Thanks in large part to Bjorklund, the Packers have been rolling since an opening-season setback at the hands of Chanhassen. He is the squad’s top running back and also plays safety. Here is a closer look at Bjorklund, who also plays basketball and runs track:
Q: The best movie I’ve seen in the past year?
A: “Hunger Games.” Katniss Everdeen is my hero.
Q: Three words friends or teammates might use to describe me?
A: Athletic, goofy and outgoing.
Q: At my first varsity practice, I felt …
A: … scared. I was in eighth grade going against seniors in high school. Who wouldn’t be scared?
Q: What did you work on most in the offseason?
A: Getting faster, bigger and stronger and improving leadership skills.
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?
A: Beating St. Thomas Academy 23-21 and Mahtomedi 23-20 in overtime in the same season earlier this year in football. It’s something we hadn’t done since 2004.
Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?
A: Time management. My parents always say school comes first.
Q: Name one sport that you wish you could play, and why?
A: Wrestling. All my wrestling friends think I could go to state.
Q: What is the best sports advice you ever received?
A: You wake up every day and have a choice to take a step toward being successful or take a step back.
RON HAGGSTROM