Insider Info Championship Edition: Jacob Wildermuth (Wayzata-2020)

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 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. 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. [caption id="attachment_15937" align="alignright" width="402"] Wildermuth looks in a ball versus Shakopee.[/caption] This "Championship Edition" of NFN's "Insider Info" highlights Wayzata’s WR and class of '20 graduate Jacob Wildermuth (6'3, 200 lbs). A three-sport star at Wayzata and a big-time MIAC and NSIC recruit who also excels on the basketball court and has reported football offers from Winona State, Minnesota State University-Moorhead, the University of Mary, and Concordia University-St. Paul, Wildermuth, in a well said interview, 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: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8228579/5de860971761ea0d24983875">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8228579/5de860971761ea0d24983875</a> NFN: 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! Wildermuth: "Being a Trojan is something special. Not many high school kids get the opportunity to be around a great program with great people. We take pride as players in what we do and try to set a good example on and off the field. Through my 4 years being here, It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve enjoyed each and every second of it. I’ve grown as a player and learned a lot from my coaches and teammates. To cap it off being undefeated state champs senior year was really special." NFN: Walk us through some of differences the program has seen since you were a freshman to now senior. What difference can you credit with having the biggest impact on the Trojans success this year? Wildermuth: "The culture is the main thing that changed over the years. When Coach Brown came in to coach my sophomore year, he changed the energy in the program. Obviously we had a talented group of players, but our coaches took us to another level." NFN: How was the 2018 season for you as well as Wayzata? What were some big games, low moments, and how did you build off 2018 to succeed in 2019? Wildermuth: "I thought we played solid in 2018. We lost a lot of close games and that helped motivate the senior group and team during this offseason. Obviously losing to Woodbury was devastating, we had some talented guys in that senior class and it was just sad to not be able to be with them for one more game." NFN: How was the offseason and how is it playing defense with studs like Loshiaka, Robertson, and Demro? Describe the 2019 regular season. How was it going undefeated? When did you know you guys were going to be legit, especially on defense? Wildermuth: "We had an intense offseason. We all knew what we were capable of and our coaches pushed us harder than ever. Our defensive coach, Jordan Halverson, ran all the workouts and I have to give all the credit to him. We all got a lot stronger and faster as the offseason progressed. Besides going through the intense workouts, what really made a difference was all of us were excited to go to lifts and 2-a-days. All of us loved the grind, and it made us stronger mentally and physically, and made our team chemistry that much stronger. [caption id="attachment_15938" align="alignright" width="354"] The Trojans.[/caption] Playing with those guys was great. They were all very talented and great players that helped our team tremendously. As a receiver I never really practiced against Loshiaka or Demro but practicing against Sam was a battle. We always got into it and both had our wins and losses. We both made each other better. It was awesome. I can’t even really describe the feeling. All the hard work payed off, and every single player and coach on the team deserved it. To be honest, we knew we were going undefeated before the season even started. We weren’t cocky about it, we just knew that there wasn’t a team that was as talented as us or closer to each other than we were. We were a family, and not many teams have that bond." NFN: Elaborate on the state playoffs and especially the championship game! What were some big plays and moments, and how was your performance? Wildermuth: "The state playoffs was really incredible. Just so surreal to play at the Bank. It was an amazing atmosphere and great crowds. <a href="https://www.northstarfootballnews.com/player/christian-vasser/">Christian Vasser</a> played an amazing game and helped lead the offense to great drives down field. The defense played great as always and had some key stops. Overall it was a great game." 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? Wildermuth: "The brotherhood will forever stick with me. Those guys are family to me and I would do anything for them. I learned a lot about doing it for the man next to me. Playing at Wayzata will help tremendously for college football. I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons from my coaches and teammates." Thank you so much for your time and good luck with your college decision, Jacob! Northstar Football News will be eagerly awaiting your college commitment!