STRATFORD (WAOW) -- Prep offensive linemen from 18 teams across central Wisconsin gathered at Tiger Stadium in Stratford on Saturday, where Stratford native and former New York Giant Rich Seubert held his second annual lineman challenge.
"For me, it's just a way for these offensive lines to come together as a team and work hard," Seubert said. "They see that their offseason work has been paying off, and compete and have fun."
The challenge consists of nine stations that help with player develpment. But while these athletes are improving their strength and conditioning, that's not the ultimate goal of the day.
"Well the main goal is to win, you know. This is the life we live in where if you don't win, you gotta go work harder," Seubert continued. "You walk around, these kids are competing pretty hard today and they want to prove to their coaches that they worked hard this offseason."
Former Badgers and Packers offensive lineman Bill Ferrario was also there to provide insight. Both Seubert and Ferrario see the importance of putting on this event because linemen don't normally get the same chance that other positions do to showcase their abilities in the offseason.
"I think it means a lot for the linemen," Seubert stated. "Linemen don't always get the opportunity of the credit that we deserve. This is a great day for the kids and great for the coaches to learn some new techniques that they can challenge their high schoolers on a daily basis."
"We have a lot of lifting going on but there's nothing like where five guys can get together and compete with each other like you're in a game situation," Stratford Senior Hunter Kauffman added. "Working together and getting that chemistry that you need to be a good offensive line."
Aside from getting the chance to compete and improve, the players are appreciative of the opportunity they're getting to learn from the best.
"It's inspirational having guys that have won a Super Bowl, played for the Packers to come out and just be there for us small town kids," Kauffman concluded.
