One of the best tight ends in CSP football history, Nate Thienes concluded his career as a two-sport athlete by also scoring points in all four throws events at the 2013 NSIC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
A big, physical target with steady hands, his athleticism matches his strength to make him a dominant force as a pass catcher as well as a blocker. Playing in more of a reserve and complementary role in his first two years behind an All-NSIC tight end, Thienes flourished when ascending to the starting role by catching 38 passes for 387 yards and three touchdowns as a junior before exploding for 43 catches for 450 yards and five touchdowns as a senior.
He contributed to winning football, too, playing a key role in the 2010 team’s five-win turnaround for an 8-4 finish and trip to the program’s third Mineral Water Bowl as a sophomore, before expanding his role on the team to help the Golden Bears finish 6-5 in 2011.
He was a back-to-back All-NSIC selection, earning Second Team honors as a junior before being bumped up to a First Team selection as a senior when he was named an All-America Third Team tight end by Beyond Sports Network while also securing Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-America honorable mention accolades.
As a track & field athlete, he used his strength and skill to leave CSP with five school records across four different throws events while securing the indoor and outdoor records in the shot put.
Following his time at Concordia, Thienes began his career in law enforcement in 2013 at Alexandria Technical College before joining the Moorhead Police Department in 2014. He joined the Washington County Sherriff’s office in 2017, earning him a spot on the SWAT team in 2018 as an operator, explosive breacher, and K9 handler with his partner, Goose.
Much like his dedication to his athletic career, Thienes brings a competitive nature and expertise to his career, finishing second place at the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 18 Patrol Dog Trials along with earning the prestigious title of top rookie team in 2023. They’ve gone on to help the department clinch Top Department in the nation, with Nate and Goose earning sixth-place honors nationally.
He and his wife, Natalie, have been married since 2021, and reside in Forest Lake with their dogs, Maverick and K9 Goose.
Career Awards
- Beyond Sports Network All-America Third Team (2012)
- Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-America honorable mention (2012)
- Two-time D2CCA All-Region Second Team (2011, 2012)
- Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-Region Third Team (2012)
- All-NSIC South Division First Team (2012)
- All-NSIC South Division Second Team (2011)
- CSP Male Athlete of the Year (2012-13)
- Bear of the Year (2012)
- Three-time NSIC All-Academic (2010 fall, 2011 winter, 2011 spring)
CSP Records
- 1st (at time of graduation) - indoor shot put (51’ 11.75”)
- 1st (at time of graduation) - outdoor shot put (51’ 4.25”)
- 1st (at time of graduation) - weight throw (51’ 3.5”)
- 1st (at time of graduation) - discus throw (157’ 11”)
- 1st (at time of graduation) - hammer throw (159’ 3”)
- t-2nd - single-game touchdowns (3, Oct. 29, 2011 vs UMC)
- 14th - career receptions (85)
- 14th - career touchdowns (8)
Career & Season Stats
- Career 85 receptions for 872 yards and eight touchdowns
- Contributed a career-best 43 catches for 450 yards and five TDs in 2012
- Put up 38 catches for 387 yards and three TDs in 2011
- Picked up points in each of his final six NSIC Championships meets
- Scored 14 of the team’s 34 points at the 2013 NSIC Outdoor Championships, finishing fourth in the discus, fifth in the javelin, sixth in the shot put and seventh in the hammer
- Grabbed fourth in the shot put as well as seventh in the discus and javelin at the 2012 NSIC Outdoor Championships
- Had at least three catches in 15 of his final 17 career games, catching touchdowns in five of them
