Minnesota West footballers anxious to get on field

WORTHINGTON — Minnesota West head soccer coach Jeff Linder says he’s rarin’ to get on the soccer discipline for some critical apply, and he has little doubt that his gamers are, too.

The 2022 version of the Bluejays participated in largely classroom work this week, however subsequent week they’ll be practising in earnest for his or her Aug. 25 opener at Northwestern JV. There can be a number of conditioning drills on the to-do record.

For the final a number of days, Linder and his employees did the tedious pre-season work: checking gamers in, ensuring they had been all eligible, and filling out all of the paperwork that comes with it. A number of paperwork.

There was tools to take a look at, and a apply discipline to prepare. Plus scheduling for freshman educational work, and playbook preparation. Like all the time, housing points are a priority.

“There’s simply a whole lot of issues to get ready for,” stated Linder. “As a coach, you simply all the time put on a number of hats.”

Housing complications, as in earlier years, proceed to threaten workforce depth. Linder stated Friday that no less than seven potential athletes have been misplaced as a result of they haven’t been in a position to safe housing.

“And 7 is loads,” stated the veteran coach.

The excellent news is that the Bluejays have many gifted gamers in camp, which incorporates returnees at a lot of the place teams. The line of defense is a veteran outfit, and as soon as once more protection figures to be a workforce energy. Two skilled quarterbacks return together with three productive receivers. Final yr’s beginning working again is again, plus two offensive linemen and final yr’s kicker-punter.

Brock Starley, a sophomore from Utah, was a part-time starter at quarterback in 2021 who gained an enormous playoff sport towards Rochester whereas coming off the bench. Willie Holm (Zumbrota) additionally had a number of begins a yr in the past.

“They’re each leaders. They each have particular qualities that make them distinctive. They usually’re additionally associates. They get alongside properly collectively,” Linder stated.

Three receivers who starred in highschool at southwest Minnesota venues — Bailey Cowell (Luverne), Ian Stamer (Adrian) and Tommy Lais (Worthington) return. Working again Rashard Anderson (Jacksonville, N.C.) returns, too.

“We’ve obtained group of athletes, there’s little doubt. I want to see them on the sphere,” stated Linder. “Till they turn into a workforce … they should make that adjustment and purchase in.”