Huskies football gets a warm welcome
Owatonna quarterback Jacob Ginskey hands the ball off to running back Conner Grems during a team session at morning practice last week. Ginskey and Grems figure to be Owatonna’s one-two punch out of the backfield this fall. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips
Owatonna High School football fans showed up in large numbers at the Steele County Free Fair to show their support for the school’s 2022-23 team and catch a first glimpse of the roster.
Opening the event was the 2022-23 varsity cheer squad, which head coach Mara Oien introduced to the crowd before the squad performed a pair of cheers and dances.
At the conclusion of the cheer squad’s performance, Huskies head coach Jeff Williams took the stage to give a welcome to a full crowd of onlookers packing the stage area outside of the Four Season Centre.
Williams was in prime form with the microphone in hand, as he introduced every athlete and member of his staff with both fun facts and insider-scoop notions about how each member will look to contribute to the program over the course of the season.
Cheers were abundant as families, friends and fans alike saw their favorite athletes stand on stage donning the Owatonna royal blue and silver.
The fans' first ovations for the team will come two weeks out, from the Huskies’ first regular-season game against the Rochester Mayo Spartans slated to be played at home on Friday, Sept. 2.
From what was said by Williams at the rally, there is ample reason once again for Huskies fans to get excited about this year’s squad.
According to Williams, this team has a strong mixture of gritty, “blue-collar type” athletes complimented by a wealth of athleticism, speed, and explosiveness.
Owatonna’s first full-contact test of the pre-season will be in an upcoming scrimmage against Prior Lake, Farmington, and Eastview at Prior Lake High School.
“From a skill position standpoint, we’re just fine. We’ve looked good all summer in seven-on-seven. What we’ll be looking for in the scrimmage is how our guys execute up front. Are we going to be able to go mano a mano with some of the best defensive linemen and linebackers in the state of Minnesota? Because we’re going to see them,” said Williams.
Fans looking to make the trek to the team’s scrimmage in Prior Lake should arrive at Prior Lake High School at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 to catch the Huskies’ first live action heading into the season.