State champion, All-American, All-WDA, choir letters. For Deegan Staudinger, success has never been about the field or a stage—it’s about being the best everywhere he goes.
For Deegan, football has always been a part of his life.
“My dad and I would toss the ball around in the backyard and in the winter, inside the house,” Straudinger said. “We played so much that I ended up breaking a few couches from diving on them so much.”
Those moments of playing catch with his dad built his love for the sport and memories that helped shape his competitive spirit. What began as backyard fun and games created his passion for the need to succeed in football and beyond.
One of Deegan’s favorite memories is from when he was younger.
“When I was 10, I played in BYFL, and I had a 55-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game, which gave me a really big confidence boost,” Deegan said.
This moment didn’t just show he was capable, but it also created fuel for him to work harder and keep giving 100%. From that point, football wasn’t just a fun sport he played; he wanted to excel in it and be the best he could be.
Deegan’s football journey hasn’t always been super easy.
“Something I struggled a lot with was keeping my composure. I had a hard time keeping my cool on and off the field,” Deegan said. “Now that I’ve grown and become more mature, I understand that not every play will be perfect, and not everyone plays the same.”
Learning to keep his composure has made him develop not just as a football player but as a person, too.
Deegan competes in track and field and sings in two Bismarck High School choirs. His hard work ethic and mental strength are what help Deegan succeed in not just football but in everything.
In track and field, Deegan won the state long jump this last spring and was named an All-American in 2023 at the Nike Outdoor Nationals. Additionally, in choir, he has 3 varsity letters.
Staudinger has been able to achieve all the awards and success because of his friends and family.
“My biggest supporters are definitely my friends and family because they’ve always been there to support me wherever I go, whether I do good or bad,” Deegan said.
His coaches appreciate how he approaches his work and others.
“One of the nicest kids you’re gonna meet. You know he is. I’m not sure bad words ever come out of his mouth,” BHS football head coach, Mark Gibson.
Deegan Staudinger’s story shows that success isn’t just about wins, stats, or awards; it’s about growth, hard work, and character. Whether it’s football, track, or choir, he gives his best and sets an example for others to follow both on and off the field.