CHAMBERLAIN — Cruz Soulek experienced a wide range of emotions the past two season openers. 

As a junior, the Chamberlain High School quarterback suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Lennox. Soulek sustained the devastating knee injury on a non-contact play during the first series. 

“It was right away in the game and it was probably the worst pain I ever felt,” Soulek said. “I knew something was up. I was sitting on the sideline just rolling around.”

Soulek’s worst fears were realized the following week. It was an ACL injury and his junior sports season, which included basketball and track and field, was over.

“I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,” Soulek said. “So I am not going to shy away from anything like this.” 

Soulek’s brother, Jackson, also suffered an ACL injury and is now a defensive lineman at South Dakota School of Mines. Cruz said he leaned on his brother and his Chamberlain teammates during the recovery process. 

“I couldn’t have done it without the team we have,” Soulek said. “We have been playing with each other since tackle football and elementary school. So it’s just very nice to be with the same boys you have been playing with since elementary school. They have been helping me throughout this whole thing and they have been supportive.”

Chamberlain's Cruz Soulek delivers a pass against Lennox on Aug. 25 in Lennox. (Nikki Ashley Photography)

Soulek attacked his rehab and said his left knee is “stronger than my right knee. I would say almost 110%.” The process, however, didn’t come without some trials and tribulations. 

“Obviously nine months of PT (physical therapy) isn’t fun for anybody,” Soulek said. “But I toughened through it. I learned a lot. I matured definitely as a person. I wouldn’t swap it for anything in the world. Because I grew as a person and a football player.”

As a football player, Soulek was cleared early in the summer and said he continued to build trust in his knee. He tested the knee and showcased his skills at camps and a 7-on-7 tournament in July. 

“It was a pretty quick recovery actually — nine months for an ACL,” Soulek said. “So I was just very happy about that. It was just amazing to get back doing what I love and the 7-on-7 with all the boys was fun.” 

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Soulek competed at camps at South Dakota State, University of South Dakota, Northern State, Augustana University, University of Sioux Falls and South Dakota School of Mines. 

He’s received scholarship offers from Northern State and Dakota Wesleyan University, with likely more on the way as he continues talking with coaches. 

“Last year, obviously I was looking forward to it and I missed out on a big part of that,” Soulek said about his college recruitment. “But getting to this year it’s still a surreal moment because I have worked so hard for this and it’s finally happening. The conversations have been good. I am excited to have more of those in the future as well.”