A New Era for the Hodags
Head coach Aaron Kraemer is entering his second season with the Rhinelander Hodags, and he is already reshaping the program’s culture. Kraemer says the team will be judged not just by wins but by the attitude, effort and preparation they bring to every practice and game.
Last year the Hodags finished 3‑7 overall and 2‑5 in the Great Northern Conference, yet they still earned a postseason berth. Kraemer points to a handful of close, winnable games that slipped away, believing those losses could have altered the regular‑season seeding.
Key Returning Players
Quarterback Abe Gretzinger returns after throwing for over 1,000 yards and ten touchdowns a season ago, while receiver Rowan Wiczek will again be the team’s top target. Both players are expected to anchor the offense as the Hodags look to translate their work ethic into production on the field.
The GNC remains one of the most competitive conferences in the region, with seven of its ten teams qualifying for the playoffs. Kraemer acknowledges the challenge but believes that a focused mindset and relentless effort can lift the Hodags into a higher tier of the standings.
The season opens on August 21 with a road test against Ashland. The matchup will serve as the first measuring stick for a squad that is determined to turn its rebuilding plan into tangible results.