SPORTS WRAP

            A historic season of Owatonna football led to a baker’s dozen players being named as All-District athletes. The Huskies opened a new stadium, coinciding with coach Jeff Williams’ 200^th career victory, and made their 10^th appearance in the state tournament.

While it’s only been four years since Owatonna played at state in 2019, Williams said, “You never take these things for granted. You wander around in the desert for a couple of years without a state tournament berth, and you start to get a little bit hungry.”

OHS lost to St. Thomas Academy in the quarterfinals.

They won the North Star South-Maroon Division. Players are listed alphabetically by category with comments from Williams.

All-District offense

A season after earning All-District honors at defensive back, senior Owen Beyer was honored as a wide receiver. “Explosive on the perimeter, great hands, and a superb blocker… was important to our playoff drive on both sides of the ball, and on special teams,” said Williams. Beyer had 26 receptions, 422 yards and five touchdowns on the season.

Senior Jacob Ginskey assaulted the record books as much as opposing defenses. He finished his career second in all-time passing yards at OHS with 4,201 and single-season yards at 2,547. Abe Havelka holds both marks. Ginskey also set records for attempts and completions in a season and in a career. “Jacob persevered through a lot of adversity early in his career… He matured into a phenomenal leader on and off the field,” said Williams. He is also an academic All-State honoree.

“Nolan Ginskey had one of the finest seasons a wide receiver has ever had in Owatonna. Every touch had the potential to turn into a touchdown. We had not planned to play Nolan extensively on defense, but he became too important to our secondary to keep him off the field,” said Williams. Ginskey had school records in receptions and receiving yards, with 72 receptions for 1,194 yards. The junior had four interceptions as well, returning one for a score.

“Senior Caleb Hullopeter brought so many tools to the job of being a receiver. He was a great route runner who could pry himself open. He was physical, which made him a great perimeter blocker and allowed him to pile up yards after contact,” said Williams. Hullopeter had 39 catches for 738 yards and seven touchdowns.

Junior Jack Meneguzzo is two years into starting at center. “He does a great job of identifying and communicating fronts, then getting the blocking scheme put into place. He has been a great run blocker, but really matured in his pass protection this season as well,” said Williams.

All-District defense

“Blake Davison was a tackling machine this fall, and his defensive points were the most of any player since Isaac Gefre in 2018. He just had an outstanding season,” said Williams. The junior had 98 total tackles, two fumble recoveries, and 2.5 sacks.

Mitch Seykora is the district’s Defensive Player of the Year after registering four sacks and three blocked kicks, and forcing a fumble. “Mitch flipped a switch mid-season last year and became a menacing presence at outside linebacker,” said Williams. The senior was named to the high school all-star football game.

“Senior Torrin Smith was moved inside to nose guard where he saw a lot more double teams. He did a great job of demanding and defeating doubles, which freed the linebackers up to fly around and make plays,” said Williams.

“Jack Strom was a disruptive force in the defensive line. He took on double teams and harassed opposing quarterbacks,” said Williams. The senior also played tight end. “He provided a match-up problem for defenses due to his size and athleticism.”

Honorable mention

Junior Blake Fitcher improved steadily at linebacker. “He became an aggressive and sure tackler, as well as a big play guy,” said Williams. Senior offensive lineman Grant Lower became a focal point. “Down the stretch, we were running the ball behind Grant on virtually every attempt,” said Williams.

Senior Brennan Sletten “became a very dangerous running back for us this fall. He was very patient and allowed holes to develop; then he hit them hard,” said Williams.

Junior defensive back Luke Webber “elevated into a great cover corner. His speed and nose for the ball made it very hard for teams to get over the top.”

Williams is the district’s Coach of the Year.

Becoming a Bennie

OHS senior Izzy Radel is turning her passion into a college commitment at College of St. Benedict. “I play softball year-round. I play for TC Blitz out of Lakeville. In the fall, we play in three to four tournaments. The same in the summer. We train all winter as well,” she said.

Radel was an All-Section selection last spring. She earned the Husky Award and was Teammate of the Year. She hit .338 with 11 RBIs and 17 runs scored. She stole nine bases without getting caught.

Husky Havoc

Owatonna boys’ basketball announced their annual Husky Havoc for Friday, Dec. 1. Meet the teams and see skills contests. There will be raffles and food at this fundraiser, which runs from 4:30-8 pm.

Danglefest

The Owatonna Huskies Blue Line Club hosts the third annual Danglefest on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Owatonna Country Club. It features dinner, a silent auction and live music from Shirts and Skins. It raises money for OHS boys’ hockey.

OwatonnaLive.com play-by-play schedule

Saturday, Nov. 25:
OHS boys’ hockey vs. Bloomington Jefferson, 2:30 p.m.