Owatonna’s Ginskey motivated for return
Owatonna quarterback Jacob Ginskey scrambles and looks downfield for an open receiver during a game against New Prague last season. Ginskey said that he is motivated to come back contribute to the Huskies’ successes in 2023. Staff photo by Joey Bunton
Owatonna senior quarterback Jacob Ginskey has had anything but a smooth ride during his three-year career as the starting signal caller for the Huskies.
After being thrown into the starting job his sophomore year due to then-starter Taylor Bogen’s knee injury, Ginskey was forced to learn and earn his role in a trial-by-fire manner, all while battling injury setbacks of his own.
Though he has dealt with ankle injuries in the past, most recently Ginskey was forced out of the Section 1AAAAA championship game against Rochester Mayo after suffering a helmet-to-helmet hit that left him with a bad concussion.
“I obviously don’t remember everything that happened on that play, but I do remember the feeling of being in the hospital. I was able to go home that night but stayed home that whole week from school. Now that we’re back to it in practice, the way I look at it is that I can’t regret it. I’m just looking forward to being back with the boys and getting back to playing the sport,” said Ginskey.
Fast forward to the present week, and Ginskey will prepare to start his third season as the starting quarterback for Owatonna – this time around with even more hype around the team than a normal season.
Now a fan favorite and vital part of head coach Jeff Williams’s offensive scheme, Ginskey will lead the Huskies out onto the Federated Field in front of a packed house at the brand-new Owatonna High School campus.
The senior understands that all eyes will be fixed on him as the first snap hits his hands, but he’s already thought of that moment and visualized what he expects to see.
“It’ll definitely be an amazing feeling. We’ve talked through our entrance and all the fancy stuff we’re going to do in front of the packed crowd. Now it’s just time to go out there and get the job done,” said Ginskey.
With all he has faced during his career, Ginskey never had any doubts as to where he wants to be on Friday, Sept. 1.
“This program is special. My uncles coach now, and they’ve gone through the program. The family part of it makes it special. I just hope to go out there and play to the best of my abilities, make some big plays, and just do my part,” said Ginskey.