“On the dotted line” is a new series spotlighting local athletes and their journeys to signing National Letters of Intent. If you know of an athlete who’s already signed or will be and should be featured, please email bwalton@journalnet.com.
POCATELLO − In a football season filled with adversity, it still ended like a fairytale.
The Highland High School football team defeated Coeur d’Alene 35-28 in the Class 5A state final last November to capture its ultimate goal of a championship. And one of the key contributors to that title was Trayson Bagley.
The former defensive lineman stepped up when the Rams needed him the most. The senior defensive lineman, who fought through injuries and other adversities, signed his National Letter of Intent in February with the University of Puget Sound University where he will make his college football dream a reality.
“When I signed my National Letter of Intent, it was a relaxed feeling knowing the process is over now and a relief that my goal of being a college player was going to happen,” Bagley said.
Bagley, a product of Fort Hall, began playing football at a young age, but it wasn’t until high school where he realized his potential. After three seasons of not starting on varsity, Bagley stepped in his senior year determined to win the job and contribute to the Rams.
Highland head coach Nick Sorrell realized that and rewarded him with that long-awaited starting spot.
“Trayson is one of those kids that stepped up for us for his senior year,” Sorrell said. “He worked hard in the weight room, did the right things on the field and earned that starting spot for us.”
Bagley came into this past season following an injury-plagued junior year. But he returned to earn All-5A Southeastern Idaho Conference honors with 16 tackles, including six solo and five tackles-for-loss in the postseason alone. It all helped the Rams go 11-1 and win their record-breaking 12th state title overall.
He was also selected for the annual Indigenous Bowl in San Jacinto, California last December. The Bowl spotlights seniors across the country of American Indian descent who have not yet enrolled in college.
“My emotions were high for the season as it was my last season,” Bagley said. “I wanted to go out there and dominate every snap, every play.”
After four up and down years, he is hoping for smoother sailing at the next level. He’ll look to get that and a “new adventure” at the University of Puget Sound, which is an NCAA Division III program in Washington.
“I chose Puget Sound because I wanted to try something new,” Bagley said. “I didn’t want to leave home necessarily, but I wanted someplace new to explore.”
Bagley, in his four years at Highland, left his mark on the field and with his coaches and teammates.
“He’s a fun kid to be around, has a great personality, and is just a laid-back kid that you can enjoy having on your team,” Sorrell said. “Those are some of the significant traits he will take to the next level at Puget Sound.”
“They’re getting a kid that is going to show up well on the field, and I’m excited to see where he is going to end up and in college and see where his ability is going to take him.”
Bagley has been doubted his whole life, but through his hard work and determination, he didn’t let the negative comments stop him from realizing his dream.
“People have always been telling me I’m never going to get the chance to do anything because of my heritage,” said Bagley who is Native American. “But I didn’t listen to them because in my mind, you can always beat someone even though the odds are against you.”
The odds have been stacked against Bagley from the start. He had to fight and claw for everything. But through hard work, it finally paid off with his football dreams coming true. His work ethic and passion to succeed should continue to serve him well at Puget Sound.
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