By Wyatt Groskreutz and Walker Thompson
Panther Press
The Panther varsity football players finished their regular season October 20 with a 4-4 record, as they steamrolled over WEM 42-0. A big reason for the Panthers’ success this season is the 11 seniors on the team: Bo Budach, Walker Thompson, Porter Peterson, Tyrone Wilson, Jack Olson, Nik Petsinger, Clay Stenzel, Matthew Olson, Ben Schoenrock, Ralph Roesler, Maverick Knudson and Alex Dobberstein. The Panther Press sat down with all the seniors and asked them some questions about how football has changed their lives throughout high school.
According to senior lineman Walker Thompson, “Football has motivated me to work harder in the off season to improve myself and the team each year. Football has given me a better work ethic. My favorite season was freshman year because we went to state. ”
Senior wide receiver and cornerback Bo Budach said, “Football has helped me focus on working hard for each season, and it's something I look forward to each year. Football has taught me to work hard, and work as part of a team. Freshman year was my favorite season because we won the section championship and went to state. It was an awesome experience and really fun knowing the whole community was behind us.”
Senior quarterback Porter Peterson said football really impacted his life in many positive ways. “It’s changed me in many ways that I don’t even notice. I have formed good relationships with my teammates and learned how to communicate better. I learned how to work within a team. My favorite season was freshman year because we went to state.”
Senior quarterback Tyrone Wilson said, “Football has helped me build strong relationships with my teammates. Football has taught me how to be a leader, and how to lead by example. My favorite season is this year because it’s my first year playing.”
Senior wide receiver Jack Olson had some similar responses. “Football has taught me many things, including being a good leader. I have made some lifelong friends. My favorite year so far is this season, because I am playing varsity football with the friends I grew up playing alongside,” Olson said.
Senior cornerback Nik Petsinger stated, “Football has helped me work hard for something every year; it’s taught me how to work as part of a team, and helped me build some great friendships. My favorite year was my freshman year, when we went to state.”
Senior Matthew Olson joined football in 7th grade, and had this to say about the game and its impact on him: “It has motivated me to be a better person overall, and I have developed a great work ethic. Freshman year was my favorite because we went to state.”
Senior offensive lineman and kicker Ben Schoenrock has been kicking for the Panthers since his freshman year. He comments, “It’s made my work ethic a lot better, and football was a way for me to let out my aggressions. My favorite year was freshman year when we went to state.”
Senior linebacker and offensive lineman Ralph Roesler said, “Football has affected me in many positive ways. It has helped me get a better understanding of how team sports work, and how to work as a member of a team. My favorite year is this year, because I have played the whole season.”
Senior lineman Maverick Knudson has been playing for the Panthers since his sophomore year. “Football has helped me stay focused in the classroom and keep my grades up. Football has taught me I can’t do everything on my own, and you need to work together to be successful. My favorite year was my sophomore year, because I got to play side by side with my brother during his senior year.”
Senior tight end Alex Dobberstein observed, “Football has allowed me to develop many great friendships and has taught me responsibility. My favorite year is this year, because I have appreciated it the most after having our season cut short last season.”
Senior linebacker Clay Stenzel had a lot to say about how much football has meant to him. “Football has impacted my life so much through the years since I started back in 5th grade. It has helped me form unbreakable bonds with people who I may not normally bond with. These bonds I’ve created will last forever. I’ve acquired memories that I will never forget. Being a football player has shown me how to lead by example and be a team player. It has shown me in a very clear way that success follows when everyone does their job correctly, like in a well-oiled machine.”
All these seniors have leadership of a Panther team that has had plenty of ups and downs this season.