The Manitowoc Lutheran football program is coming off its most successful season in school history.
Not only did they win their first Big East Conference title since 2011, but they also advanced to the state semifinals (in Division Six), falling to eventual state champion Darlington.
The team admits that’s a big bur in their collective craws as they prepare to open their 2026 season against crosstown rival Roncalli in the annual battle for “The Holy War Trophy.”
Ryan Hulse returns to lead the Lancers and tells Seehafer News. com that the start of the season couldn’t come soon enough.
“The offseason flew by fast, and I’m excited to be back coaching,” he said. “Once that game against Darlington was over, they were ready to go to work and prepare to prove themselves all over again. I can’t wait to see what these young men can achieve this season.”
There’s plenty of talent returning in 2026, but there’s also plenty of big shoes to fill as 12 seniors graduate who were responsible for nearly 80 percent of their production on both sides of the ball.
They include 4-year starting center Collon Rounds, 3 year-starting quarterback Jaymen Ott, offensive lineman and linebacker Tristian Hulse, running back ack and linebacker Trenton Schuettpelz, tight end and linebacker Noah Dillion, along with running backs Issac Wagner and Isiah Muchka, and wide receivers Wesley Hecker, Logan Haupt and Joel Voight, all of whom also played defense.
That’s a lot to replace right?
Of course it is, but there are plenty of talented players ready to prove to everyone that The Lancers are here to stay.
Senior lineman Drew Staudt says that he can’t wait for the season to get underway.
“Being that close to making it to state motivates us more than ever to put in the work and do it all over again,” he revealed. “We’re all excited for the season to begin.”
Senior lineman Noah Fictum says last year’s junior class has been preparing their entire careers to assume leadership roles.
“Last year’s junior class assumed some leadership roles last season in terms of everyone being held accountable for being in the weight room, conditioning, and making sure that everyone is held responsible and accountable for their roles in helping our team succeed,” he told SeehaferNews.com.
Senior Isiah Hochmuth is a wide receiver by trade, but due to an injury suffered by junior Aaden Krause, he’ll assume quarterback duties until Krause returns.
Senior running back Oliver Steubs takes pride in what they’ve built at MLHS.
“We have the speed, experience and depth to do it all over again,” he predicted. “It’s amazing where this program has come from. Near extinction to being one victory away from playing for a state title. I’m very proud of what we’ve built here at MLHS.”
Senior Josiah Martin will be relied upon heavily to contribute to offense, defense, and special teams.
In fact, Martin may arguably be not only the best kicker in the conference but in all northeast Wisconsin.
“It’s really fun being a utility guy,” he admitted. “This year, I want to take those extra steps to be even better to help our team anyway I can to win.”
The pundits think very highly of the Lancers, ranking them as high as fourth in the Division Six preseason polls.
Coach Hulse is appreciative of all the attention, considering this program almost folded back in 2018, but he outlines the ultimate goal he wants these young men to achieve.
“We have our goals, but our purpose that’s family-centered and putting team above self,” he explained. “If these players walk off the field being better young Christian men, then I’ve done my job. That to me is the ultimate goal in achieving success.”
Coverage of tonight’s battle for the Holy War Trophy from Rubick Field begins at 6:45 p.m. on “WOMT 100” and at WOMTRadio.com.
