Wildcats ready to make NMU football relevant again

MARQUETTE – Kyle Nystrom is entering his second season as the Head Coach of the Wildcats and while last season was not the prettiest. Nystrom learned where his teams deficiencies are at, and that has been the main focus in the off season.

“We work on our deficiencies all off season, we recruit, we train,” said Head Coach Kyle Nystrom. “We get spring ball and address those deficiencies we have and we move forward and fix the things that we have to fix and maintain the things that we do good enough. Overall build a solid program. It’s a lot of roster development and a lot of development for each player and that’s where we’re at.”

“We’ve been working really hard,” said junior safety, Troy Mayon. “We’re all dedicated, very excited for this upcoming season. There’s not one area we’re specifically looking at, we want to improve everybody. Everybody has room to improve, we really just want to improve and get better.”

NMU returns its offensive weapon in running back, Jake Mayon. Last season he led the team in rushing, tallying 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns. He is the defending GLIAC offensive back of the year, after the leading the conference in rushing. He also made NMU football history by being the first Wildcat to be named to the Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association All–Midwest second team. Personal accolades aside, Mayon is ready to get back in the win column.

“Be a great leader and lead the team to a winning season,” said senior running back, Jake Mayon. “We still have people out here after practice, 30 minutes after practice putting in the extra work. That’s what I like to see and everyone is holding everyone accountable for that. If we mess up, we’re on guys and we’re staying focused.”

The Wildcats open the season on the road at McKendree on September First. NMU’s first home game, is the following weekend. The full schedule can be viewed HERE.