Huskies close out 99 years of greatness with a win
October 31, 2022
The Owatonna Football team played the final game held at the Owatonna High School Football Field last Saturday against the Northfield Raiders. This game came down to the very end in a thrilling comeback win for the Huskies. Owatonna ended their regular season with an overall record of 4-4 and received the two seed for the section playoffs. Owatonna is concluding playing on this field after 99 years.
The Huskies compete in the section championship game on Saturday, November 5, against Rochester Mayo at 7 p.m. at Rochester Mayo High School. Buy tickets here.
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ONE LAST TIME. Owatonna Football team lines up for a photo one last time on the OHS Football Field.
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GET UP. Oran Dowling and Peter Swehla celebrating one last time on the OHS Football Field.
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PRE-GAME RITUAL. Varsity football team warms up with the Owatonna pre-game ritual.
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CRUSHED. Junior Rielly Kleeberger crushes the Northfield returner to open the second half of the game.
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LOCKED IN. Junior quarterback Jacob Ginskey throws a spiral down the field.
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LEFT IN THE DUST. Senior Conner Grems with a break away run to set them up for a touchdown.
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GREMSWORTH. Junior Jacob Ginskey handing the ball off to Senior Conner Grems.
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BRACE FOR IMPACT. Conner Grems bracing for impact as Northfield’s defender charges towards him.
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CRUCIAL CATCH. Senior Ayden Walter moments before a big catch to keep the drive going.
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COMEBACK. Junior Caleb Hullopeter celebrating his crucial first down catch moments before the game winning touchdown.
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GET HYPED. Senior Conner Grems celebrating with the team after a game changing run.
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HALLOWEEN. Owatonna student section celebrating the game winning touchdown in their Halloween costumes.
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Last down legacies
Mr. Jeff Williams is in his 27th year as head coach for the varsity football team. He has had many great memories on this field throughout his coaching career. Coach Williams said, “My favorite memory here is probably from 2007 when we beat Mayo. They were the powerhouse of the Big 9 for years and we took them to overtime and kicked a field goal to win. This was a turning point in our program from being a .500 team to winning Big 9 and section championships.”
The field holds the legacy of many great players and coaches that have played on it. Coach Williams said, “It’s cool because you feel like you’re part of something way bigger than yourself. Everybody has their memories from these past 99 years and it’s just cool to be able to play a small part in that.” Coach Williams is looking forward to playing at the new high school next year but will miss playing at the current high school for so many years.
Senior captain Drew Kretlow plays a crucial role for the Huskies on both sides of the ball as he plays full back and linebacker. Kretlow has been a part of the varsity team for three years and has been a part of many games. Kretlow said, “There have been so many great players that have passed through the door and being able to close that out is just really special.” Every player that has stepped on the OHS football field has memories they will never forget. Kretlow said, “I don’t have just one memory that comes to mind but all the memories packed together with all my teammates have made some great experiences and something that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”
