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The Lancer Express - November 17, 2025
- pdurkee
- 1 day ago
- 12 min read
MLHS Call Report
On Saturday, November 15 the Lord Jesus through the Federation as called two gentleman to serve at MLHS.
Ethan Hutchinson for PLTW/Engineering/Tech. Ethan is currently serving at Shoreland Lutheran High School.
Kyle Melso for Spanish 2 and Geography. Kyle is currently serving at Fox Valley Lutheran High School.
Please keep both of these men, their families and ministries in your prayers as they deliberate.
What’s Happening This Week at Manitowoc Lutheran High School?
Last Chance to See 12 Angry Jurors – Tonight at 7 PM!
Don’t miss out on an incredible performance by our talented MLHS students! Tonight is your final opportunity to experience 12 Angry Jurors at 7:00 PM. These actors have truly brought this classic drama to life with professionalism and passion—it’s a show you won’t forget.
Special for MLHS Students: All MLHS students can attend for FREE by showing their school ID at the door. Come support your classmates and enjoy an evening of outstanding theater!
What People Are Saying: One attendee shared, “These students are true actors—it was impressive to see them nail their characters. When asked who was the best, I honestly couldn’t choose. They all played their roles to a T!”
Join us tonight and see for yourself why everyone is talking about this amazing cast. Let’s fill the seats and show our support for these hardworking students!
Help Our International Students Take a Trip to Chicago!
Manitowoc Lutheran High School is excited to partner with Dairy Queen to raise funds for a special trip to Chicago for our international students. This is a great opportunity to support these students while enjoying your favorite DQ treats!
Available Items & Giveback:
8" Cake – $30 ($5 donated)
10" Cake – $34 ($7 donated)
6-Pack Dilly Bars – $13.50 ($2.50 donated)
6-Pack Buster Bars – $17 ($2.50 donated)
How It Works:
Coupons will be provided for Dilly Bars and Buster Bars.
Cakes will be ready for pickup December 15–19. We’ll share more details as the date approaches.
If you’re ordering a cake, you’ll choose from several fun cake themes when you place your order.
Order Deadline: Please place your order before December 7, 2025.
Sign up today and make a sweet difference for our international students! Your support helps create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories. Order by Clicking Here
In Case You Missed It - Last Week
Faith and Freedom: MLHS Celebrates Veterans with Breakfast and Worship
On Tuesday, November 11th, the students & staff at Manitowoc Lutheran showed thanks to both God and our country's veterans during our 5th annual Veterans Breakfast & Service. This year, we welcomed about 95 visitors into our building as we recognized and thanked those who served our nation.
The morning began as students’ part of Shining Through Christ organized & served breakfast to our veterans and their spouses in attendance. After breakfast, all of our guests and students joined together for a special service in the aux gym led by President Hacker and guest preacher Rev. Robert Dick (Chairman of the WELS Chaplain Certification Program). Our service was also edified through song by our choirs and the MLHS symphonic band. Following the worship service, our veteran guest speaker Tom Wurm (Marine veteran & member at Immanuel in Manitowoc), spoke about his story and time in the military.
We thank everyone who helped make this day a great success! For those veterans and spouses who missed it this year, we hope to see you next year & we thank you for your service!
2025 Manitowoc Lutheran Lancers Football Season Recap: A Historic Run
The 2025 season may go down as the greatest in Manitowoc Lutheran High School football history. Under third-year head coach Ryan Hulse, the Lancers finished 12-1 overall, completing a perfect 9-0 regular season to claim their first Big East Conference title. Seeded No. 1 in WIAA Division 6 playoffs, they made program history by winning multiple postseason games for the first time ever, advancing all the way to Level 4 (state semifinals) — one win shy of Camp Randall Stadium. The season ended with a loss to perennial power Darlington in the semifinals, but the Lancers outscored opponents by a massive margin throughout the year (522-115) showcasing a explosive, balanced offense and a stingy defense that recorded multiple shutouts.
Powered by a senior-heavy roster and a "F.A.M.I.L.Y." ( Forget About Me I Love You) culture emphasizing selflessness, Manitowoc Lutheran racked up 4,355 total yards (2,704 rushing, 1,651 passing) while allowing far less on the defensive side. They forced turnovers at an elite rate (17 INTs, multiple forced fumbles) and dominated special teams with big returns.
Offensive Firepower
The Lancers' attack was relentless and multifaceted, averaging over 40 points per game in many contests.
Passing Game (Led by Senior QB Jaymen Ott #10): Ott put together one of the best seasons by a Wisconsin high school quarterback, completing 111 of 162 passes (68.5%) for 1,638 yards, 22 TDs, and just 3 INTs — good for a sky-high 194.6 rating. His efficiency and decision-making made the Lancers' air attack deadly.
Rushing Attack: A classic ground-and-pound complemented the pass, with 377 carries for 2,704 yards (7.2 ypc) and dozens of scores.
Senior RB Isaac Wagner #1: — 112 carries, 1,015 yards (9.1 ypc), 17 TDs, plus a long of 69.
Senior Isaiah Muchka #2: 78 carries, 425 yards, 9 TDs.
The Sons of Thunder: 190 carries, 1,440 yards, 26 TDs
QB Jaymen Ott added 422 yards and 7 TDs on the ground.
Senior Trenton Schuettpelz #7 (301 yards, 5 TDs) and others provided big-play ability.
Receiving Corps:
Junior kicker Josiah Martin #21 was nearly automatic on PATs (56/68) and added a pair of field goals, a long of 43 yards, while also handling most kickoff duties.
Defensive Dominance & Special Teams
The Lancers' defense was opportunistic and physical, tallying 605 total tackles, 17 interceptions (4 returned for TDs), and consistent pressure up front.
Senior Wesley Hecker added 5 interceptions (2 (3*)for TDs), making the secondary a turnover machine. On special teams, Isaac Wagner was electric: 7 kick returns for 228 yards (1 TD), plus a 50-yard punt return TD. Isaiah Muchka and Wesley Hecker also contributed big returns.
Standout Players & Seniors
This was a senior-led team that delivered a storybook season:
Isaac Wagner (SR): — 1,000+ rush yards, 17 rush TDs, 5 rec TDs, return TDs, even an INT TD.
Jaymen Ott (SR): Elite QB play that kept defenses honest with his arm and legs.
Wesley Hecker (SR): Blanket coverage + playmaking on offense and returns.
Noah Dillon, Isaiah Muchka, Trenton Schuettpelz, Tristan Hulse, and Collin Rounds: All multi-impact, multi award winning seniors who will be tough to replace.
With juniors like Brody Wieting, Josiah Martin, and Sophomore Aaden Krause, who showed flashes with big runs, and a strong arm at QB, plus a program boasting over 70 players, the future remains bright in Lancer Nation. The 2025 Lancers didn't just win games — they made history, united a community, and proved that a small-school program built on faith, family, and hard work can compete with anyone in Wisconsin. Congratulations to Coach Hulse, the seniors, and the entire Manitowoc Lutheran football family on an unforgettable season!
Full Season Stats can be found HERE
Pictures and videos from the season can be found HERE
Coming Up...
🎶 2025 WELS Middle School Honors Band Concert – "Creation Speaks"
Experience an inspiring evening of music as talented middle school musicians from across the WELS come together under the direction of clinician Richard Tengowski. Themed "Creation Speaks" and based on Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” – this concert celebrates the beauty of God’s creation through powerful musical expression.
📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Manitowoc Lutheran High School (4045 Lancer Circle, Manitowoc, WI)
🎟️ Free admission | Free-will offering or donate online HERE
Learn more about the clinician and event at https://www.welsfinearts.org/2025-wels-middle-school-honors-band.
Cant make it to the concert? it will be streamed live on our Youtube!
Jr. Lancer Band & Youth Choir Concert – A Christmas Celebration!
Mark your calendars for a joyful afternoon of music and holiday cheer! Join us at Manitowoc Lutheran High School on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 PM in the MLHS Auxiliary Gym for the Jr. Lancer Band & Youth Choir Concert. This heartwarming event, themed A Christmas Celebration, features performances by the Jr. Lancer Beginner Band, Concert Winds, Youth Choir, and the MLHS Jazz Band & Jazz Lab.
Come experience the sounds of the season and let the music lift your spirits as we celebrate the joy of Christmas together. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday mood—don’t miss out!
Help Needed
It's time to look ahead to our Winter sporting events!
We will be hosting many basketball games for girls and boys, along with one wrestling tournament,
one weekend of grade school tournaments, and a junior lancer basketball tournament.
Lots coming up, please take a moment to see how you may be able to help out. We need lots of help to make this season a success. https://www.trackitforward.com/site/1077272/eventsThis is a great time for all you that have spring athletes in baseball, fast pitch, soccer, track & field sports to get some spots filled in for waiving the sports fee.
There will be home concessions for soccer and baseball/fast pitch games,
but it can be a challenge for track parents to volunteer in spring, so now is a great time to work ahead.
The MLHS Wrestling Clothing Store is OPEN!
Support our Lancer wrestlers and gear up with exclusive apparel from the Manitowoc Lutheran Sideline Store! From cozy hoodies to sleek polos, stylish caps to performance tees — there’s something for every fan!
🔥 Featured Items:
Nike Club Pullover Fleece Hoodie
Nike Team Legend Short Sleeve Tee
Nike Dri-FIT Coach Victory Polo
Nike Club Fleece Pants
Plus gear from Under Armour, Carhartt, Champion, The North Face & more!
🗓️ Hurry — the store closes Saturday, November 29 Don't wait — order today and show your Lancer pride on and off the mat!
👉 Shop Now
The Joy Of Christmas – MLHS Christmas Concert
Join us for a heartwarming evening of music and fellowship at the Capitol Civic Centre on Friday, December 19, 2025, with two concert times to choose from: 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
This cherished annual tradition features performances by:
🎤 Concert Choir, Cantate Choir, and Lancer Singers
🎷 Symphonic Band and Jazz Band
🌟 Individual music students from both current and past MLHS classes
🎶 A special mass choir piece including students from Lakeshore Lutheran Grade Schools
Between concerts, guests are invited to gather for fellowship in The Mertens Lounge, a time to connect and reflect on the season.
Many have shared that this concert is one of the best ways to prepare their hearts and minds for the celebration of Christ’s birth. You won’t want to miss it!
📍 Capitol Civic Centre, Manitowoc
🎟️ Free admission – all are welcome!
Night to Shine
Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love,
for people with special needs, ages 14 and older.
On February 13th, 2026, Manitowoc Lutheran High School is excited to host this amazing event.
Guests will receive VIP treatment including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining stations,
corsages and boutonnieres, karaoke, limo rides, and of course, dancing!
Every guest of Night to Shine will experience a red carpet welcome complete with friendly paparazzi.
Night to Shine is a spectacular celebration of God's gift of life!
The Lakeshore Lutheran Chorale
The Lakeshore Lutheran Chorale, made up of confirmed members from the Federation of WELS churches, has been sharing God’s Word through music for over fifty years. Rehearsals have traditionally been held at Manitowoc Lutheran High School.
After taking a two-year break, we are now seeking interested individuals who would like to help bring this cherished group back together. If you enjoy singing and would like to be part of this ministry, we warmly invite you to join us!
God willing, we are planning for a spring season of rehearsals and a concert in 2026. If you are interested, please contact Mike Mleziva at mikemlez@hotmail.com or Ryan Friske at friskerj@gmail.com by December 1, 2025.
Time to Sign Up for Jr. Lancer Youth Wrestling!
Junior Lancer Wrestling is back—and ready to deliver a high-energy, fun-filled season for young athletes in grades K–8! Our program is designed to meet kids where they are, offering age-appropriate instruction that builds strong fundamentals for beginners and helps experienced wrestlers sharpen their skills.
Each week, boys and girls from Lakeshore Lutheran Schools and federation congregations will learn new techniques that build strength, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the sport. Our goal is to foster a love for wrestling in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment—while preparing athletes for success on and off the mat.
Cost: There is no fee to join Jr. Lancer Wrestling! Wrestlers only pay registration fees for tournaments they choose to enter (about $25 each). Parents are asked to help at our youth tournament.
What to Bring: Wrestling shoes (to be worn only in the wrestling room), gym shorts, and a close-fitting t-shirt. Headgear is optional but recommended. Loose clothing is not allowed for safety reasons.
Coaches: Jeremy Sehloff, Kyle Drumm, and Joe Nickels
Whether your child is just starting out or looking to take their skills to the next level, Jr. Lancer Wrestling is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun. Don’t miss out—sign up today!
Calling All MLHS Male Alumni — We’re Bringing It Back! 🏀
The Alumni Basketball Tournament returns on Saturday, December 27, 2025, and you do not want to miss it! Whether you were a starter, a sixth man, or just love the game, it’s time to lace up and relive the glory days with your fellow Lancers.
💥 18-minute running halves 💥 First game tips off at 9AM 💥 $50 per player 💥 Proceeds benefit the MLHS Boys Basketball Program
The format will be finalized once we know how many teams are in —register by December 1st!
This is more than a tournament — it’s a reunion, a showdown, and a chance to support the next generation of Lancer athletes. Let’s pack the gym, bring the energy, and make this comeback unforgettable.
📣 Don’t sit this one out. Be part of the action. Be part of the legacy.
Spices Restaurant & BP Gas Station Partnership
Exciting News... The partnership continues to flourish! During the second month of sales at The Spices Restaurant & Bar & BP Gas station donated over $800 to MLHS! That's over $1,500 in just two months. What is this money going towards? These funds will go towards 'The Spices & BP Scholarship Fund" for incoming students to MLHS. This is truly a blessing to our school families!
The Spices restaurant located on 2324 N. Rapids Road, Manitowoc is contributing 1% of all food sales from the restaurant, and $0.01 per gallon of gasoline sold at the gas station each month!
Any customer referred by MLHS or any of its 23 supporting churches shall receive a 20% discount on purchases at The Spices Restaurant. Additionally, The Spices will contribute 10% of the total revenue generated from referred customers. So make sure to frequent the location! Use the coupon below.
To learn more about advertising with Lancer Broadcasting CLICK HERE
Or to download more information Click the downloadable flyer below.
In this new section, information shared by the Federation congregations and Lakeshore Lutheran schools with MLHS regarding the happenings, job openings, upcoming events, news. etc. can now be found weekly all in one place! Right here in the Lancer Express.
To be featured, have questions, or have something to be included from your congregation coming up? Please email Paul Durkee (pdurkee@mlhslancers.org) in the Mission Advancement office for more information.
Living Nativities
St. Paul’s Howards Grove – 441 Millersville Ave- Howards Grove, WI 53083
Join us for an unforgettable experience on the first weekend of December—Friday, December 5; Saturday, December 6; and Sunday, December 7. Presentations run every 20 minutes, so there’s always a chance to catch the story come to life!
Times:
Friday & Saturday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
On Saturday, December 6, we’re offering signed presentations for the hearing impaired at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM.
Admission is FREE—and so are parking and refreshments! After your journey to the stable, warm up in our gym transformed into the town of Bethlehem at night. Sip hot chocolate or warm cider, enjoy cookies, and soak in live musical entertainment.
Don’t miss our special Nativity display in the commons, featuring unique sets shared by members of St. Paul’s.
It’s an easy journey to Bethlehem—and an experience you’ll treasure. Bring your family and friends and celebrate the season with us!
St. John’s Two Rivers – 3607 45th St. - Two Rivers, WI 54241
Come walk through Bethlehem and enjoy our self-guided, interactive, indoor tour of the Live Nativity. Free admission and chili supper from 4:30pm-7:30pm. EVERYONE is WELCOME!
Jobs & Openings
Join Our Mission-Driven Team as an Accounting Manager at Trinity Lutheran Church of Brillion!
Are you a detail-oriented, motivated Christian with a heart for service and a passion for numbers? Trinity is seeking an Accounting Manager to oversee financial operations and human resources, along with other areas of responsibilities. This role is more than just accounting — it’s helping our church and school thrive.
With opportunities for growth into a full-time Business Manager role, attractive benefits including a 401K match, and the chance to make a lasting impact, this position is perfect for someone ready to combine faith, finance, and leadership.
Apply today and be part of something meaningful! Visit: https://tinyurl.com/yckys434 for full job description and please send your resume to TLCadmin@trinitybrillion.org.
ALUMNI ARE YOU PLANNING A REUNION?
Visit the Alumni page of our website to get started with reunion planning, we are here to help in any way you need!
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