Despite plenty of changes, including the head coach, the Valders Vikings are optimistic about accomplishing big things in 2025.
John Lenz has been in the program at various levels for the last eight years, succeeding Austin Edge.
“This is an incredible opportunity,” he told SeehaferNews.com. “I’m glad to be the head coach at my alma mater. I have a great coaching staff and group of kids, and I can’t wait to get the season underway.”
While he is excited now, Lenz almost didn’t take the job.
“To be honest, I was a bit hesitant to take the job,” he admitted. “When I thought about it, I’ve been with these boys for the last eight years. I love this program and this school. I don’t want to see big changes again. I must do it for the boys, for myself, and for this community.”
Senior Austin Ebert suits up at running back and linebacker for the Vikings.
He told us he believes his best asset is his energy.
“We all bring lots of energy to every practice and in everything we do,” he explained. “We’re all competitive in trying to bring success to this program.”
Seniors Parker Vallesky and Logan Huesemann, along with juniors Brody Miller and Brayden Lenz, will be leaned on heavily to provide leadership both on and off the field for a rather young and inexperienced team.
Lenz says there is talent amongst the underclassmen.
“You’re always going to be vulnerable. You must try to find the courage to get the job done,” the head coach said. “We have a lot of freshmen who have a lot of potential. I talked to some of them who say they are a bit nervous, but if they give it their all and work hard, they can make a statement.”
Unfortunately, Carter Vallesky won’t be under center in his senior season.
After throwing for nearly 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, an elbow injury he suffered during the baseball season will keep him on the sidelines this fall.
”Just knowing that you can’t be out there playing your final year hurts a lot,” he admitted. “You look forward to playing your senior season your whole life. It’s what you want, but it wasn’t meant to be. I hope to be able to play baseball this spring, but I’m just trying to stay positive through it all.”
Logan Huesemann returns after missing all last season due to injury and can relate to what Carter is going through.
“I check on him from time to time to see how he’s doing. It’s hard for him to be out, but it’s great to see him with all the guys,” Huesemann said. “He may not be able to play, but he’s a mentor to the younger guys, teaching them how to play the Viking way.”
The Vikings qualified for postseason play in 2024, falling to Big East champion Cedar Grove-Belgium in Level One.
Brody Miller feels they can get back to the dance in 2025, saying, “If we just play to the best of our ability, I think we can be pretty good.”
The pundits feel that defending champion Kiel and Roncalli are the early-season favorites to win the EWC (Eastern Wisconsin Conference), but the Vikings feel they’ll be right in the mix.
Parker Vallesky says, regardless of the results, wearing that Valders uniform is a privilege.
“It’s a big responsibility,” he said. “You really come to realize how hard it is to prepare and play to bring home a victory for the community of Valders. It’s a big responsibility.”
The Vikings open the season Friday night, hosting the Xavier Hawks of Appleton.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
