by Caden Shows and Evan McCarty
While there have not been many athletic events this season due to pandemic restrictions, the Minarets Football team worked to make every game count. This year, Minarets Football ended the season with a record of 0 and 4, but they are looking forward to the next season and to what is to come in the future. Junior Jacob Wheeler states, “I am very excited about what is to come in the 2021-2022 football season. It will be my senior year, and I am very excited to hopefully have a better outcome of the season.”
Because of the limited number of available players, the school was only able to support a junior varsity team, an unfortunate reality for senior players who had to sit out due to age restrictions. Even with these difficulties, the support from fans, which was limited to 6 people per player, continued to encourage the players throughout their games. Still, Wheeler says, “We look forward to seeing all the Minarets Mustang fans next season when there will hopefully be no Covid restrictions.”
The team is already preparing for the upcoming season by raising funds. There were no concessions available to the fans at games this year, which traditionally helps to fund the football program. In order to offset the lack of funds and to prepare for the 2021-2022 season, on May 15 at 9:00 a.m., the Minarets Football/Minarets Foundation will be hosting its first annual golf tournament at Dragonfly Golf Club in Madera. This fundraiser will help with purchasing uniforms, football equipment, and other items necessary for a successful football season. The cost to play in the tournament is $125 for a single player and $500 for a group of four. Included with the fee is a light breakfast, golf balls, use of a golf cart, 18 holes of golf, as well as lunch. If interested, please register online by May 7 at https://dragonflygolfclub.com/product/minarets-football-tournament
Though this Minarets Football season was a shortened one with many restrictions, it is not too soon to start thinking about the 2021-2022 season. With the help of fans, family, and the local community, it can be the best season yet!