Lake City boys basketball player signs contract, honored on senior night

Signing a big-time contract to play on the biggest stage is a dream that many young athletes don't get to achieve. But for Lake City's Blake Fredrick, that dream was realized as the Tigers promoted him to the varsity squad for senior night.

Fredrick is a member of the Lake City boys basketball team but the coaches wanted to do something special to honor him on senior night for his dedication to his teammates and the program.

The 18-year-old, who is also a special needs student, is a big sports fan and has been infatuated with contracts since Kirk Cousins signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018.

Fredrick signed a contract of his own when joining the Tigers junior varsity team three years ago, but Lake City head coach Greg Berge and his staff had the idea to present him with a new contract before Thursday's game against Rochester Lourdes.

With a flick of his signature, Frederick was a member of the Tigers' varsity team.

Fredrick came into the game late during the Tigers' 68-58 victory, but couldn't get on the scoresheet. Although he has scored during a JV game against Waseca last year, Berge said the moment was one to remember.

"He's a great kid that means so much to our team," Berge said. "He's social and a positive influence...the kids are so good with Blake and you knew how much it meant to him."