Meier holding down Huskies midfield
Owatonna’s Preston Meier cradles and shields the ball against a Minnetonka defender in the Huskies’ season-opening game in April. Meier said that his team goal for this season is to win back-to-back Big Nine Conference titles, after winning last year. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips
-Preston Meier, Huskies Lacrosse Captain
For the past nine years of his lacrosse career, Owatonna’s Preston Meier has visualized his moment as the leader of the Huskies’ midfield.
This 2022 season Meier has been able to live the dream he had as a youth player and even take it a step further, officially signing to the University of Wisconsin-Concordia back in February to continue his lacrosse career.
“I’m just focused on going out with the best year possible being a senior captain this year. I know I’m expected to be a leader, and if anything it’s just added momentum going into college next year,” said Meier.
After being a part of Owatonna’s Big Nine Conference winning team last season, Meier said his main goal is to go out on top bringing back-to-back titles home to Owatonna.
Fans of Owatonna’s boys lacrosse team know that it’s not hard to find Meier on the field as the two-way midfielder typically handles the ball around the point on both the offensive and defensive side of the field, and is constantly a part of the action.
Through three games this season, Meier has 11 points spread across seven goals and four assists.
However, Meier doesn’t only consider himself a threat to score when he’s on the field.
“I think my game is just well-balanced overall. I don’t think I stand out too much in a flashy sense or anything like that. I can occasionally rip a nice shot, but my game really revolves around taking care of both sides of the field, both on offense and defense.”
This style of play is something that Meier hopes will also transition into a successful college career, where he figures to slot into his usual midfield role barring coaches’ decisions in the offseason.
Meier has seen plenty of recognition from his peers and opposing coaches throughout his career at Owatonna due to his impressive numbers, but what Meier thinks set himself apart from the pack is more than just the on-field results.
“The game has always just kind of been addicting to me. I just love playing, no matter wherever or however it is. Whether I’m just in my backyard ripping shots on my empty net by myself or out playing pass, it’s always just been my favorite sport.”