PREVIEW: Wolverines look to continue dominance in 2022, go further in postseason

WILBER - One of the most dominant teams in Class C-2 is getting ready for another season.

The Wilber-Clatonia Wolverines are looking to make their 15th consecutive playoff appearance. Last year, they fell in the semifinals to Norfolk Catholic. Head coach Lynn Jurgens is no stranger to the precedence that his group has a constant target on their backs. He credits the players work ethics for always persevering.

“Our program is built on great kids,” Jurgens said. “We’ve been blessed and we still are blessed, they come out here, they work hard, and just want to win. I can’t say enough about them.”

Middle linebacker Tyson Kreschel says a lot of the motivation for the Wolverines this year is to win for Jurgens. He talked about what Jurgens is like in practice and why it’s important for the team to show out for him.

“He’s always holding us accountable, pushing us everyday, he’s a great guy and everyone wants to work and win for him,”

The Wolverines return just six seniors in 2022, but because of a number of injuries last season, many of them got crucial experience. One of those players with a high amount of experience is four-year starting quarterback Coy Rosentreader.

“I know the offense really well, we can run the ball, throw the ball,” Rosentreader said. “I think the biggest thing for us this year is holding us accountable and helping each other play together.”

Rosentreader says what makes the Wolverines dangerous is their balance as a team.

“We’re good all-round,” Rosentreader said. “We’ve always had a top defense in C-2, our offense has been dynamic the last few seasons, we can throw it whenever we want to, and our offensive line takes care of whatever they need to. Our defense as well.”

Another piece Wilber-Clatonia will be leaning on this season is the support from the community. Jurgens credits the community for a large portion Wilber-Clatonia’s long standing success.

“They support us so much it’s incredible,” Jurgens said. “The support for our kids from this community is just amazing, we’re blessed to have great fans and great community support and that helps with our success, absolutely.”

For Rosentreader, a player who’s poured it all into playing for the Wolverines, there’s a few certain goals in mind for his senior season.

“Make a deep run in the playoffs and go past the semi finals,” Rosentreader said. “Winning a state title would mean the world to me. All of us playing together we have the talent for it, as long as we all focus on playing tithe and staying healthy, I think we can for sure make a run at it.”

The Wolverines head to Hastings this Friday to kick off their season, in a postseason rematch with St. Cecilia.