Busy weekend for Tiger fans

It will be a busy but exciting time this weekend for Northwestern Tiger fans. A huge tailgate party this evening will be followed by the football teams’ home opener and then a golf tournament on Saturday.

Tailgate Party

The inaugural “Tiger Community Event” will start at 3 p.m. today at Northwestern High School on the old softball field in Maple. It’s going to be more than just a tailgate party. The festivities will include live music and DJ music, face painting, free food, kids’ games and prize drawings.

A rock climbing wall is being brought in for the kids’ enjoyment. A dunk tank will also be set up with a roster of villains that include high school principal Steve High; middle school principal Ken Bartelt; assistant high school principal Deb Drahos; high school class presidents Jacob Rigsby, Gwen LaPole and Gene Germano; Tiger volleyball coach Tanya Amys; and WNXR announcer Mike Granlund. All are counting on keeping dry because of the bad aim of Tiger tossers.

Activities are free to all and the public is encouraged to attend. The party concludes at 6 p.m. to prepare for the football game.

Football game

At 7 p.m. today the Tigers and the Medford Raiders will square off in a non-conference football game at the Gordon L. Nelson Athletic Complex. Tiger Stadium will be rocking for the home opener. Northwestern is coming off a 34-6 win over the Ashland Oredockers last Friday.

It will be a contrast of styles as Medford Raider quarterback Luke Sauerman threw 34 passes in an exciting 19-12 overtime win over the Rice Lake Warriors last Friday, while Northwestern did not attempt a pass in its win.

Tiger fans don’t recall playing Medford since the late 1970s. With Medford’s enrollment at 689, it should be a good challenge for coach Dennis Scherz’ squad.

Golf Tournament

The third annual “Coaches Classic” is Saturday at the Norwood Golf Course on Highway P in Lake Nebagamon. Golfers will have the option of a 9 a.m. shotgun start or a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

The tournament honors current and past head coaches of Northwestern and is a fundraiser for the Gordon L. Nelson Athletic Complex at Maple.

A hole-in-one on No. 4 will win someone a new car courtesy of Link Ford. An ace on No. 6 will earn someone $7,000 compliments of KRA Builders and Shirts Unlimited. The Mediqwest Insurance Services’ “Ultimate Putt” contests will yield a total of $500 to successful putters.

The $40 entry fee includes nine holes of golf, a gift bag with items valued at $30, a steak dinner, free entry into the “Ultimate Putt” contest, and numerous proximity prizes.

Other prizes to be given away include Milwaukee Brewers tickers, a GlenDel 3D Archery target, season passes to area golf courses, loads of gravel, firewood and crushed asphalt, two nights at Tri-Lake timbers Resort, an Oulu Glass creation, Tiger Apparel and a Tiger athletic family pass.

Openings are still available. Curious golfers should call Norwood Golf Course at 715-374-3210.

Opinions and/or story ideas can be e-mailed to wgranlund@centurytel.net

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