New year, new optimism

Published 7:01 am Monday, January 6, 2014

Austin quarterback Ryan Synoground runs past Owatonna nose tackle Spencer Sorenson during the second quarter of their Section 1AAAAA semifinal matchup this fall in Owatonna. -- Herald file photo

Austin quarterback Ryan Synoground runs past Owatonna nose tackle Spencer Sorenson during the second quarter of their Section 1AAAAA semifinal matchup this fall in Owatonna. — Herald file photo

10. Another step forward for Austin Packers football?

The Austin football team is coming off its first .500 season since 2004 as it finished 5-5 after starting the year 1-4.

Austin won its last three regular season games and a playoff contest, and a program that had just two wins in the previous three seasons is suddenly looking like it may be on the rise. The Packers will graduate a lot of senior leaders from this year’s team, but there is a lot of talent coming up, as well.

The key for the Packers is how they handle the offseason.

Email newsletter signup

Since Brett Vesel took over as head coach two seasons ago, offseason activities have been a major focal point for the team. Last year, the team got in the weight room and put in a lot of hard work to get bigger, faster and stronger.

If players continue to do that, the program will continue to improve.