Top quarterback Derenne again leads Spartans

Neil Seering has been coaching for about 25 years, seven as head coach of the Luxemburg-Casco Spartans.

L-C won seven straight last fall before losing three of its last four to Little Chute (42-27), Freedom (33-21) and unbeaten Plymouth (35-6).

The Spartans were 8-3 overall, 5-2 in the conference behind unbeaten Little Chute and once-beaten Freedom.

“I thought our team was able to build off of our early success,” Seering said. “We had two senior linemen we lost to season ending injuries early in the year that made things more challenging. We had some kids that had to step up earlier than we anticipated, and they did good for us.”

The lone win the last month of the season was a 38-36 Level 1 playoff thriller over Fox Valley Lutheran.

“That was a special game for all of us to win at the end, a special moment of not giving up and believing in each other,” Seering said.

Two long-time assistants, Dean Smercheck and Mike Snowberry, have retired.

“They did an outstanding job of coaching our kids, and being just great people to work with,” said Seering, who has nearly a dozen other assistants again this year.

Two-way All-North Eastern Conference First Team selections Mason Trimberger, Brayden Loritz and Myles Jandrain were among the deep graduation losses. But there’s enough back to give the coaching staff hope.

Having the league’s top quarterback returning in Eli Derenne doesn’t hurt. Tatum Klaubauf, Jacob Walton, Ethan Werner, Joe Janquardt, Julian Bailey, Talon Tassoul, Grant Seering and Ben Klass are among the others entrenched on both sides of the ball, with Lane Ledvina a key returnee on defense.

L-C’s in one of the toughest conferences around, with Little Chute the top-ranked team in Bound’s pre-season poll and Freedom ranked fourth.

“Our expectations are to win every game we are in,” said Seering. “Whether we do or we don’t, what I strive for is that no matter the outcome, if we play together, fight until the end and compete, that’s my wish.”

The potential is there, Seering said.

“We need to remember to stay focused on what we can control — our effort and our attitude, as well as playing for each other,” he said. “We are going to continue to put ourselves in the best position we can to compete at a high level. To get there we need to not beat ourselves with mental errors, we need to focus on what we need to do and trust in our process. Younger kids will have some opportunities, and we believe that when those chances are there, they will step in and be the best they can be knowing there is a learning curve.”

A man of faith, Seering said fear and anxiety are liars, but added we all have doubts in ourselves from time to time.

“However, there is nothing — no problem too big nor anything so insignificant — that you can’t take to prayer or ask your team for help,” Seering said. “My focus is to make sure the team knows, no matter what, we have each other.”

He said his goal from day one was helping foster an environment of family, a brotherhood, to develop players into quality young men who can take any lessons he’s taught and lead their families and help pay it forward by leading others.

“I feel very blessed and grateful for the support the Luxemburg-Casco community has given to me over the years,” Seering said. “Not being born or raised here, you have to show people you care, are invested, and a real person that isn’t acting a part. This is my home.”

Seering had the opportunity to coach his daughter in track, and now his son, Grant (a junior), in football.

“You look back and you remember your son being a ball boy on the sidelines and running around at practice with the older kids, and you think where did the time go?” Seering said. “Sometimes I catch myself watching him more than the others, (but) I have done a better job of being a coach on the field and just being a dad at home.”

Seering said he’s not unlike other parents who start counting down the days until high school events are over.

“This summer and now, I really thought about making more special moments, and remembering the little things with more intent,” he said. “The drives to practice, having him hug me after practice, the bus rides, the smiles after a good play or a win, the tears sometimes or pain of bad play or game.”

He’s got 18 games left with Grant on the team.

“I’m not worrying about the end,” he said. “I’m going to enjoy each moment with him and be the best coach I can be for him and his teammates, but more importantly I have to remember to be his dad, a father that shows his love for his son. As long as I am able to do that, I will with no regrets.”   

The Spartans opened at home Friday against Kewaskum on Alumni and Family Night at Luxemburg.