Denmark looks to keep moving forward
DENMARK – Do your job.
It’s the phrase written on the back of the Denmark football team’s t-shirts this year.
It will be key for the Vikings to keep moving forward following their first playoff appearance in four years last season.
“Come out here, be coachable, practice as hard as we can and play as hard as we can,” Denmark coach Tom Neuman said. “That’s our job as a team.”
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By learning to believe in Neuman’s first year, Denmark won four of its final five games to qualify for the WIAA Division 4 playoffs for the first time since 2014.
The Vikings nearly pulled off a road win in the postseason, falling 18-14 at Chilton. It marked their fourth loss by seven points or less during a 5-5 campaign.
Denmark’s most lopsided loss wasn’t all that lopsided, either. It was by a 21-7 margin against Little Chute, the North Eastern Conference champion.
“I told them don’t be happy with almost winning.” Neuman said. “Don’t be happy until we’ve won, we’ve succeeded.
“The biggest thing is the realization that each and every game you’re just a play or two away, so you have to make the most of every play. You have to make every one of them count.”
The Vikings have to replace five all-conference players, including leading rusher Brandon Wavrunek.
They return seniors Jack St. Peter (first team) and Michael Rabas (honorable mention) on the line for a defense that allowed only 13.9 points per game.
They also have several athletes that have competed at state in other sports, like seniors Gabe Wertel (wrestling) and Seth Alexander (track and field) to go along with the players from the state-qualifying basketball team.
“There has been a lot of excitement here in the community and amongst these players,” Neuman said. “I think it spilled over into all the other sports that they play. The school spirit was fantastic.
“There are going to be some sophomores that get thrown into the fire, but we’re pretty athletic and we’re pretty fast. My expectations have not dropped at all. The excitement and enthusiasm is definitely here.”
Denmark at a glance
Coach: Tom Neuman, 2nd season, 5-5
Last year: 5-5
All-conference players to replace:
Brandon Wavrunek, RB, 1st team
Jackson Koenig, OL, 1st team
T.J. Weidman, ILB, 1st team
Bradyn Polomis, OL, 2nd team
Jack Satori, DB, 2nd team
All conference players returning:
Jack St. Peter, DL, 1st team
Kenny Satori, FB, 2nd team
Michael Rabas, DE, HM
2019 Schedule
Aug. 23 Fox Valley Lutheran
Aug. 30 at Wrightstown
Sept. 6 at Oconto Falls
Sept. 13 G.B. West (NC)
Sept. 20 Marinette
Sept. 27 Freedom
Oct. 4 at Luxemburg-Casco
Oct. 11 Clintonville
Oct. 18 at Little Chute