NMU seniors to play in final football game

MARQUETTE – The season for the NMU football team has not gone how they hoped it would. The Wildcats final game of the season will be against Findlay and there’s a ton of motivation to send a certain group of guys out with a win.

NMU head coach Chris Ostrowsky will watch 15 seniors play their final game as a Wildcat. It will no doubt be a emotional afternoon for everyone involved with the NMU football program.

“From a players perspective, it’s almost surreal,” said Ostrowsky. “They’ve been doing this since they’ve been seven or eight–years–old, and it’s the last time you’re going to put a helmet on– life changes.”

“From a coaches perspective, it’s a combination of being sad to see them go and looking forward to seeing them find success,” Ostrowsky added.

“It’s one of those games where you have to lay it all on the line,” said NMU senior captain Trever Kruzel. “You only get one of them in your life, so you might as well go all out for it.”

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” answered Kruzel about his playing days as a Wildcat. “The ups, the downs, it’s been quite the ride and I’m ready to end it on a good note.”

“It went by fast,” said NMU senior wide receiver Kelvin Smarwt. “It’s going to be emotional at the end of the game, but it’s part of football. The grind of it was the best experience, something that will never be replaced– it will always be remembered.”

Kickoff from the Superior Dome is set for 1 p.m. The Wildcats defeated the Oilers last season, 41–31.