As Thanksgiving Approaches, Trojans Express Gratitude Both On and Off Field

“The bond created with your teammates is something special,” said Andrew Westermeyer, team captain. “Not necessarily [playing] for yourself, but doing it for the people standing to the left and right of you.”

Although the Trojan’s season came to an end this past Friday, with an unfortunate 42-14 loss against Rosemount, the team’s appreciation for each other and the sport seems everlasting. Both players and coaches echo team Westermeyer’s statement in a clear affirmation: the key to the Trojan’s improvement this season lay deeper than just gameplay—it also depended on connection.

“I remember when I was a sophomore and junior, I didn’t have as good of a relationship with the seniors as I do with the underclassmen,” Westermeyer said. “I think that’s really important.”

The 2021-22 season last year bid goodbye to many valuable starting players, creating a new challenge of forming connections and efficient communication — but not one that the Trojans couldn’t handle.

“We had a lot of graduating seniors last year that played big roles on the offensive and defensive side of the ball,” Westermeyer said. “Building that bond was definitely a challenge for us.”

Once that bond is built, according to junior and starting quarterback Cole Heilbrun, it will last a lifetime. Heilbraun fondly recounts a conversation with 2022 graduate and fellow quarterback Ryan Harvey after last year’s devastating loss to St. Michael Albertville.

“After our loss against them in the playoffs,” said Heilbrun, “[Ryan said] ‘Do not let this happen to you guys next year.’ I was like, ‘Okay. I promise you guys.’”

Despite a 28-21 loss to STMA earlier this season, the Trojans crushed the Knights during the first round of playoffs 33-13.

“So happy to come through with that promise,” Heilbrun said.

The STMA playoff game was one of three in Wayzata’s winning streak, but the season started off rough. After almost four consecutive losses — broken up with an explosive homecoming win — the Trojans still remained optimistic and persistent.

“This team has a lot of grit,” said Nathan Thompson, quarterback coach. “They had to go through a growing process, and it’s one that [the players] were really diligent in.”

Thompson has been coaching for seventeen years, four at Wayzata.

“Some teams, if they have a couple losses in a row, would start to fold,” he said. “But this is a group that has just really kept their eyes on what they want to be: a good team.”

Like many of Wayzata’s coaches, Thompson additionally teaches social studies during school hours. He views the two environments in a similar light.

“The field is another extension of the classroom,” said Thompson. “It opens up the door for more teachable moments.”

Head Coach Lambert Brown agrees. Coaching is second nature to Brown; he’s guided various schools around the metro to success since 2005, including a 2019 state win for Wayzata.

“There’s some games earlier in the year that we feel like we should’ve won,” Brown said, “but [we focused on] finding a way to overcome that and move forward.”

Senior and wide receiver Ford Griffith is a testament to the success of Brown’s coaching. Along with Westermeyer and Heilbraun, Griffith credits the team to the growth of friendships and identity.

“Without football,” said Griffith, “I wouldn’t be the person that I am.”

Both Brown and Thompson agree that the Trojans’ improvement this season is also a result of determination.

“This has been a fun group. They have continued to get better each and every day,” Brown said, smiling. “You have ups and downs, but through some of that adversity, you come out better on the other end.”

The Trojans look forward to next season with confidence and pride, but most importantly, with gratitude. Despite the results, one victory is for certain: the everlasting bonds made and lessons taught from this very inspirational season.