BILLINGS — "Don't let the hard days win."

That was a rallying cry that swelled around Nick Ludwig as he scrapped and fought and battled against a debilitating heart condition that eventually took his life at the way-too-young age of 12.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Moose on the loose: Brother's memory, Michigan pledge carry Matt Ludwig into final season at Billings West

It has since become a mantra for Nick's big brother Matt Ludwig — better known by the moniker "Moose" — while carrying the burdens of grief and promise as a can't-miss football prodigy at Billings West.

And when Matt committed in May to play college football at the University of Michigan beginning in 2026, it served as fulfillment of just one dream he and his brother shared.

Jody Desin Sports Photography

"It meant the world to

See Full Page