MITCH SEYKORA
5-11, 210 LBS, LB/FB, SENIOR, CAPTAIN
5 QUICK QUESTIONS
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR NUMBER (No. 20)
“I picked twenty in eighth grade because I thought it was a sweet-looking number and I have worn that ever since.”
FAVORITE UNIFORM COMBINATION?
“Probably the blue on blue for Homecoming. Those are always sweet.”
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY CONNECTION WITH THE PROGRAM?
“My brother (Matt) played. He was a captain as well. A lot of my uncles played too. My dad (Brian) played for one year, but I have a lot of extended family that have played at Owatonna.”
ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY OTHER SPORTS OR ACTIVITIES?
“Just baseball…it went well this summer. In Legion, it didn’t go great — we lost out in the playoffs. But I got to play in Omaha (in a 17-and-under tournament) and that was pretty cool. And then I went to a few (college) camps.”
WHAT IS MEMORABLE PHRASE USED BY ONE OF YOUR COACHES?
“Don’t be complacent. Coach Eggermont.”
Q & A WITH MITCH SEYKORA
Last year, you had to come into camp, start from the bottom and win the job. By the end of the season you had developed into an all-district-level linebacker. Talk about your development as a player.
“At the beginning of the year, it was a little slow (and) then you progressively start to understand things. By the end of the season, it all sort of came together, and that’s what you’re working for all season. You can play faster and don’t have to think as much — just go out there and react and play.“
What’s your mindset entering this year compared to last year?
“You know, last year I definitely knew I was going to have to work really hard to earn a spot, and obviously I was able to do that. And then this year, I still have to work hard — nothing is handed to you in this program. There is always going to be somebody right behind you looking for a spot. You can’t be complacent with where you at, even as a captain. You have to grind.”
Owatonna is known for producing great linebackers, going back a long, long time. Talk about being one of the guys within this lineage. What’s what like?
“It’s a privilege to be a linebacker (at Owatonna). You can do a lot of things. You’re responsible for a lot, run, pass, setting the edge, pressuring the quarterback.”
Shifting gears a little, what’s it like being the second person from your family to be a captain of the Owatonna football team (following your brother Matt)?
“To be picked by your teammates, it’s unreal how they see you as a leader and look up to you. It’s just…it’s really humbling. To know that they voted you as a captain and look at you as a leader. I’m very grateful.“
Look at you four (captains), it seems like there is a good blend of leadership styles. Where do you fit in that group? What is your style?
“I think like to lead by example. I can hoot and holler sometimes, but my style is to do everything the right way and lead that way, especially for the younger players.”
You’re one of the guys that plays both ways. What kind of mindset do you have to have in order to succeed?
“You have to be in shape, obviously. But I like it. It’s exciting knowing that you don’t have to come off the field and always get to keeo playing, and that’s why we’re here.”
THE HUSKY BULLETIN 
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