Behind the Helmet: Wayzata Captain Will Dugan

Will Dugan doesn’t fit the mold of a stereotypical linebacker.

He isn’t the most physically imposing player on the football field, but his leadership and versatility have helped Wayzata's football team to a perfect 2011 season—a season they hope will continue beyond this weekend's section championship game against Osseo. A loss sends Dugan and the rest of the Trojans home. A win puts them in the State Tournament and brings them one step closer to successfully defending their state championship title.

Osseo has reeled off nine straight wins after dropping their season opener to Centenial and are playing their best football of the year heading into Friday's matchup against Wayzata.

Wayzata's defense has been tasked with containing Osseo's high-powered offensive attack—a defense anchored by Dugan from his outside linebacker position. Dugan is able to play both the run and the pass and prides himself in being able to drop back in coverage and defend against some of the most athletic players in the state.

But he’s also good at playing smash-mouth football when needed.

“I love the physical contact,” Dugan said. “I also love the whole team aspect of the sport.”

Dugan was selected as a captain for a reason. His leadership on and off the field is what sets him apart, and on the field Dugan yelling instruction and encouragement to his teammates is a common sight. Off the field, he prides himself in his grades and his close relationships, including his supportive family.

One of those important relationships is with his dad.

His father, Dan, was the captain of the Wayzata football team in the 1980’s. Back then, the Trojans weren’t the football powerhouse they are today, so the father and son’s letter jackets look a little different.  

“We like to joke around,” Dugan said. “His letter jacket doesn’t have any patches.”

In the future, Dugan plans on attending engineering school. It’s a career field encouraged by his grandfather. After taking an introductory course at school, Dugan fell in love with building things.

He is currently looking at schools like the University of Minnesota, Nebraska-Lincoln, Iowa State and Iowa to continue his education. He’s unsure if he is going to be playing football, but doesn’t see himself quitting a sport that he has played most of his life.

Like most high school kids, he’s also challenged daily in balancing the many different aspects of his life, but as a leader on the team and in his school, he’s up for the challenge. Many look up to him at school, but he hasn’t developed a big head.

“Everyone knows me as a big football player and they give us a lot of praise,” Dugan said. “It’s great to get support from your classmates.”

And Dugan—as well as the rest of the Trojans—will only continue to get more support as they make their way closer to another state championship.