The 2004 Irish gridders will open play Thursday, Sept. 2, against their former Tri-Valley rivals, the Mayer Lutheran Crusaders. Game time is 7 p.m. at Irish Country stadium.
This season’s squad returns seven offensive and eight defensive starters from last year’s team, five all-conference or all-section players, plus 19 lettermen, which gives new coach Tim Knudsen a boost of confidence coming into the season.
“Being a new coach in Maple Lake and putting in a new system sometimes takes time to develop and gel,” Knudsen said. “We have the athletes to make it work and I have the utmost faith that they will do very well and compete at a high level. We have a good staff that has helped make the transition easier and more efficient for me and the kids.”
During the summer, the team prepared by lifting weights and attending team camp. “Everyone has been working hard,” said senior Kyle Smith about the off-season training.
Now, with the season about to begin, the seniors hope to accomplish their first goal which is “Beating Mayer Lutheran!” as senior captain Cody Decker enthusiastically said. The seniors also unanimously agreed that their biggest goal for this year is taking the conference title.
“A solid defense” is something that senior captain Craig Couette said is also a team goal. “Our offense has a big change,” added senior Tony Elfmann. “We have a lot of leaders on the field.”
Seniors on this year’s squad are Alex Blizil, Craig Couette, Cody Decker, Tony Elfmann, Dustin Eull, Kyle Finke, Mike Fritz, Jason Klein, Paul Latour, DJ Manthie, Sam Nordlie, Kyle Smith and Eric Wurm. Juniors are Alex Burda, Nick Fobbe, Jared Holt, Cole Jenkins, Todd Kempenich, Doug Mavencamp, Travis Nordling, Kent Pawelk, Mac Pribyl and Brad Salveson. Sophomore hopefuls are Matt Blizil, Adam Christian, Hunter Coughlin, Kevin Donohue, Jake Elsenpeter, David Grunau, Jade Kotila, Derek Kotilinek, Kacey Lawler, Sam Luebbers, Joe Nordlie, Elliott Risbrudt, Ryan Salveson, Chase Swanson, Tony Treptau and Adam Wold.
Captains for this year’s squad are Craig Couette, Cody Decker and Paul Latour.
Be the first to comment