The Bauer brothers: From high school dreams to elite athletes, entrepreneurs

This piece is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

By Summer Wagner, development and alumni specialist

The journey of Boston and Canyon Bauer is one rooted in passion, perseverance and a deep love for football. It’s a story that began long before they founded Bauer’s Elite — a company dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential through football training and development.

This is a story of two brothers, their roots at O’Gorman High School and their shared vision to turn their passion for the game into something greater than just a business.

Roots at O’Gorman

For Boston, who graduated in 2016, and Canyon, who graduated in 2019, O’Gorman was more than just a school. It was a place where they were shaped both as athletes and individuals. The lessons learned on the field — discipline, teamwork, leadership — became the foundation for everything they would go on to accomplish.

As young athletes, both brothers thrived under the guidance of their coaches, learning how to push their limits and support their teammates. In the classroom, O’Gorman’s high academic standards taught them how to manage their time, think critically and communicate effectively. These lessons, along with values like integrity and service, would play a key role in shaping their future as business owners.

From college gridirons to Bauer’s Elite

The idea for Bauer’s Elite started in high school when they were always training together, always pushing each other. They joked about how cool it would be to turn that passion into something bigger, something that could help others. Over time, their passion turned into a vision, and Bauer’s Elite was born.

Boston played football at Northern State University from 2016 to 2021, refining his skills both as a player and a leader.

Canyon played at South Dakota State University from 2019 to 2023 and Augustana University from 2023 to 2024. Canyon also helped SDSU win a National Championship in 2022.

Their college experiences fueled something deeper. They loved the game, and more than that, they loved helping others grow in it. As they spent countless hours on the field and in the gym, they realized they had something to offer — not just in terms of drills and technique, but in terms of building confidence, discipline and a positive environment for athletes.

Overcoming early challenges

Starting a business is never easy. The early days were filled with uncertainty and logistical hurdles. Where would they train? How would they structure their programs? And perhaps most challenging, how would they convince others that their vision was worth pursuing?

“It wasn’t always easy,” Boston admits. “We faced resistance from people who didn’t see the vision right away. But we kept our ‘why’ front and center. We knew we had something valuable to offer, and we stayed focused on what we were trying to build.”

The challenges were many, but each one became a learning opportunity. From adjusting their training spaces to improving how they communicated their mission, the Bauer brothers embraced the difficulties with determination. They were driven by the belief that what they were doing truly could make a difference in the lives of athletes.

The rewards of Bauer’s Elite

Despite the challenges, some of the most rewarding moments came when they saw their vision come to life — both in the success of their athletes and through the events they hosted. One of their most memorable moments was the high school recruiting combine they organized, where over 150 athletes and more than 20 colleges came together for a day of opportunity.

Another highlight was the 7v7 tournament, which saw more than 10 organizations competing, creating a community where athletes could come together and grow the game they loved.

Perhaps the most special moments, however, were the quieter ones when their athletes succeeded. Whether it was landing a starting spot on a team, earning accolades or receiving a college scholarship, these victories were a direct reflection of the hard work the Bauer brothers had put into building Bauer’s Elite.

“Watching our athletes succeed — knowing we played a small part in their journey — that’s the real reward,” Canyon said with pride.

The road ahead

Looking to the future, the Bauer brothers have big plans. Boston graduated with a doctorate in physical therapy in May. He plans to use his expertise to further support and enhance the training and recovery of athletes within Bauer’s Elite. Canyon recently earned his Master of Business Administration, along with an undergraduate degree in exercise science. His expertise will help ensure that their organization continues to provide top-tier training and opportunities for athletes.

They envision moving into their own facility, which would allow them to train athletes year-round, further building the culture they’ve worked so hard to create. With their own place, they believe they can elevate the training experience and continue to provide athletes with the opportunities they need to grow and compete at the highest levels.

But their ambitions don’t stop there. They plan to continue running camps, expanding their 7v7 teams and leagues and growing their annual recruiting combine. Every piece of their organization is designed to help athletes chase their dreams, and they’re committed to taking things to the next level.

“Keep pushing the game forward, keep creating opportunities and keep helping athletes chase their dreams,” Boston said.

“That’s the goal. And we’re just getting started,” Canyon added.

As Bauer’s Elite continues to grow, one thing is clear: The journey of these two brothers — from high school athletes to elite trainers and entrepreneurs — is just beginning, and their impact on the world of athletics will only continue to expand.