BERTHA, Minn.– Bertha-Hewitt football will kick off its 2024 season Thursday night at home against Northwoods. Head coach Jared Hoemberg begins his fourth season running the bears football program.
“I definitely thought it was a lot easier than I found out to be,” said Hoemberg. “It’s a lot of hard work but getting to see kids and their smiles every day and getting to work together is really rewarding.”
The Bears work to keep building to improve upon their 3-win season last year. And coach Hoemberg says the future of the program is in a good position numbers-wise in the coming years.
“It’s really encouraging,” said Hoemberg. “I know we practice right alongside our junior high kids and it’s so awesome to see 30 to 40 kids out here. and that’s the biggest thing. I know a lot of our area football teams really struggle with is just getting numbers out and making it fun for the kids and just making football the greatest thing about their day.”
But for Hoemberg, it’s always special as a Bertha-Hewitt alum to lead a team on the sidelines after once leading them from the huddle.
“Super special. i mean, i can see right now the house that I grew up in and it’s just a stones throw over there. And it just means the world to me to be able to lead this program and get to make a big impact in that area,” said Hoemberg.
Senior tight end and defensive end Owen Zigan says it’s bittersweet to start his senior year.
“It’s fun. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. The older you get you realize you don’t have [football] much longer,” said Zigan.
Zigan’s personal goal in 2024 is to rack up more pancakes blocking for his running backs. Adding that playing on the offensive side of the football is his favorite part of games.
“I love offense because you can, theoretically, control what you do. defense you kind of just guess and I like controlling the situation so i prefer offense over defense anytime,” said Zigan.
Fellow senior Mason Sawyer is ready to get after it during his final season for the Bears. his favorite part of football is hitting the sleds. He can’t wait for the opportunity to pop the pads Thursday night and all season long.
“Pretty exciting.” said Sawyer. “It’s been a while and I’m excited for my senior year.
Friday or in this case Thursday night lights always bring a community together. Coach Hoemberg and company can’t wait to put Gears football on center stage for the hometown fans again.
“There’s nothing like Friday night lights. I know it’s on Thursday but there’s nothing like small town Friday night lights,” said Hoemberg. “So many community members have been looking forward to it. So many kids do even in the offseason, they just can’t wait for football. and I think about it all the time and it’s just really going to be fun.”