Mayer Lutheran enters fall season as defending Class A champions in two sports

Mayer Lutheran is the school to beat this fall. The Crusaders are the the defending Class A champions in both volleyball and football and expect pressure in defending their titles this season.

On the gridiron, the Crusaders defeated Minneota 20-14 last November to win the program’s first state title.

“There’s a lot of pressure on that but we know we have to defend it and it will push us even harder,” said senior wide receiver Blake Aurich.

The Crusaders know they will be circled on their opponent’s schedules for this season.

“I mean we’re going to have a target on our head coming from a state championship, but we’re rebuilding and I think we can get it done this year,” said senior lineman Marcus Johnson.

The Crusaders lost 16 seniors from last season, but have nine on the field this year that are ready to own the opportunity.

Senior linebacker Michael Corey said, “we have new personnel completely throughout the whole team. So, just wanting to win. We know what it feels like and that’s what we want.”

The football squad isn’t the only team at Mayer Lutheran looking to put together a repeat performance this fall. The Crusader volleyball team also won a Class A title last year by beating Minneota for the program’s fourth state title.

“Especially us winning first and going to the football game,” said senior outside hitter Stella Maass. “There was a little bit of tension but it was super cool to be able to beat both teams.”

The volleyball team has opportunities to fill on it’s roster. Many players returning this season were part of their title run last season, but didn’t play as much as they will need to this season.

“I mean there is definitely a little pressure, but I think if we work hard and all do our jobs and build relationships with each other that we can get there,” said Gabby Wachholz, a senior outside hitter for the Crusaders.

Fellow senior Madeline Guetzkow said, “Obviously in practice we were all with each other so bringing that same group back really helps.”

Click here to view Mayer Lutheran’s volleyball schedule.

Click here to view Mayer Lutheran’s football schedule.