A couple of former Perry Bluejays will look to lead Luther to a winning record this season once fall football camp opens up next week on the campus in Decorah, Iowa.  Gabe Saemisch and Jackson Van Kirk are both looking to secure starting spots on the Norse defense.  Saemisch started every game last season and talks about the adjustments he had to make during the course of the season.

“I think I improved  all around in every single aspect.  The biggest and most crucial part for me was adapting to the speed of the game.  I was a lot slower my freshman year not only reading but also reacting to certain plays.  I was able to get more reps and just react to a high number of quality plays in front of me on a daily basis which helped me adapt pretty quickly to the speed of the game.”

Van Kirk will look to join Saemisch in the starting lineup this fall.  The two former Perry teammates have enjoyed their experience at Luther.

“Two is a deadly duo,” laughed Saemisch.  “I don’t know if they could handle any more Perry guys here.  We’re hard to contain.  It’s awesome to see us both grow together here in college.  We grew together in high school and were great buds and that strong friendship has continued here at Luther.  Nothing has changed between the two of us and it is a lot of fun to hang out outside of football and to compete inside the athletic spectrum.  We like to push one another and see each other succeed.”

The two former Perry players open the season September 4th at UW-La Crosse.