St. Thomas Academy's Marks Set For All-Star Football Game

St. Thomas Academy graduate Luke Marks has a little more on his mind than simply playing in the 38th Annual Minnesota State All-Star Football Game on Saturday.

He sees it as a shot at redemption.

“Playing against a couple guys that I played against before—a couple guys from Totino(-Grace) that knocked us out of the state semifinals,” Marks said, smiling. “I might get a little payback, maybe. But it should be fun.”

Marks is STA’s lone representative in this year’s All-Star Game, which will be played at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium. For the first time in 31 years the teams are broken into North versus South squads, setting up the potential matchup against his Totino-Grace foes.

But more importantly, Marks is using Saturday’s game as a stepping stone toward the next level. The offensive lineman is planning to play at South Dakota State University next year, and he said he wants to get playing time early on with the Jackrabbits.

His brother, Logan, played in the All-State Game two years ago as a defensive lineman. 

Fittingly, Luke was with Logan when he heard the news about being selected to the South roster.

“I got a phone call with my brother in his car driving to get some food,” he said. “I was pretty excited, because he was there two years ago when it was Metro-Outstate. I’m pretty excited, pretty pumped to get out there.”

Come Saturday, it will Luke’s time to shine against the state’s elite.

“It’s been really fun,” he said. “I’ve been getting to know a bunch of the guys I don’t know very well. ... It’s been a good time.”

If You Go:

What: 38th annual All-Star Football Game, North vs. South

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, TCF Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota

Pricing: Adults, $12 Students $5