Ahrndt Brothers Together Again

Article reprinted courtesy of Fargo Forum and reporter Eric Peterson. Picture courtesy of Fargo Forum photographer Dave Samson.

MOORHEAD—Paul Ahrndt mowed lines into his lawn on his farm near Benson, Minn., to create mini football field for his sons, Matt and Aaron.

At one point, the setup had goalposts made from steel fence posts that were painted gold.
"It was something for them so they felt like it was a field," Paul said.

Paul regularly served as all-time quarterback with Matt and Aaron, who now both play football for Concordia, matching up as wide receiver and cornerback.

"I think my dad suffered more injuries in those games than we (did)," Matt said with a laugh. "It's always a good time."

Matt and Aaron are back together on the football field at Concordia, which opens its home schedule against Wisconsin-Eau Claire at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, at Jake Christiansen Stadium. The Cobbers are 0-1 after a season-opening road loss at the University of Jamestown.

A 6-foot-2, 205-pound senior, Matt starts at safety for Concordia. A 5-foot-8, 155-pound sophomore, Aaron starts at cornerback.

"It's a big treat," said Paul, who also played high school football for Benson.

Matt started for the Cobbers as a junior, while Aaron emerged as a starter this season. He performed well during spring practice and that carried into fall camp.

"Aaron has carved out a nice role on our team," Cobbers head coach Terry Horan said. "He's kind of been the surprise for me."

Paul said Aaron was about 4 years old when they started playing their football games. Those pickup contests carried through high school. They even played a few times last summer.

However, Paul, a farmer for 30 years, has semi-retired from his quarterback duties.

"My legs were getting like Brett Favre," Paul said with a laugh. "I think the arm is going. I think it's time to hang it up."

Nearly two years older and bigger than Aaron, Matt usually got the best of his younger brother during those one-on-one matchups. Aaron said sometimes his dad would make throws in an attempt to keep the game close—whether it was throwing an interception to Aaron or throwing tougher passes to catch for Matt.

"He'd throw a pick to get me back into the game or give me a better pass," Aaron said.

"I usually would make sure I would win," Matt added. "I tried to keep it close. There would always be days when he'd sneak one by me and I would be upset for the rest of the day."

Paul said those football games between his sons were "highly competitive" and at times lasted for hours. Paul and the son who was playing receiver would huddle to call a play. One was named "Isaac Bruce" after the former St. Louis Rams receiving great. That meant the offensive player did a quick slant over the middle.

Matt and Aaron would also try to imitate their favorite players, like former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss.

Matt thinks those pick-up football games helped Aaron developed into a college player. Both also played basketball and baseball for Benson.

"He's always been a little bit smaller guy, but I think going against me growing up, he's always gone against someone bigger, and I think that's helped him get that competitive edge," Matt said.

"He was scrappy. ... He tried his hardest every time."

Now that brotherly determination has joined forces with the Cobbers.

"It's pretty cool," Matt said. "He's earned the spot."