Jerry Bonino, the man who led what was then known as Two Rivers Washington High School to 3 consecutive WIAA State Football Championships from 1980-to-1982, last night had the Raiders football field named after him.
It’s Jerry Bonino Field now after a formal ceremony during halftime of the TR/Random Lake season opener.
During a pre-game reception, The colorful coach still showed his sense of humor when asked about his first reaction when notified of the honor earlier this year.
“I guess my first thought was I had a lot of good football players and was smart enough not to screw em’ up. Laughter. It’s really such a great honor to coach people like those guys were. And that was the biggest thing. Not only were they good football players, they were even better people.”
Tim Broderick, a co-captain on that first Raiders state title squad, and part of a committee to change the name to Jerry Bonino Field, said “Jerry meant so much to all of us.
“He really taught us more than just football. He taught us how to be good young men and how to succeed in life. And the success he had here was overwhelming. This is going to be a great legacy for him, for his family, for the community and we’re just super excited that this is happening.”
Thom Aiello was the Sports Editor for the Herald Times Reporter and covered Raiders’ games.
“Well, I got there in January of 1978, so right before the teams were winning the state titles. But, I thought he was one of the most colorful, creative coaches in football that I covered in all the years. Just always coming up with something and he got the players to believe it would work, which I think is very important when your calling trick plays, they have to buy in and they did.”
Bonino added this about his coaching days in Two Rivers, “I really loved those guys and we enjoyed being with each other as players and coaches.”
Funds are needed to construct the new entrance at Jerry Bonino Field, update the pressbox signage and install a commemorative brick walk. For more information contact Athletic Director Brian Gallagher at brian.gallagher@trschools.k12.wi.us.
