WADENA, Minn.– Wadena-Deer Creek football is ready to leap back into action in 2025. Head coach Kyle Petermeier is preparing his team for the season opener against Long Prairie-Grey Eagle on August 29.

“So we’re super excited for the year. Obviously, just having a bad taste the way last year ended in our mouth that we can just get out here and play football,” said Petermeier.

Injuries to upperclassmen kept WDC from playing in their final two games of the 2024 season. This year, the Wolverines return 10 combined juniors and seniors. Still remaining a young squad back for another opportunity to compete and grow as a team.

“Last year, we talked about that so much. We are just trying to gain as much experience as we can. So the kids know that every game they are going to get a little bit better and if we can get that much better by the end of the year, we’ll see what happens,” said Petermeier.

Coach Petermeier is in his 7th season at the helm of Wolverines football. Continuing year two of converting to a triple option offense, wdc’s ready to take another step forward.

“I think it’s been good for us just to have the guys who have been in the system for a year so then if i’m not around or a coach isn’t right there every time, we can have kids correct other kids in the right way and just make sure they are all on the same page,” said Petermeier.

Senior defensive lineman Blake Sundheim is eager to pop the pads again.

“I just like hitting them,” said Sundheim. “I really like turning the corner. So at the end when you just come around. I just think I have a quick corner.”

Getting win number one last season against Pine River-Backus was Sundheim’s favorite football moment. He’s ready to lead the way for the young team and make more memories in 2025.

“I like to lead by example so if I go 100 percent every rep. Everyone else better be going 100 percent,” said Sundheim.

Ettore Pinnella is the Wolverines’ senior running back. But he says it’s second nature to create havoc on defense.

“I love getting in there and messing stuff up,” said Pinnella. “It’s a lot of instinct because I got being a defensive lineman from my dad. So it’s definitely in my blood.”

Knowing it’s his last run, Pinnella has opponents like New York Mills circled on the calendar. But he also acknowledges the importance of leading the way as a senior.

“I think I can get a lot of these guys to get the right mindset and to their head in the right direction,” said Pinnella.

A host of new schools will be on the 2025 schedule. Coach Petermeier enjoys the rivalries of New York Mills, Menahga and Staples-Motley. But knows it will be an opportunity every week to ascend as a team no matter who they play.

“Our kids are just getting ready to get out and play a game play against another team. So we’re just excited to get whoever we play and hopefully get a little better each game and make it through and to the end of the season,” said Petermeier.

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