AUGUST 29, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - SECTION - C - PAGE 3
GRANTSBURG PIRATES FOOTBALL Pirates working with a new head coach this season
by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – New Pirates head coach Adam Hale isn’t an unfamiliar face around the Grantsburg area as he’s spent the past two seasons as Grantsburg’s head girls basketball coach. Along with his tenure on the basketball court, he also spent time as an assistant coach on the Pirates football team, as well as last year’s defensive coordinator. This is his first year as a head coach but Hale totals 12 years of experience as an Coach Hale assistant coach with the Pirates and elsewhere. So what’s Hale most excited for this coming season? “A chance to work with a hardworking group of kids and a number of kids with varsity experience,” he said. The Pirates finished in the middle of the West Lakeland Conference with a 4-2 record and playoff appearance under former coach Keith Lehne, who spent 17 years as Pirates head coach. The Pirates
GRANTSBURG PIRATES FOOTBALL ROSTER
SENIORS: Bryce Ryan, Jacob Wald, Brandon Ryan, Adam Parker, Connor Myers, Lucas Willis, Dakota Linke, Clay Poeschl, Colton Tretsven, Evan Ryan. JUNIORS: Lars Thoreson, Joseph Gaffney, Chandler Witzany, Brody Bonneville, Cameron Lynn. SOPHOMORES: Dylan Bekholm, Tristan Brewer, Tony Britton, Avery Buggert, Andrew Coy, Josh Glover, Cody Hoffman, Adam Johnson, Bill King, Carter Lee, Christopher Parker, Nathan Swenson. FRESHMEN: Chase Covey, Jaeger Staeven.
COACHES
HEAD COACH: Adam Hale. ASSISTANTS: Josh Watts, DJ Henderson, Goob Coy.
also made the playoffs last year but lost out to Stratford in the opening playoff game. Hale has a solid number of experienced seniors returning, which is likely to be one of the Pirates biggest strengths. “The kids also put in a great effort this summer in the weight room,” Hale said, and added that one of the weaknesses could be the lack in numbers throughout their freshman, sophomore and junior classes. Some of those who are returning for the 2012 season include Joe Gaffney at running back and defensive back, and Dakota Linke, Adam Parker, Clay Poeschl, Colton Tretsven and Chandler Witzany on the offensive and defensive line. Evan Ryan could also spend time on the defensive line and at wide receiver. Connor Myers is another receiver, quarterback and defensive back to watch, and Brandon Ryan and Bryce Ryan will return to running back and linebacker duties. Jacob Wald could provide an option as a receiver and defensive back, and Lucas Willis is a returning quarterback and linebacker. “Each Friday night will be a battle,” Hale said. “It should be a close race and many teams probably have a shot to win it.”
Grantsburg reciever Josh Glover hauled in a touchdown pass over an Elk Mound receiver at a scrimmage in Barron. – Photo by Scott Hoffman
Bryce Ryan
Colton Tretsven
Jake Wald
Lucas Willis
Brandon Ryan
Evan Ryan
Clay Poeschl
Dakota Linke
Adam Parker
Connor Myers
Joseph Gaffney
Brody Bonneville
Cameron Lynn
Lars Thoreson
Chandler Witzany
Tristan Brewer
Tony Britton
Avery Buggert
Dylan Bekholm
Andrew Coy
Josh Glover
Cody Hoffman
Chris Parker
Nathan Swenson
Chase Covey
Jaeger Staeven