the Eagles facing 3rd and 4th goal inside the Bomber 2 yard line, there was Auger flying over the top from his linebacker spot to stop Joe Battaglia's scoring attempts.

"Tory is just a great athlete in every aspect," finished Bodeen. "I first noticed him on the basketball court years ago, and you could see it then. We thought maybe he could play quarterback for us since he had the best arm on the team. He just enjoys the game of football, and off the field, you couldn't find a kinder or gentler young man. Whatever college gets him next year is sure getting a great diamond in the rough."

Phil Porta

His runs on the football field were a thing of balanced beautyñpower to bounce off tackle attempts and breakout speed to complete the big gainer. With record-setting numbers, versatility and a fantastic attitude, Cambridge-Isanti senior Phil Porta holds a unique position in Bluejacket football history, and he rightfully earned an Isanti County News 2002 Fall Athlete of the Year award.

Porta finished the 2002 season with 1593 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns on 228 carries. He added 374 yards and 2 touchdowns on kickoff returns, plus he aided the Bluejackets by filling in as a hard-hitting cornerback, punt returner, punt blocker and kick-off kicker. He could do it all.

"Phil provided great leadership for us during his career," said Bluejacket head coach Todd Larkin. "In a nutshell, he represented our team as a wholeñhe worked hard and he loves football. The senior class loved to come to practice everyday and loved the Friday night games. Phil kind of typifies that."

Over his three seasons on the varsity, which included playing a major role in the 2000 squad's Class 4A State championship, Porta set the team record for rushing with 3,742 yards, breaking Preston Treichel's 1997-99 mark of 3,334 yards. Adding 280 career yards on pass receptions and 1061 yards on kick/punt returns, Porta accumulated 5,083 all-purpose yards, another team record. The amazingly multi-faceted Todd Treichel (1969-72) held the Bluejacket record with 4,936 yards.

"I guess that means a lot to have my name on those records. It's a huge testament to my teammates for the work they did to open holes for me," said Porta, when the numbers were passed on to him. "There really is no better feeling when you get into the open field and know you're going to score a touchdown."

Asked how he wanted to be remembered in the annals of Bluejacket lore, Porta quickly responded, "Hopefully, it's not as much what happened on the field, but how people saw me off the field, too. I tried to be an example for Christ, and I hope that's what people will remember, as well."

Not surprising, Porta is planning on playing football somewhere next year. Bethel College and North Dakota are high on the list, and Phil is also excited that Harvard has contacted him. Wherever he goes, that program is going to get one neat kid to add a unique depth to the team.