Perham’s Rooney and Diggins sign Division I letters of intent

Perham seniors Noah Rooney and Finn Diggins put pen to paper when they signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level during a ceremony at the Perham High School Wednesday, Dec. 16, according to a release from the school.

Rooney will continue his athletic career at the University of Minnesota as a member of the baseball team, while Diggins will continue at North Dakota State University as a member of the football team.

“What a great opportunity it is for these two young athletes to continue their athletic careers at the next level,” Perham Activities Director Erin Anderson said. "Noah and Finn have been great ambassadors for the Yellowjackets and have exemplified what it means to be a student-athlete. We really look forward to seeing what the future holds for these two and wish them the best in their futures after PHS.”

Noah Rooney

Rooney, a multi-sport star with the Yellowjackets, will now focus on the diamond at the University of Minnesota.

Rooney said it was a great balance between academics and athletics during his time with the Yellowjackets.

“We are the school of champions and to have the opportunity to put on the Yellowjacket uniform is something that has been very special to me,” Rooney said. “I’m really happy to do that.”

Rooney said he picked the University of Minnesota because it was a great way for him to play in front of people that he knows.

“I think they do a great job of setting you up for the next 50 years of your life,” Rooney said. “That was something that is really important to me.”

He helped lead the Perham baseball team to the Section 8AA Championship in 2019.

Rooney amassed a 12-4 record during his three seasons on the varsity squad. He pitched 89.2 innings, striking out 156 batters, while allowing 60 hits and 29 walks. He gave up 38 runs during his time on the bump. Rooney finished his sophomore season with a 6-2 record, which he struck out double digit batters in five of his nine starts, with a career high 16 strikeouts against Warroad. He posted a 1.31 earned run average as a sophomore, helping the Yellowjackets to the Class AA Tournament.

“Noah is a true leader on and off the field,” Perham head baseball coach James Mulcahy said. “In the classroom, he maintains a 3.99 grade point average. On the fields, he is one of the hardest working and most coachable players a coach could ever ask for. He is respected by all of his teammates and peers and brings them up with positivity and energy.”

Rooney announced his decision to attend the University of Minnesota on Sept. 14.

Rooney will join a perennial power in the Golden Gophers. They have won 24 Big Ten Championships and nine Big Ten Tournament Championships. The Gophers have made five College World Series appearances, winning three National Championships.

Finn Diggins

Diggins, a multi-sport star with the Yellowjackets, will now focus on the gridiron at North Dakota State University.

Diggins said one of the keys to his successful career as a Yellowjacket was the coaching staffs assembled at Perham High School.

“One big reason for success here in Perham is the coaches,” he said. “It really all comes back to them. They set us up for success and never lead us to failure.”

Diggins said he chose NDSU because it was close to home and the bond he formed with the Bison coaching staff.

“It’s close to home and a great community,” Diggins said. “I bonded with the coaches there better than any other institution that recruited me.”

Diggins finished a shortened senior season with 26 receptions for 295 yards and two touchdowns. He completed his stellar career with 87 receptions for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also rushed for eight touchdowns and 669 yards during his four-year varsity career.

Diggins helped the Yellowjackets to two Class AAA State Tournament appearances, including a Class AAA semifinal appearance. The Yellowjackets won two Section 8AAA Championships during his career.

“Finn is an outstanding human being,” Former Perham head football coach Kyle Knutson said. “He has a great work ethic and a golden heart. He is a great athlete, teammate and competitor. I look forward to following his career with the Bison.”

Diggins announced his decision to attend North Dakota State University on May 27. He officially joined the squad on Dec. 16 with the signing.

Diggins will join one of the winningest college football programs in the nation.

The Bison have won 15 National Championships, seven of them as a member of the Division I FCS.