NFL players Biadasz, Welch attend Iola-Scandinavia basketball game
By Holly Neumann
Not many high school teams in Wisconsin have an NFL connection.
The Iola-Scandinavia girls’ basketball team has two.
NFL players Tyler Biadasz and Kristian Welch were in Iola Jan. 28 for the Thunderbirds’ Central Wisconsin Conference-East matchup with Wittenberg-Birnamwood.
Joel Biadasz coaches the varsity team, while Karina Hass coaches the junior varsity team and assists Biadasz with the varsity program.
Both have brothers that recently wrapped up their NFL season.
NFL careers
Biadasz’s brother, an Amherst High School graduate, is the starting center for the Dallas Cowboys and Hass’ brother, an Iola-Scandinavia High School graduate, is an inside linebacker and special teams player for the Baltimore Ravens.
Both players played Big Ten football in college, Biadasz at Wisconsin and Welch at Iowa.
Being able to compete at the highest level of football is a true blessing, according to Tyler.
“Growing up, football was a kid’s game,” he said. “The joy of it is still there from the first time you started to play youth football. To be able to say you made it is a dream come true.”
Tyler was excited to watch his brother’s team.
“After all the plane rides he took to see me play, it feels great to be here for him,” he said. “Joel’s career has been amazing. He teaches. He started coaching youth football, then middle school. To see him here at the varsity level makes me proud.”
“It means a lot to have Tyler here tonight,” Joel said. “He and I are very close, so it’s cool to have him here. It’s a win for me.”
Joel teaches physical education at Iola-Scandinavia High School and said teaching and coaching are his passion.
“When you’re growing up, you look at being a professional athlete,” he said. “My senior year, I knew I wanted to coach. I love the game of basketball and I love to teach and coach. I am very blessed that I get to do what I love every day.”
Sibling support
The brothers find time to talk to each other every day.
“I think the distance has made our bond even stronger,” Tyler said. “You know what each other is going through and you know how to pick a brother up. We help each other strive to be our best selves and to be there for each other.”
“We make sure we are doing well outside of our occupations as well,” Joel said. “We cheer each other on in every moment. So far, it’s been one heck of a ride.”
Biadasz and Welch joined the NFL in 2020. The Cowboys drafted Biadasz in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft and the Ravens signed Welch as a free agent.
“It is super-surreal,” said Welch, who has appeared in 26 games in his two seasons with the Ravens. “I pinch myself every week. There is not one thing about football as a job that I don’t enjoy. This is a dream come true.”
Welch enjoys returning to his hometown.
“You always have to remember where you came from,” he said.
Like Tyler and Joel, Welch and his sister also share a special bond.
“Karina has been such a big support in my life and I like to support her in any way I can,” Welch said. “It is just nice to sit here, watch a game and see her doing what she loves.”
“To have him here tonight feels great,” Hass said. “We have supported each other through everything. We’ve always got each other’s backs.
“Everything that he has set out to achieve he has done so far and I have done the same,” she said. “I have said since I was a kid that I was going to be a teacher and here I am in my hometown, teaching and coaching and doing everything I love.”
Hard work
All four said hard work led to them reaching their goals.
“Focus on the fundamentals of life,” Welch said. “The little things will lead to big things.”
“Never stop believing,” Joel said. “Hard work pays off.”
“Don’t be afraid to be the best version of yourself,” Tyler said. “Don’t be afraid to have fun.”
“Never give up on your dream,” Welch said. “Anything is possible.”