Insider Info: Championship Edition (Eddie Beeninga-Wayzata)
In my latest feature article for Northstar Football News: “The Trojan Reign Reestablished”, I interviewed six Wayzata Trojans that were apart of the 2019 state championship. After releasing the full feature, I thought it would be both appropriate as well as interesting to post each Trojans individual interview…
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Continue ReadingIn my latest feature article for Northstar Football News: “The Trojan Reign Reestablished”, I interviewed six Wayzata Trojans that were apart of the 2019 state championship. After releasing the full feature, I thought it would be both appropriate as well as interesting to post each Trojans individual interview so our readers can receive as much exclusive insight into the success of 2019, as well as what it means to these boys to be a Trojan, and what lessons they have learned from the ride.
Beeninga (3) and some of his teammates during picture day.In these individual interviews that I used as sources for the feature, the Wayzata players give even more detail into the inner workings of the team and their keys to success. This “Championship Edition” of NFN’s “Insider Info” highlights Wayzata’s CB and ’21 graduate Eddie Beeninga. A big-time MIAC and NSIC recruit who also excels on the basketball court representing MN Fury in the AAU circuit, Beeninga shared with us some of the big moments of ’19, his career at Wayzata thus far, big plays from the state championship game, and how playing for the Trojans has prepared him for his next steps in life as well as college football. I hope you enjoy! Hudl: https://twww.hudl.com/video/3/9460885/5de8940dbd6adc13ac87a5d7
NFN: Hello and thank you for your time, Eddie. It has been an incredible year for you and the Wayzata Trojans. First begin by just telling us what it means for you to be a Trojan, and what your career has been like at Wayzata thus far.
Beeninga: “It means a lot to me, because I have been at Wayzata my whole life, and being a Trojan is something I cherish and that I will always have attached to my name. I started playing football in 4th grade, and played freshman team, sophomore team, and now my junior year started on varsity. It’s been an incredible journey especially winning a state championship, and football has created so many memories.”
NFN: Walk us through some of differences the program has seen since you were a freshman to now junior. What difference can you credit with having the biggest impact on the Trojans success this year?
Beeninga: “When I was a freshman, the varsity went 2-7, and I knew the culture was not at what it really needed to be, then my sophomore year they improved to 5-5, but still lacked that family bond, and now going 13-0, I really know what it takes to win a state championship and build a team culture that supports that. For sure caring for teammates and creating those bonds is the most important, because it led to trust and success on the field.”
NFN: How was the offseason going into 2019 and how is it playing defense with studs like Loshiaka, Robertson, and Demro?
Beeninga: “The off-season was very tough, but now looking back it was for the better of us. We had a lot of conditioning on the defensive side of the ball, and a lot of discipline we built up even in the weight room. It was a blast playing with those guys, because they welcomed me in and treated me like family which honestly made me play better and have more confidence, but it was also really cool to play with some very elite players.”
NFN: Describe the 2019 regular season. How was it going undefeated? When did you know you guys were going to be legit, especially on defense?
Beeninga: “During the regular season we had the mindset of taking it one game at a time, and that really helped in our favor, because we went 8-0 in the regular season, and I feel like everyone learned a lot during the season for the playoffs. I knew we were legit after the first game when we shutout Blaine.”
NFN: Elaborate on the state playoffs and especially the championship game! What were some big plays and moments, and how was your performance?
Beeninga: “The playoffs were truly incredible playing in, and for sure at US Bank. The championship game was for sure the most people I have played in front of, but I thought it was super fun to be out there with all my guys just playing football.
The Trojans.I made some pretty big tackles, and didn’t let up many passes, which is what I was asked to do, we also have a saying “Do your 1/11th” saying that you do your job and trust everyone else to do theirs.”
NFN: What will stay with you as a Trojan as you transition into the next step of your football career? How has Wayzata prepared you for college football if it’s something you’re interested in?
Beeninga: “I will always remember the bonds I created with my teammates and Wayzata really showed me what it’s like to play on the biggest stage, so I can experience what it’s like. I feel like this year has prepared me for college football, but I still have another year at wayzata and am looking forward to see how I improve as a player, to explore my options for playing football.”
Well spoken, Eddie! Thank you and congrats again on the success of 2019. Good luck next year as you and the Trojans attempt back-to-back big school championships. Ball out on the hardwood this winter and I’m looking forward to watching you play next year!