As the regular season is nearing an end, the Owatonna Boys Soccer team is sitting at a record of 10-3-1 overall and 7-1-1 in the Big Nine Conference. The team is currently ranked second in the section with only two games left to go in the season. They need to win both games to secure the second spot.

Bob Waypa is the head coach for the Huskies. Waypa emphasizes that he wants all his players to improve everyday. Coach Waypa said, “We emphasize on FIT, which stands for focus, intensity, and tempo.” Waypa is proud of his team’s success this season because the team will have their second best record of all time if they win their last two games. Coach Waypa said, “Winning the Big Nine is still out there but it’s going to be tough because we don’t control our own destiny.”

Waypa has been coaching the OHS Boys Soccer team for 25 seasons. Coach Waypa said, “I enjoy coaching boys soccer because of the passion these guys have. These guys are driven to be successful but also understand that they have to learn.” Coach Waypa enjoys this year especially because of his new assistant coaches Cody Boerema, Patrick Grubish, and Ryan Guenther. Having these new and young coaches allows for Waypa to focus more on the overall team while the other coaches help out with specific position groups. 

Senior captain Nils Gantert plays goalkeeper for the Huskies. Gantert said, “It’s nice to know people appreciate me and my leadership.” Gantert’s goal for himself this season is to be all-state and his goal for the team is to make it to the section championship. Gantert thinks that the team is on track to meet their goal but thinks that the team needs to bring it everyday and needs to stay focused. 

Come and watch the Huskies for their last regular season home game on Thursday, Oct. 6 against Red Wing at 7 p.m at the Lincoln Soccer Complex.