Homestead Highlanders football outperforms expectations during its run for the state title
MEQUON, Wis. — After a year with no fans, the Homestead Highlanders varsity football team outperformed expectations during the 2021 season – returning once again to Camp Randall for the WIAA Division 2 state championship, carried by the support of students and the community. It was the eighth state championship appearance for the Highlanders since 1999.
During an 11-3 season and a tie for the second-place finish in the North Shore Conference, the Highlanders’ road to the state final was marked by notable wins against Brookfield Central, Nicolet, Wauwatosa West and Kettle Moraine. The Highlanders lost in the state title game 33-21 to Waunakee High School.
Our team was as resilient as any I have been around. The team rebounded nicely from a couple of tough losses in the regular season and really played great throughout the playoffs on our way to the final game,” second-year head coach Drake Zortman said.
Senior running back and one of the team’s four co-captains Joe Ollman said this season was a dream come true. “This season was a massive success. To be able to have our classmates and the community behind us to support us the entire season was incredible,” Ollman said. “Not being able to have that support in the 2020 season was a disappointment, but the fans were really a driving force for us this season.”
Zortman credited the team’s seniors for setting the tone for the season of grit and resolve. “This group of 20 seniors were tremendous leaders in our program and really helped bring our football, school and greater community together. Our players and coaches are very thankful for all the parents, students and friends, all the staff and faculty at school, and community members and local businesses for their ongoing support.”
Ollman expressed gratitude for his football career at Homestead, and this year especially. “Playing at Camp Randall was an amazing experience — it was something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. It was so surreal to be able to live out the dream that we worked so hard for. To be able to play under the lights with the whole city watching you is truly an experience I’ll never forget,” Ollman said.
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