The winning formula for football at Waseca High School is not all that complicated.
"Stay healthy and continue to improve," said coach Brad Wendland on the Bluejays' key to success.
It's worked in the past. Last year's squad finished 9-2, and the Bluejays have a 144-74 win-loss record in Wendland's 16 seasons as head coach.
He looks for more of the same this fall.
While the Bluejays graduated some talented players, led by Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Year Jarret Ahlschlager , who participated in the state's all-star game, they have a deep roster headed by quarterback Oliver O'Brien, a 6-foot-1, 175 pound senior who was named the Big South's Offensive Back of the Year in 2021.
Other returning starters include seniors Max Neaves, 5-7, 180, RB/LB; Kyle Ahlschlager 5-9m 180, RB/LB; Christian Rodriguez, 5-9, 175, RB/LB; Payton Garza, 5-11, 200, OL/LB; Brenden Brown, 6-0, 275, OL/DL; and Jacob Kehler, 6-1, 230, OL/DL.
The rest of the varsity roster includes seniors Elijah Beihn, 5-6, 130, WR/DB; Jakib Godtland, 6-1, 180, WR/DB; Gavan George, 6-0, 180, WR/DB; Eduardo Trejo, 5-6, 150, RB/LB; Mason Droog, 5-10, 210, OL/DL; Logan Hansen, 6-0, 270; OL/DL; Xavyer Torres, 6-0, 275, OL/DL; and Korbin Schumacher, 5-10, 300, OL/DL; juniors Laird Keeton, 6-2, 175, WR/DB; Amondo Balderas, 6-0, 165; QB/LB; Jose Perez, 5-7, 145, RB/DB; Jacob Thompson, 6-0, 190, TE/LB; Nate Engel Mueller, 5-10. 165, TE/LB; Carter Ellis, 5-11, 180, OL/LB; Andrew Robran, 6-3, 220, OL/LB; Ethan Stenzel, 6-1, 200, OL/DL; Javonn Rodney, 6-3, 300, OL/DL; Josh Norman, 6-1, 265, OL/DL; and Keaton Roeker, 5-7, 145, DB/QB; sophomores Carlson Ohnstad, 5-10, 150, WR/DB; Bennett Ludwig, 5-5, 145, RB/LB; Koylten Quillen, 5-5, 135, RB/DB; Colten Ruedy, 5-10, 190, TE/LB; Tauston Rupe, 5-10, 190, RB/LB; Caden Danner, 5-10, 140, TE/LB; Micah Allen-Haas, 5-10, 175, RB/LB; Ben Hagen, 5-11, 230, OL/DL; Kyle McGuire, 6, 210, OL/DL; Cody Weber, 5-6, 185, OL/DL; Joe Mextico Perez, 5-10, 250, OL/DL; Braydyn Jascha, 6-2, 270, OL/DL; Andy Balderas, 6-2, 224, OL/DL; and Jaden Beck, 5-11, 225, OL/DL; and freshmen Deron Russell, 5-6, 150, WR/DB; and Jordan Johnson, 5-9, 155, RB/DB.
If you looked at the weights, you know the 2022 Bluejays will have plenty of size. Wendland said they have good overall team speed. He expects them to be balanced on offense and aggressive on defense.
Waseca and Fairmont, according to Wendland, are the top teams in the Big South Conference and the section.
"I really like the leadership we are getting from our seniors," said Wendland. "Their work ethic raises the bar for everyone. The coaching staff has done a tremendous job working with their position groups. We are excited for the season."
Wendland, in his 23rd year of coaching, is assisted at the varsity level by Eric Teden. The rest of the staff includes Connolly Turek, Boe Lueken, Matt Olsen, Jarius Volkmann, Ted Hammond, Chris Ahlschlager, Ken Andrs, Rick Wulf and Levi Poppe.
The Bluejays' student managers are Bianca Cavasos, Marina Hiller, Olivia Oestreich and Meanie Quintero.
