Hematites looking to get back on top of the MPC

ISHPEMING — Last season, the Hematites went 3–5 overall, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2001. But with a new season comes a new opportunity to get back to their winning ways.

“Once you get out here and you got the smell of the grass, the competition, the competitiveness and you got to love it. It’s just good to be out here and seeing these guys work as hard as we push them. That’s always good. It’s the thinking part and the learning part. There’s a lot of teaching involved too, so there’s not a dull moment. That’s for sure,” head coach Jeff Olson said.

Much like everyone else in the conference, the Hematites lost a lot of talent from last year’s team. But for the returning players, they acknowledge that it was a humbling experience, but the team’s confidence is still very high.

“I’m feeling great. Our team is looking awesome. We’ve been working hard all summer. Every team that we play this year, we’re going to give them a good fight,” lineman Jeff Bess said.

“One thing about the Mid-Pen is that it’s always really loaded and competitive. But all the teams are going to be good so it’s anybody’s game really,” said tight end Aaron Corkin.

“It’s going to be a strong conference again this year. There’s going to be no gimmes. Everybody has got to be ready every week and you got to rely on those seniors to make sure that those young kids that you bring up are ready,” Olson said.

Ishpeming will open their season on August 25th with a home match–up against Iron Mountain.