Dalton Holst

Quarterback / Chadron State

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Dalton Holst:  I am 6’3, 200 pounds and I ran a 4.83 laser time this last February.    

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Dalton Holst:  I have been working out with one of our receivers Cole Thurness.  We have been able to work out at his dad’s garage.  We had some weights.  We got a rack in mid-April.  I have been able to throw to our guys on the field.  WR Cole Thurness is a very good athlete.  He is an NFL caliber guy.    

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Dalton Holst:  Basketball was my other main sport.    

Alex Khvatov:  When did you start playing QB?      

Dalton Holst:  My dad is a coach.  He is a co-offensive coordinator in high school right now.  I started playing QB in third grade at Wyoming.  Junior year, I played safety.  The QB that started ahead of me broke the state passing record.  He was quite the QB and an athlete.  I started at QB on varsity as a senior.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Dalton Holst:  Halfway through my senior year, Black Hills State showed interest.  Then they quit talking to me.  Rocky Mountain College and Dakota Wesleyan offered me.  Wyoming offered me as a walk-on   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Chadron State? 

Dalton Holst:  It is a great culture here.  It is a smaller school.  But I knew that I could focus on football at Chadron. 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career?      

Dalton Holst:  We have been above .500 each year.  We definitely could have won more games.  We went 7-3 my sophomore year.  We went 5-0 at home.  We got a new field that year.  Last year, we went 6-5.  Our receiver Tevon Wright broke the receiving TD record at Chadron State.  He had 16 TD’s.  I broke the single season passing record and single season TD record at the school last year.  I have been a three-year starter.   

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

Dalton Holst:  Every year, the goal is to win the RMAC.  We want to make a deep playoff run.  I have never been to the playoffs here.        

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Dalton Holst:  I am a skinny guy.  The intangibles, being smart and cool under pressure.  I stay calm and understand what the defense is giving me.  I understand the concept and the scheme.      

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Dalton Holst:  We will be running a new offense this year.  We didn’t have spring practice.  I need to get a better understanding of the offense.  A QB could always work on his footwork.  I watched my film, and my foot is planted weird at times.  Footwork and ball placement.   

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Dalton Holst:  I am not your typical football player.  My nickname is “bones” because I am skinny.  I don’t look like a football player.  I always stay focused.  I don’t get too high or too low.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Dalton Holst:  My best game was during the 7-3 season my sophomore year.  We beat Colorado Mesa on the road.  They were ranked.  We beat them by four points on their homecoming.  No one expected us to win.  It was a major highlight. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Dalton Holst:  They always preached about hard work.  We are a tough team.  Chadron isn’t located in the best area as far as recruiting.  The culture that we have here brings the team closer together. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Dalton Holst:  I am from Wyoming, but I am a Tampa Bay Bucs fan.  I liked the pirate logo.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Dalton Holst:  WR Mike Evans.  He was a great pick.  I loved RB Cadillac Williams.  My mom is a huge Broncos fan.     

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Dalton Holst:  WR Cole Thurness has the measurables that are off the charts.  RB Elijah Myles was a second team all-conference.  He will be a junior.  OL Justin Calderon is a JUCO kid who is quiet the athlete.  He is a good dude.  TE Colt Foster.  LB Travis Wilson is a great athlete.  He was top five in the conference in tackles.  We have a solid defense. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Dalton Holst:  Freshman year, there was a DE (Slater Elkind) from Colorado Mesa.  He won 2017 defensive player of the year in the conference.  He hit me on every play.  He hit hard. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a QB?

Dalton Holst:  Being cerebral and knowledgeable about the game.  Understanding football.  If you don’t watch film, you are not going to figure it out.  You can’t teach intangibles.  The mental aspect is much bigger.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Dalton Holst:  The team aspect and the camaraderie.  One guy doesn’t lose or win the game.  We have a bond and hold everyone accountable.      

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Dalton Holst:  I like to golf a lot.  I work at a golf course.  Watching movies and racquetball.     

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Dalton Holst:  Teaching or coaching.  I have one more year to get my degree. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader? 

Dalton Holst:  A guy who shows through his actions.  A leader is in the front.  You have to walk the walk.  Lead by example.  It is not a popularity contest.  Not everyone will like you.    

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Dalton Holst:  Determined, worker, funny, relaxed, and happy.