I've been slowly plugging away at my game story, column and notes for tomorrow's paper, but I thought I'd take a quick break to share some of what I learned during postgame interviews following Eleva-Strum's 41-6 victory over Southwestern in the WIAA Division 7 state championship game.
* Blake Martin was pretty banged up, as were several Southwestern starters. Coach Dave Wills said his QB wasn't able to lift his arm above his shoulder, which obviously makes throwing a pass very difficult. That led to several passes that had more air underneath them than they should, and probably was the main reason he threw three interceptions Thursday after throwing only 12 all season. Starting running back Chris Brant was also injured, and the Wildcats were already without running back Nathan Reuter, which meant they were down to their third running back.
* Many of the Eleva-Strum players spoke of the bittersweet feeling that comes with any season coming to a close. While they are obviously happy for the state title, this is the last time that many of them will put on a football uniform. It's a very tight-knit group, and that was easy to see following the game.
* The Cardinals also hope to turn silver into gold in March. Eleva-Strum lost in last year's WIAA Division 4 state basketball title game to Randolph. Practice started Monday, but with virtually the entire team still playing football, coach Rich Roginski (who is also an assistant football coach) will hold off on hoops practice until Tuesday. Eleva-Strum is the top-ranked team in Division 4 in the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook preseason poll.
- John Casper Jr.
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