Ginskey prepares for big senior season
Owatonna’s Nolan Ginskey sprints past a St. Thomas Academy defender in the two teams’ state quarterfinal game last season. Ginskey figures to be the Huskies top offensive threat again in 2024. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips
Just two years ago, Owatonna football star Nolan Ginskey was rehabbing a broken ankle suffered in his first varsity game after being called up by head coach Jeff Williams.
Fast forward to 2024, and Ginskey enters the season as one of Minnesota’s top recruits in a program that refuses to lose.
“It’s definitely taken me by surprise. It’s been a roller coaster. Back in eighth grade, I was deciding if I even wanted to play football. I ended up picking it, and even though I played as a freshman, my production was just fine. When I got the call-up as a sophomore, I broke out for an 80-yard touchdown in my first game before I got injured. That’s when I knew football was my thing, and that I could be a difference maker,” said Ginskey.
The talented two-way player figures to slot in as a wide receiver and safety on defense, while also participating in special teams as a returner and holder.
Ginskey’s major 2023 season saw him set two Owatonna football records for receptions in a season (73) and receiving yards in a season (1,194).
Fans weren’t the only ones to notice his accomplishments.
“I’ve received offers from a lot of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference schools, and I just got offered by the University of St. Thomas as well. It’s been a surreal experience. I’m fortunate to be a part of a program with so many talented teammates and coaches,” said Ginskey.
The off-season has been littered with workouts and training sessions, most notably throwing sessions with his brother, Jacob, who will be playing at Gustavus Adolphus College this fall.
“It’s crazy to think he’s not going to be there anymore, but our quarterback room has really stepped up this off-season. All of our guys on offense are looking great. I think we’re going to prove a lot of doubters wrong,” said Ginskey.
With eight regular-season games left and the potential for a playoff run, Ginskey has his sights set on more milestones.
If he were to replicate his numbers from last season, Ginskey would surpass Noah Budach (Class of 2017) for the most receptions (135) and receiving yards in a career (1,929.)
According to Ginskey, the choice to pursue football came down to one major factor: tradition.
“I think almost every kid growing up wants to be an Owatonna football player. It’s something our town takes pride in. You want to be a part of a winning team and be that sense of pride for your community.”
As a rising senior, Ginskey offered some advice to the younger generation of Owatonna football players coming up through the youth ranks.
“For the kids that want to be in our shoes someday, I’d ask them, ‘Why not you?’ It’s a saying I love. If you set your mind to it, work hard, trust God and have the right people around you, there’s no reason you can’t be next up. There’s no limitations on what you can become,” said Ginskey.