Former Cadets reunite at UNI

CRESCO - After a couple years of playing for different teams, Crestwood graduates Tristan Bohr (class of 2016) and Spencer Cuvelier  (2017) are back together on the same sideline this fall.

Both Bohr and Cuvelier are suiting up for the University of Northern Iowa Football team during the 2019 season. Although both players took different paths immediately after graduating from high school, they are glad to be back together on the Panthers’ squad.

 

Cuvelier’s journey

While at Crestwood, Cuvelier played a big role in helping the Cadets win the district title during his senior year in 2016. He racked up 1,472 rushing yards, tallied 19 touchdowns, earned First-Team All-District honors at running back and he was named Second-Team All-State by the Iowa Newspaper Association. He also led the Cadets on defense with 70 total tackles, including 44 solo stops. Cuvelier was also named First Team All-District in 2014 and 2015 as a linebacker.

Following Cuvelier’s graduation in 2017, he attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge for two years before graduating this past spring. During his freshman year, he tore his ACL, but he came back to play in 2018.

Last season, Cuvelier was named All-ICCAC and led ICCC to a victory in the Graphic Edge Bowl at the UNI-Dome. He had six tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss in the bowl game victory.

 He noted there were a few major differences playing football at Crestwood compared to Iowa Central.

“Two big differences I noticed between Crestwood and Iowa Central were the pace of play and the mental aspect of football,” Cuvelier said. “I played linebacker at Iowa Central just like I had in high school, but the speed of the game was much faster. It took a little time getting used to that. There were plenty of defensive calls to learn as well, and it was a little overwhelming at first.”

After graduating from ICCC this past spring, Cuvelier decided to continue his education at UNI. During the 2019 season, he is listed as a redshirt sophomore at the Mike Linebacker position. He is double majoring in finance and real estate.

“The moment I stepped on campus at UNI, it just felt like home,” Cuvelier said. “There were friendly bodies everywhere. The coaching staff was fantastic, and I saw an opportunity to come in and make an immediate impact.

“I feel like Iowa Central was an incredible stepping stone before coming to UNI. There are a lot of similarities between UNI and ICCC, but the biggest difference I felt was the time spent in the library, the time spent in the athletic training room trying to get my body feeling right, and the constant intensity I felt when being in the weight room and on the practice field. The pace of play at UNI was one of the biggest adjustments I had to make when coming in the spring. I am still adjusting to that now.”

To say Cuvelier is happy with his decision to come to UNI would be a huge understatement.

“I absolutely love the atmosphere here at UNI,” Cuvelier said. “Most importantly, I enjoy the brotherhood I share with my teammates. I came here as a junior college transfer and immediately felt like I had been here since I graduated from high school. There are great football players at UNI, but we have even better people here (on campus). They are very welcoming, and they made sure I felt at home.”

 

Bohr’s path

While playing at Crestwood, Bohr earned First Team All-District Football Honors during the 2014 and 2015 seasons as a utility player. In 2014, he carried the ball 81 times for 220 yards and scored two touchdowns. In 2015, Bohr caught 18 passes for 205 yards and four touchdowns. Bohr was also named First-Team All-District during the 2013 season as a wide receiver. During the 2013 season, Bohr had 14 receptions for 302 yards and three touchdowns.

After graduating from Crestwood in May 2016, he attended the University of Iowa in the fall of 2016 where he was listed as a middle linebacker on the roster.

“(Being a part of the Iowa football team) was an amazing experience,” Bohr said. “It was a great opportunity to learn more about a position I never played in high school.”

After one year with the Hawkeyes, Bohr decided to transfer to UNI in the fall of 2017. He is currently listed as a redshirt junior tight end on the Panthers’ roster. He is an Elementary Education Major with a Minor in Coaching.

Bohr noted some of the differences between Iowa and UNI.

“One big difference I noticed between the two schools is the academic side of things,” Bohr said. “At UNI, the classes are much smaller and closer together. Teachers have the opportunity to connect with students more when given a smaller classroom of students.”

Bohr noted he is glad he made the move to UNI.

“Being a Panther is such a surreal experience,” he said. “To be a part of a historically respected and successful program is an honor.

“My favorite part is being with my teammates through it all, and the friendships that are formed. When you go through all the workouts, conditioning phases, practices and games, it forms a brotherhood that can not be described. You look around and you do it for the person next to you. When you have more than 100 incredibly talented individuals working their tails off and determined with one goal in mind, nothing can beat that.”

Bohr is definitely thrilled to be reunited with Cuvelier at UNI.

“Playing with my best friend and Crestwood alumnus, Spencer, seems too good to be true,” Bohr said. “When we were growing up together, I don’t think a day ever passed that we didn’t talk about how awesome it would be to play football at the next level together. Now, the day has finally come, and we both get to put the same jersey on and play on Saturdays. I will be forever grateful for this experience.”

Bohr noted he is also thankful to many people who have helped him.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way,” Bohr said. “My family, friends, coaches and community have all made this possible for me. I am extremely proud of where I am from, and I will never forget all of the love (people have shown me).”