Sam Rick Breaks MHS Receptions Record Held by Kalen DeBoer

Senior Sam Rick has broken the MHS football record for all-time receptions. Rick hauled in his 94th catch in the Bulldogs’ game against Vermillion on Friday, September 11. The previous record was held for 34 years by Kalen DeBoer, a 1993 graduate of Milbank. DeBoer is now the head football coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Rick, a 5’ 11” and 165-pound wide receiver for the Bulldogs, said, “It’s pretty special to break this record, not because it’s a record, but because it’s the head coach of Alabama’s record and someone who is a Milbank Great.”

As for wide receivers, Rick chose Randy Moss of the Vikings over Jerry Rice of the 49ers and Don Hutson of the Packers as the best ever.  “Moss just kinda had that swag and was known for catching the ball over people,” Rick said.

Football is not an individual sport, though, and Rick recognizes he would not have eclipsed the record without the support of his team. “Football is teaching me to be a team player and work with my teammates.” 

It’s still a pretty amazing feeling. Rick says, years from now, when someone else is chasing his record, he hopes they know: “My favorite thing in football is to run deep and see the quarterback chuck the ball down field. I also hope they know that I was a competitor and always wanted to win.”

Rick is the son of Chris and Jolene Rick. He plans to attend Minnesota State University at Mankato, where he will pursue a career as a financial adviser and join the track and field team.