Wildcats begin 2013 football season
The second year of the Chris Ostrowsky era at Northern Michigan University is underway. The Wildcats football team is back to work getting ready for their first game, which is less than a month away.
Last season, NMU finished with a 4-7 record. But the ‘Cats finished strong, winning three of their final five games, including a 38-10 win over Grand Valley State.
NMU returns a number of their key players from a year ago. Quarterback Cody Scepaniak is back for his senior year, as is All-GLIAC special teams performer Christian Jessie. Linebackers Nick Krause and Morgan Stenz are two of the ‘Cats big players on the defensive side of the football.
Through the first few practices, the Wildcats seem happy with how things are progressing.
“I think we are working really hard. We’re committed to a theme and anytime you’re committed to something special, good things happen,” said head coach Chris Ostrowsky.
“I’m happy right now, I’m excited, but we’re a long way from where we want to be. We are following a plan and we all by into that plan, its easier that’s for sure,” added Ostrowsky.
“I think we have a lot of talent on this team, the most I’ve seen since I’ve been here, said starting quarterback Cody Scepaniak. “Coach O (Ostrowsky) did a great job recruiting. He brought in a lot of guys who want to be here and want to win.”
“We have some big time transfers and some big time freshmen coming in. We’re going to have a lot of new faces on the field, but we have a lot of returning guys on both sides of the ball. We’re fast, efficient, and its going to be some real exciting football to watch,” Scepaniak went on to say.
“The main thing is to play fast around here,” said linebacker Nick Krause. “We have a lot of plays in right now, the young guys are working hard too. Everything is coming together.”
“Coach (Joe) Ballard has really taking over the defensive coordinator job. I think he has a real good handle on it. We changed some things up, but overall its the same concepts and we’re catching on quick,” said Krause.
The Wildcats open up the season at home on Sept. 14 against Findlay.