Austin Packer Football Team Gears Up for a Season of Change and New Challenges
The Austin Packer football team is bracing itself for a season filled with adjustments and fresh hurdles as they prepare to compete in Class AAAA. Alongside their transition to a new division, the team is also welcoming new coaches and players, making this summer camp a crucial period of adaptation.
Approximately 100 players, ranging from fifth to twelfth grade, have participated in the summer camp, providing them with a crash course on the upcoming season. For junior player Sam Winkels, who experienced varsity football last year, the camp acts as a refresher to keep him on par with the fast-paced game.
Committed to ensuring his team is ready for the challenges ahead, Austin head coach Ed Schmitt has spent the summer acclimating to a fresh group of assistant coaches. Former Packer quarterback Tate Hebrink, former Austin defensive back Jesse Synoground, Lyle Allen, Blake Harris, and Mario Carter have joined Schmitt’s coaching staff, bringing new perspectives and skills to the table.
Coach Hebrink has wasted no time in imparting his wisdom to Austin’s senior quarterback, Dakota Retterath. After a two-year break from the position, Retterath is moving back to quarterback and is eager to benefit from Hebrink’s guidance.
Last season, the Austin Packer football team finished with a 2-7 record. However, this fall, they face a completely revamped schedule, with three unfamiliar opponents coming their way. This lack of background knowledge poses a unique challenge for the team, which has been scouring YouTube for highlights and refreshing their strategies. The first game of the season will see Austin take on Watertown-Mayer at home on September 1st.
As the Packers acquaint themselves with new teammates, their anticipation for the upcoming season continues to grow. Senior player Peyton Ransom eagerly awaits donning his pads and taking the field on those memorable Friday nights once again.
In conclusion, the Austin Packer football team is undergoing a period of transformation and adjustment as they transition to Class AAAA. With new coaches and players on board, the team has been preparing diligently during their summer camp. Their revamped schedule and unfamiliar opponents present a challenge that the Packers are eagerly preparing for, ready to face them head-on. As they strategize and bond with their new teammates, the excitement is building, and the team eagerly awaits the start of the season.
