By Craig Marx, Editor

It is hard to believe that the month of July is almost over with and football season approaches us once again. As the WIAA is allowing high school programs to begin preseason practice earlier and earlier in the year, the opportunity to witness the Red Robins hit the gridiron is drawing very close. The 2017 season marks a special place in the storied history of the Robins program as a homecoming reunion of epic proportions is on the horizon.

Coach Gordon Schofield

Coach Gordon Schofield is a legendary figure amongst coaches in the annals of Antigo sports history, winning the WIAA State Playoffs in 1976, 1978 and 1982 while posting a .821 win percentage over the course of a 25-year tenure (1962-1987) as head coach of the Robins. Capturing the state’s inaugural playoff title in ’76 after a series of top-finishing performances predating the current championship format, Schofield will always be remembered by his former players, coaches, and fans.

The chance to honor the distinguished coach presents itself this coming season.

Coinciding with Antigo’s Week 6 homecoming matchup with Medford this year, a reunion party for any former players or coaches from the Schofield Era is scheduled for after the game at North Star Lanes on September 22. Game time is slotted for 7 PM at Schofield Stadium with the reunion scheduled thereafter. With so many players influenced by Schofield’s signature coaching style and winning formula, the hopes of honoring the old coach look to be promising.

Antigo enters the 2017 season after sharing a three-way split of the Great Northern Conference with Medford and Merrill. Looking to get out to an early start on the year, the Robins will host unfamiliar foes in non-conference play including Berlin and Stratford. More news on the upcoming Robins football season will be available in the Antigo Times’ Fall Sports Preview, due out in a few weeks.

As practice is slotted to begin soon, Antigo hosted its annual youth skills development camp at Schofield Stadium in late July. Athletes entering Grades 3 – 8 were able to learn the fundamentals of every position on the field from current high school players and the coaching staff. Wagner Shell made a special donation of camp T-shirt for the participants.

Football development camp participants pose with coaches in the east end zone of Schofield Stadium.

A Facebook event page is available for those interested in attending the reunion honoring Coach Schofield, located at the Antigo Red Robin Football page.