MONTICELLO, Minn. — Head coach Andy Pierskalla is excited as the Monticello Magic football team prepares to take the field this season. After a delayed readiness period, he expressed eagerness to face another team.
Pierskalla noted the unique dynamic of the current team, which includes a remarkable number of siblings. “Big kids, small kids, fast kids, slow kids, strong kids, everybody’s got a spot,” he said. This year, the team features 14 players who are brothers, a record that Pierskalla and the players can’t recall ever seeing before.
Senior Ethan Willmert, alongside his brother Brooks, shared the thrill of playing with family, saying, “It’s a good feeling to be out on the field hitting people together.” William Kuhn echoed that sentiment, stating how special it is to have his brother Ethan on the field with him. Andrew Matuska also highlighted the convenience of attending practices together with his brother Cameron.
For many of these sibling pairings, the game represents a continuation of lifelong bonds. Brock Holthaus proudly referred to his brother Cale as his best friend, saying, “I got no choice but to be his best friend.”
Parents are equally excited about this unique team composition. Angie Schlangen, president of the football booster club and mother of two players, expressed her pride, stating, “It’s pretty neat, it’s unique. Watching them work so hard and then being able to be together on the same team is really, really cool for a mom.”
While some teams cultivate brotherhood throughout the season, the Monticello Magic has already built a strong foundation with family ties.