This New Holstein LB will put you on your back then help you up with a smile
NEW HOLSTEIN — For the past two seasons, linebacker Owen Abler has been a model of consistency for the New Holstein Huskies football team.
Abler was a first team all-Eastern Wisconsin Conference selection after racking up 110 tackles and eight tackles for loss as a junior and appears a lock for repeat as a senior.
While he still has a nose for a football, as evidenced by his over 90 tackles on the season, he’s been even more disruptive with over 20 tackles for loss which places him top five in the state.
“No surprise, Owen is top notch,” said New Holstein coach Matt Rupp. “Besides being a phenomenal football player he’s one of the best kids we have in the entire school. A great student and great leader.”
Abler says dedicating time to his fitness this past offseason has paid dividends.
“I think a lot of it is living in the weight room,” Abler said with a smile. “I put on a lot more size, that helps a lot. I put on almost 10 pounds of muscle.”
He just wishes he had paid attention to proper nutrition and everything earlier in his career.
“Eat a lot more,” Abler said of a lesson he learned last season. “Eat good food. If I started that my freshman year I wouldn’t have been run over like I was.”
Complete football coverage: High school football in Manitowoc/Sheboygan: Complete coverage from the 2023 season
And while the 6 foot, 180 pound linebacker has the physical tools, Rupp says he has something that naturally gives him an edge.
“He’s coachable and has great instincts, I can call blitzes but a lot of times I let him make the calls,” Rupp said. “I just say hey, use your instincts. He has a knack for finding gaps, seams and making big hits.”
Abler is making so many quick decisions less than 20% of his tackles are assisted, meaning he’s the first and only guy to the ball.
It means opposing offenses are starting to avoid him, which is a blessing and a curse.
“It’s fun that they’re giving me attention but not fun that they’re running away from me,” Abler laughed.
His best game of the season came in a 14-6 win over Waupun in Week 2 when Abler recorded 21 tackles, 19 solo, and five tackles for loss.
Cannon for a leg: This Plymouth kicker can make a 60-yard FG and has interest from Wisconsin and Notre Dame
During the games Abler doesn’t even realize how many tackles he tallying.
“I don’t really notice that many tackles in a game but then looking at the stats after it makes it feel amazing,” Abler said.
Plus, Rupp says he’s more than just a ball hawk on defense. Abler’s blocking ability on offense is also key component for a New Holstein team which has qualified for the postseason after a three-win season last year.
“What goes unnoticed is his offense,” Rupp said. “We play him at tight end and he doesn’t have many catches but he blocks his rear end off. That makes our offense go.”
Added Rupp, who is closing in on the program’s all-time coaching win mark, says what makes Abler so unique is the whole package he brings.
“He’s just a different kid,” Rupp said. “He’s more than just football. He’ll hit you real hard then help you up. He’ll smile while he’s doing it which is probably frustrating for the other team, but that is who he is.”
Contact Tom Dombeck at 920-686-2965 or tdombeck@htrnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Tom_Dombeck.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: New Holstein football's Owen Abler is among the state leaders in TFL
