Posted: 1 October 2021 / 10:37 EDT
/ Updated: 1 October 2021 / 10:37 EDT

Escanaba, Mich. (WJMN) -A look at the list of Escanaba High School Varsity Football 2021-2022, nothing will seem out of the ordinary. But this year, the Eskymo squad has two international additions to the team.

“They came here the third week of football, I think, and they fit right in,” said Escanaba manager Dave Wilson. “None of them have ever played football before, but I really think they are fantastic children and great assets for the team. They love to play. ”

Although the game may be a little foreign to them, it does not stop them from living out their dream of playing American football.

“I knew nothing at all,” said Tor Spets, an exchange student from Sweden. “I knew about the Super Bowl and stuff because of social media and I heard about teams and the NFL but I did not know how to play or anything. I used to watch American movies and stuff when I was little and I kind of knew what it was but I never played it before so it’s a new experience. ”

One thing that does not need to be translated is team spirit.

“Coach Wilson, he’s great,” said Spets. “He helps Federico and I a lot and he is very positive and he supports the team and he does what is best for the team and it has been fantastic. The guys are amazing and it’s amazing. They are very friendly and accepting and welcoming. ”

Tor is not alone on the field when it comes to international competition.

“It’s pretty cool in our sport because there are too many rules and there are many types of players, but it’s a cool sport,” said Federico Lorenzi, an exchange student from Italy.

The football game is a way for these two to feel connected even when friends and family are so far away.

“We have a good season,” said Federico. “I like it. I like this team. I hope we win more games and that I can play more games.”

The two have been on the Upper Peninsula for less than two months, but Escanaba head coach Dave Wilson says they already bring so much to the team.

“They’ve never heard of Escanaba, Michigan before and they’re come in here with a good attitude every day and they’ve just been great teammates, all the guys in there love them,” Wilson said. “They are really, really nice kids and really enjoy playing football.”

Regardless of gains and losses, this experience is something these two will never forget.

“I just want to play football, have fun and make friends,” said Spets.