Wayzata linemen get in dinner formation

Pulling up to the Rustad home in Plymouth on Thursday evening, I half-expected to see John Madden's bus parked in the driveway. What was going on inside was one of those all-American-type deals that's all about teamwork and relationships and all that kind of good stuff the old coach never can get enough of.

Madden would have been surrounded by "his people," 17 offensive linemen from the Wayzata High School football team who had gathered for their weekly group meal. Their families have taken turns throughout the season hosting, a tradition that began in 2004.

Barb and Mark Rustad, whose son Bennett is the Trojans' starting left guard, had the honor this week, a repeat performance from August. That was fine with the linemen, who got another crack at Barb's ever-popular macaroni and cheese.

Murphy, the family dog, couldn't have been happier, either.

"He has learned to hang around the guys who aren't real neat eaters," Barb Rustad said. "Like my son."

Everyone has to eat -- even kickers. But offensive linemen seem to like to do it together. Maybe it has to do with the fact that offensive line is the only position on the field where you can't be a star. You can be a very talented player, a most valuable player, but our culture has declared you can't be a star.

So a group mentality naturally develops among players whose position requires cohesion. Carrying that togetherness over to off the field is a natural progression.

"It's a good chance for the offensive linemen to get together before a game," said backup guard Jack Reynolds. "We talk, joke around and just hang out. And there's always a lot of food. They don't call us 'The Hogs' for nothing."

Barb Rustad said she began preparing the meal at 10 a.m. Along with the mac and cheese, she made 50 half-pound burgers, corn casserole and Jell-O. There were cookies, apple crisp and ice cream for dessert.

Judging from the low-key vibe that emanated from the kitchen, dining room and family room, you would have thought they were a bunch of choir boys. In fact, at least two of them are in the choir.

Not to mention a cello player and a violinist. Hogs are people, too.

Senior Rob Bathe's left hand has been in cast since he broke a bone in it in a game against Champlin Park on Halloween. Fellow lineman Mike Ehm (6-4, 265) ties his shoes for him.

"Just look at them," Ellie Bathe, Rob's mother, said as she looked at three double-XLers squeezed together on the family room couch. "They are all just good kids."

The parents clearly enjoy being part of the fun. Even more so, they revel in knowing their sons are able to take part in such a life-enriching experience.

"It's like sand through your fingers," Mark Rustad said. "It's all over before you are ready for it to be."

Today, Barb and Mark Rustad will take on their roles as coordinators for the team meal that is held the night before every game. There, 140 coaches, parents and players will sit down together at the high school.

The likes of McDonald's, Culver's and Chipotle make weekly contributions, and 18-20 families will bring along a full meal for 12.

"It's like staging a small wedding every week," Barb Rustad said.

And everyone gets to sit at the family table.

Dean Spiros • dspiros@startribune.com