A former Ottumwa High School student-athlete was recently awarded for his success on the gridiron in college.
Tyler Reed, a 2005 OHS graduate, was inducted into the Southwest Minnesota State University Hall of Honor during a banquet ceremony on January 27.
Reed started all 44 college football games at Southwest Minnesota State University as a safety from 2005-2009.
Reed made an impact during his true freshman season, leading the team with 72 tackles, including 42 solo stops and 2 interceptions. He was dubbed “thunder” by local radio announcers, a nickname that stuck with him throughout his career.
During his second season, Reed registered 48 tackles and led the team with 5 breakups and 2 fumble recoveries.
In 2007, Reed put together an impressive junior season, racking up a team-high 101 tackles with 3 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 blocked kick. He was named all NSIC First Team and was named Daktronics All-Region Second Team. For his efforts he was awarded Male Athlete of the Year at Southwest Minnesota State.
Reed concluded his football career with an outstanding senior season. He paced the Mustangs with a team-high 82 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception. He was named All-NSIC First Team, Daktronics All-Region Second Team, and D2Football.com All-American honorable mention.
Reed holds the Southwest Minnesota State records for longest fumble recovery for a touchdown, longest interception for a touchdown (100 yards), #2 in solo tackles, and #4 in tackles.
For his efforts off the field, Reed was recognized as the 2008 NSIC Glen Galligan Award Honoree, which is presented to a football student-athlete who participates at their institution for four years and is academically superior while making a positive contribution to the institution. He was also named to ESPN Magazine and CoSIDA Academic All-District Second Teams.
Reed competed one season with the SMSU wrestling team in 2008-2009. He placed fourth at State during his senior year at OHS.
Tyler and his wife Carly, live with their four children in Oconomowoc, WI. He owns LiveFree Health and is a chiropractor – being voted the top-rated Chiropractor in “Lake Country.”
