FARGO — It was months ahead of the American Legion season when Fargo Post 2 head coach Luke Rustad got a text message from his former catcher Sam Ovsak.
Ovsak was nearing the end of first year at St. John’s, where he plays football for the Johnnies.
“He texted me, ‘What do you think if I come back next year?’” Rustad recalled.
Rustad, who had a front-row seat to Ovsak’s head-turning high school athletics career, welcomed his former player back but not without a little ribbing.
“I texted him back, ‘I don’t know,’” Rustad joked. “Then I obviously said I was kidding, but it was a good thing to hear.”
Fargo Post 2's Sam Ovsak crosses home play during Game 6 of the 2024 American Legion World Series on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, North Carolina.
Chet Strange/The American Legion
Ovsak played an integral part in Post 2’s American Legion World Series appearance last season. He led Post 2 in hitting during the Central Plains tournament with 11 hits, including four doubles.
Post 2 finished last season 50-9 overall. The team was eliminated from the World Series by a tiebreaker and finished 2-1 in three games.
Ovsak was awarded the American Legion Big Stick Award and Slugger Trophy, posting a .528 average with five doubles and eight RBIs over nine games between the Central Plains and World series.
Ovsak said he’s blessed to have another opportunity to wear a Post 2 uniform.
“It was kind of like, ‘Why not?” Ovsak said in between Post 2’s doubleheader with West Fargo on Wednesday. “I love the tradition here. I love the guys, the coaches and the staff.”
Fargo Post 2's Sam Ovsak gives Caleb Briggeman five after he scores a run on a bases-loaded walk against Thief River Falls Post 117 on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Jack Williams Stadium in north Fargo.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
With a handful of fresh faces throughout the Fargo roster, Ovsak has been a source of influence for the team's younger players.
“He brings energy,” Post 2 pitcher and infielder Caden Nelson said of Ovsak. “He’s a leader. We needed someone like that on this team. He’s stepped into that role and done a really good job of it.”
“Even when he’s struggling, he’s actually helping us succeed,” Rustad added.
At St. John’s, Ovsak saw limited playing time but said his first collegiate season proved a teaching moment.
“I got a lot of reps,” Ovsak said. “I got to learn and watch a lot of great players in front of me.”
Ovsak was a standout receiver and cornerback with the Shanley Deacons. He hauled 104 receptions for 1,523 and 23 touchdowns as a senior. All of which are unofficial state records.
He said base running skills translate to the gridiron as well as reading fly balls in the outfield.
Fargo Shanley's Sam Ovsak intercepts a West Fargo Sheyenne pass in the end zone at Sid Cichy Stadium on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.
David Samson/The Forum
The two-time All-State selection won the state championship with the Deacons in 2022. He helped the Deacons baseball hoist their second state tournament title in 2024 and played on South-Shanley hockey’s 2023 state-championship.
“He’s a great kid,” Rustad said. “When you get a kid back like that, it’s fun to have them.”
Post 2 battles the Moorhead Blues at 7 p.m., Sunday, July 6, at Jack Williams Stadium.
Ovsak said he hopes to relish as long as possible in his final season with Post 2.
“I’m going to take it all in while I can,” Ovsak said.
“I love the tradition here. I love the guys, the coaches and the staff," says Fargo Post 2's Sam Ovsak.
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