Mustang Football Camps Host 335 Athletes

Last week the Hempstead football fields were full of athletes learning the game.  Three different camps were held for elementary, junior high and high school football players.  Coaches and players had a great time working on their skills together and many onlookers enjoyed watching the drills from the sidelines.  A special treat was having the U.S. Army personnel assist and sponsor our high school camp.  They helped us realize the similarities between athletics and the military philosophy.  I was especially proud of our high school athletes who helped coach at the elementary and junior high camps.  Both groups benefited from the experience.

To view more pictures from the Football Camps visit the Mustang Football Photo Gallery.

Captains Added

Two more captains will join Jordan Waddick and Adam Kennedy for the Mustangs.  They are Jay Gonzales and Mitch Berendes who are both returning letter winners.  Both have shown excellent summer work-outs and leadership for the team.  With the season coming up fast, two more captains will be announced at camp.

Mustangs Commit

Five Hempstead football players have signed on to play college football this year.  This puts the current number of college football players at 15 from Hempstead.  A major goal of the program is that players develop the passion to continue playing at the college level.

• Brock Haas  Truman State University
• Tyler McAtee  Iowa Central
• TJ Houselog  University of Dubuque
• Dan Riedl  Wisconsin Platteville
• Matt Ehlers  Wartburg College

Brock Haas pulls the defense along as he gains yards against CR Kennedy.

Tyler McAtee forces a fumble as he brings down the Little Hawks offensive runner.

TJ Houselog speeds past the Cedar Falls defender to make yards for the Mustangs.

Dan Riedl keeps Wahlert defenseman at bay.

Matt Ehlers dives for the end zone against Cedar Falls.

Shrine Bowl Game

Hempstead All-Stater Matt Ehlers will be playing in the Shrine Bowl Football Game at Iowa State University this July.  The game is a major fund raiser for the Shriner sponsored hospitals that help children around the country.  Players practice for one week and then play in the the game against other all-stars from across Iowa.  Matt is the 10th consecutive Shrine Bowl player from Hempstead High School.  Other Dubuque area players are Mike Meyer(Wahlert), NickCarolan(Senior), Evan Ressler(Cascade) and Tyler Rutenbeck(Maquoketa).  The game is played on July 24th and shown on cable TV the next day on Channel 22.