Algona’s Tyler Manske Ready To Prove The Doubters Wrong

Algona completed a perfect regular season in 2019, reaching the state semifinals behind a veteran cast of all-state players. While many of those key starters have moved on, those set to return in the fall are ready to prove any doubters of the program being a contender again wrong. That includes starting quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="23975" first="Tyler" last="Manske"], a top prospect in the Class of 2022. Manske completed 85 of 143 passes last year, throwing for 1,484 yards with 14 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. His quarterback rating finished at 146.6, adding another 120 yards on the ground with five more scores. "Getting all the varsity football experience as a sophomore has helped me so much for preparing for next year," he said. "Instead of going into my junior year not knowing the level of competition, I know exactly how to prepare for each game and I have a way better understanding of the different types of defenses and what will be open on them." The Bulldogs were a run-first unit in 2019, racking up almost 3,500 yards behind University of Iowa walk-on Wyatt Wegener, Garrett Schmidt and Sammonte Bawden. Manske is looking forward to leading the offense to a more balanced attack this season. "We did lose a lot of seniors this past year, and they did a great job of teaching me how to be a leader while I was a sophomore," he said. "I’ve already been getting the guys together for football workouts, and I plan on doing it more frequently as the season gets closer. I keep telling them that we gotta play with a chip on our shoulder because everybody is gonna be doubting us this year. "I’m gonna take on the role of team leader, and we will be a really good football team that can beat anyone in the state." He will be breaking in several new targets, but has already been gaining a solid connection with them during the offseason. "I have been throwing the football with my receivers at least once a week since April, and I throw to a target almost every day before baseball," he said. "I also have some weight room stuff on my shop so I could keep lifting four days a week." That, though, has only fueled Manske’s desire for the start of practice in a couple months. "I can’t wait to get practicing with everybody again," Manske said. "Probably the biggest reason is so I can get some 11-on-11 time and get in real game-like situations." As for his future, Manske is planning on letting his skills showcase himself on the field first. "I’ve had a few discussions with college coaches and I’m obviously keeping all my options wide open," he said, "but I’m really hoping with more of a passing offense this year that I can get some D1 offers and have options from there." Algona opens the season on August 28 against North Central Conference rival Humboldt at home.