by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Jack Auginash, Jr. (White Earth Ojibwe/Menominee/Lakota) is a 6-2, 255 lb. two-sport junior athlete at Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is the son of Jack Auginash (White Earth Ojibwe) and Cheryl Goodman (Menominee) of Minneapolis.
“I’m playing both sides of the ball,” said Jack, Jr. “My positions are offensive guard and defensive tackle. I bring experience since I have been on varsity since ninth grade and also leadership to my team.”
“Through four games on offense I have 14 pancake blocks. On defense I play tackle and I have four sacks and 14 tackles,” added Jack, Jr.
“Jack is a physical player that has been a leader for us on the offensive line all season,” said head football coach Mark Heiser. “He is quick and excellent in our counter scheme where we rely on him to pull and trap. Off the field he is a positive leader in school and is well liked by his teammates.”
Auginash wrestles during the winter season. He placed fourth in the state section finals last season. “This was my first year wrestling varsity in the heavyweight division. I hope to make it to the state wrestling meet the next two seasons,” added Jack, Jr.
Coaches from athletes other sports are also watching them in different sports. “I am his head wrestling coach, but I can speak from experience coaching him and watching him playing football,” said head wrestling coach Anthony Minus.
“Vocal Leadership is an area of development Jack,” said Minus. “However, his physical leadership on the field by doing his job, and executing in critical situations has been very apparent highlighting his growth as a young man. Jack has a ton of athletic potential as he learns to unlock it through various channels one being leadership. His positive impact will definitely be felt as a student athlete.”
“Jack finished 3rd in the section losing to the Totino Grace Heavyweight in a match to go to State. In his two years of wrestling, Jack has a record of 32- 40. He continues to develop his technique and balance, and paired with his strength Jack should continue on as an all conference heavyweight and compete in his section with a shot at entry into the state tourney,” added Minus.
“Jack is a good kid,” said co-head wrestling coach Peter Yang. “He listens well and will always do what I ask with no complaints in practice. He’s still a young kid that’s growing physically and mentally. I can’t wait to see how he does this upcoming wrestling season.”
“It’s important to me that I take care of myself,” said Jack, Jr. “I have never used tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. I have learned to respect myself and because of that I have learned to respect others. I feel I have to be brave to play the way I play. I don’t hold anything back and I’ve also learned to be honest with myself and how I feel about what I want to do.”
“I want to continue to play football and wrestle after high school. School sports helps me feel positive and helps me want to go to school every day and keep my grades up. I’m doing well in sports is why I’m doing well in school,” added Jack, Jr.
“Watching his first football practice when he was eight years old and just how the sport came natural to him was important,” said his dad Jack, Sr. “Now going into his junior year and seeing him become a leader on the team in not only Football but he also took up wrestling his freshman year. He wrestled opponents 30 to 40 lbs. heavier than him during his first year. He lost quite a bit but he practiced really hard and by his sophomore year he almost made it to state tournament as a heavyweight in wrestling. He has lettered in both sports since his freshman year and our whole family is very proud of him. He has always been the type of player to do what ever he is told with no complaining and his high school coaches and other schools coaches said this too. They love seeing him play and wish they had more players like him. I am most proud of seeing him grow into a young man others look up to and amazed by the support he receives from his fellow students and staff at Minneapolis Henry High School.”
“I really feel good that my whole family always and continues to support me,” said Jack, Jr.
Photograph courtesy of Jack Auginash family.
Awesomely awesome 👏 Go Jack!!