One of Two Rivers Washington High School Football Coach Jerry Bonino’s former players is at the forefront of renaming the football field after the longtime coach.
Tim Broderick, now residing in Tampa, Florida, was on the Raiders’ first of three consecutive WIAA State championship teams in 1980.
Broderick tells Seehafer News the renaming of Jerry Bonino Field is long overdue.
“There’s a big legacy that Jerry has in the three state championships and all the other accomplishments he’s had and so, we’re glad it’s finally happening,” he said. “It probably took a little too long but it was good to get the support of [Athletic Director] Brian Gallagher and others at the school who really, really jumped on this and took it on to make it happen.”
The official stadium renaming ceremony is scheduled at halftime of Two Rivers’ season opener on Friday, August 19th, but a fundraising effort is now underway in what can be viewed as a two-pronged approach.
“By the 19th [of August] we’ll have a big sign on the pressbox saying Jerry Bonino Field,” he explained. “But, then the big part will be the entrance, you know making a really nice brick entrance. Part of the fundraising is to do pavers so people can donate thru that, buy a paver and put their name on it. And we’ll have an area to have those put in.”
Broderick says they really thought it important to get plans in place to make sure Coach Bonino was a part of it and appreciate the celebration.
Tim said there were four of them that called the coach when they found out the renaming was approved.
“He was crying,” he revealed. “He was beyond words really. It’s been just a big part of his life to know that he’ll have that legacy live on. I think it’s all he’s thinking about quite honestly.”
Prior to the official renaming ceremony, Coach Bonino will host a reception starting at 5:30 p.m. at the high school.
To construct the new entrance, pressbox, and signage, they need to raise $75,000.
Those who would like to make a contribution to the project can visit the Two Rivers High School website at www.trschools.k12.wi.us.
