Submitted Topics & Comments
- Great Season... As a first year family with a son in the GHS football program we now know what our friends and family have been saying for the last few years, that the GHS football program is one of the best in the state. We would like to thank the entire football staff for their hard work and dedication. I'm glad Rodney has the count down to next year going, because we can't wait. Thanks to all the seniors for everything you have done for the program, and how you have motivated the younger players. Good luck on your next step in life, we all know you will be successful what ever path you choose to go down. Thanks again.- MB78 11/19/08
- 2008 Season... I would like to congratulate the Greendale Panthers on a wonderful season. It was fun to watch every game. You guys did a excellent job of representing Greendale. I wish good luck to the graduating seniors and look forward to seeing the returning players next year.
I would also like to congratulate the Varsity Reserve and Freshmen teams. Greendale's football future looks very promising. - Badger Jim 11/11/08
- Freshman Football... I am astounded by the instant success of Coach Muench, Coach Stoltz and Coach Koch with the freshman team this year. Their unblemished record is surpassed only by their ability to infuse life lessons and a family atmosphere into the superior coaching. Keep it up guys, you are the future! In haiku: Greendale Frosh Football, Opponents must be wary, Coaches of the Year. - JamesKPantherFan 10/8/08
- Thanks... We just wanted to say thank you to all who put so much work into the football program. Rodney, we live for the commentary of each game and thank you for the extreme time and effort you put forth. Thank you to all the time every coach puts in to make our kids the best they can be. Thanks to the touchdown club who work so hard to add that extra touch that every other school is missing. From the largest contributions to the smallest, this is the best program there is. Way to go! - The Valente family 9/20/08
- Awesome gift to our kids and our community... Congratulations on a job well done to everyone involved in making our new turf field a reality! This field provides the community of Greendale an outstanding football, soccer and band venue that we can all be proud of. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this worthwhile project. - Mike and Judy Hansen 9/3/08
- The Games this Week... I am thrilled to see all of the news about the new field surface. I extend my thanks to everyone that worked so hard to make this extraordinary evolution happen for our children in Greendale. However, please don't forget to give us the scoop on the games that were played this week. The articles, for me, have always been a big attraction on this outstanding web site. PLEASE I AM HAVING GAME NEWS WITHDRAW!!! - Bill 8/30/08
Bill, please except my apology. As you can imagine, getting around to each game is very daunting. I have many other tasks to perform as well. It is my intension, however, to cover every game. I will do the best I can to get the articles and pictures up as quickly as possible. - ram
- Turf... As the final days of the turf project near, I want to thank everyone that has made it happen. I want to give a special thanks to Keith, Tim , and Rod for the endless number of hours they have spent trying to make this a reality. You guys started with a dream and have kicked butt every step of the way to make it happen.... Now it is our time to do the same thing. Go Panthers!!!! - Bondooooo 8/20/08
Bondooooo, Its been a long hard road but there was a need, and we knew it. The school district also saw this as a need. They too played a major roll in getting this done. The real people to thank, however, are the people that donated the money for this project. They know who they are and we know who they are. Just about all of them wanted to remain anonymous so that is why we can not release their names. Without them, none of this would have happened. The GPTC along with the community of Greendale thank them! I'm sure that once the field is done, and the community comes down to check it out and even walk on it, they will agree that this was diffidently worth the time and effort as well as the money. - ram
- Excellent site... As a former Greendale Panther, I want to commend you on this site. I take a great deal of pride in seeing the "68" at the top of this page, (Conference Championships) as I was lucky enough to be a member of that team.(#55) All these years later it is something I STILL take pride in. Keep up the good work!
- Wayne Novotny 2/18/08
Wayne, Let me be the first to say how much I appreciate the kind words. You obviously still have a little sentimental attachment towards your playing days at Greendale just like the rest of us do. Congratulations are also in order for helping put the Panthers on top of the list back in 1968 too. I hope you don't mind if I put your name in the alumni list because you of course belong there too. BTW... You are now the oldest alumni we have on that list, which makes you special. Why don't you email us so that we can get your contact information. In fact, if you know of any others from your era, let them know about what we have going here. - ram
- New Turf... Word around the village is that you are more than halfway to raising enough funds for artificial turf. Did anyone think of contacting Soccer, Cheerleading, Band or Pom parents for this much needed fund raising? Those folks have just as much to gain. (especially for Band Competitions or Soccer post season)
- Phil B 2/9/08
Phil B, First of all, the word on the street is correct. As far as your question goes, this has already been looked into. The problem is that at this point in time, (with the exception of maybe the band) these groups do not have a lot of money lying around of which could be donated towards the project. These groups have held fundraisers in the past, but that money is usually just enough to help offset expenses for equipment, uniforms or maybe travel. However, they will be notified that there will be a special "turf replacement fund" set up, of which all of the groups will be expected to plan for and help out towards financially. They would just have to plan on bigger, or maybe more fundraisers to help the cause because after all, like you mentioned, these groups stand to benefit just as much as the football teams do.- GPTC
- Thanks to the players!... On behalf of the youth teams, we would like to thank all of the players who showed up at our games every Saturday morning. I have always told all players you are a part of the football family at Greendale from the moment you "Break-it-Down" as a little guy. You are always welcome. When I go to GHS games and read the roster and see all of the names of the kids that we have coached, it makes all of us at the youth level very proud. Even more, proud to see the accomplishments those young men receive after the year is done. We are doing great things with our football players because of the expectations we and their families have of them and their willingness to be coached and desire to become the best at what they do.
Again, I thank all of the players for their support and I know they will do great things in life because they are prepared to face each challenge and never walk away without a fight. Good Luck to all and see you on the sidelines!
- Coach Kellogg 12/1/07
- Final Stats... Are the final statistics for the 2007 season posted anywhere? Especially defense. I am interested in seeing how many interceptions/tackles etc. everybody had. Thanks for the info and thanks for a great website!!
- TG 11/28/07
TG, It is our understanding that the stats were being compiled and are to be given to the players at the football banquet, which is November 28th. If this is the case, we will get a copy and post them immediately on the website for everyone to see. If they are not done yet, then rest assured that when they do finally come out, we will post them here. - GPTC
- 2008 Seniors... Congratulations on a great year. You guys played your butts off. WISCO is a very tough team to play. I know because I played them two years ago. Keep your heads held high you have accomplished a lot. Most of you guys have not lost a conference game in your whole varsity careers. That is huge. Dynasty baby! As a final note, I would like to say congrats to everyone that got an All-Conference nomination, especially Mike Hennessy who got Player of the Year. Good job guys.
- AB 11/5/07
- Testament to Greendale's thriving football program... Greendale's coaching staff and players realize that the journey itself is important, not just the destination. You have to follow direction. Discipline, conditioning, weight training, practice, player development, classroom development. The coaches here are not interested in what should be, could be, was. They're interested in what is, what they control. When they lose they have a trust that what they are doing will work, trust and belief in who they are.
Congratulations to all coaches and players. Family and friends alike be proud. It truly is a great day to be a Panther
- Panther 11/3/07
- Greendale Football... I think back to the days Ed and I were debating whether we were going to move to Greendale so Andrew could start school here or have him go to Thomas Moore. Unbelievable how right the choice we made was! Greendale has the most incredible football program, coaches and parents.
Every year it is anticipation for football season. We have never had so much fun watching games in my life. Back to the Thomas Moore game 3 years ago to the Ike game...ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Not only have we created a lifetime of memories, as we have so many more to come with all the kids we have, but we have made lifelong friendships with others who have the same passion and love for the football program and our community as well.
Finally, our hats off to the coaches and kids playing ball. This team has really evolved into something that makes us all proud and we have the best group of coaches anyone could ask for. The kids respect and love these coaches. They have all the necessary qualities of great mentors...WAY TO GO ROB AND ALL!
- Bychinski / Downs Family
- Greendale Football... I just wanted to drop a line to you and say how proud of the Greendale Football program I am. I graduated back in '99 and played football all the way up from 5th grade, in the amazing AAYFL program, through varsity at Greendale.
Living in Atlanta for the last few years has made it kinda tough to hear Greendale football news and this site has been a God-send. I love seeing the hometown boys wipe up the Woodland. Whenever I'm in town during the season I'm there on Friday night to watch the team. I was lucky enough to see the State heartbreak game in '06 and even though they lost the game, it was so reassuring to see the team play with class, just like the GHS program always has. It was always a dream to play at Camp Randall and even though I had to live vicariously through the '06 team, I couldn't have been more proud. I continue to be impressed by the new talent and how the program is growing and representing the schools and community. That statement really goes to show the amazing job that all the coaches do with those kids, even the young ones.
I wholeheartedly agree with Ryan Perkins statement: You may be able to take the kid out of Greendale, but you'll never take Greendale out of the kid. Let's go Panthers!
- Josh 10/13/07
- Website... This website is awesome! Thanks to everyone who takes pictures, does video and writes text. I don't know of any other high school who has such a complete website as this. As a varsity parent, it's great to relive each game. It's great to see your son in pictures and video. Thanks again.
- Dan Thompson 10/1/07
- Coach Stoltz... Greendale is very fortunate to have their coaching staff, led by head coach Rob Stoltz. I hope the Greendale football community is fully aware of how well they do their jobs. The more success a program has, the higher the expectations become. Winning is expected at Greendale. I know a little bit about coaching and it's not always easy to satisfy every expectation. Every year a player like Steve Stoltz or Kyle Johnsen or Eric Brunner graduates. The next year you have to win with different players and to Rob's credit, they have. His teams are always well prepared and ready to play. As a Greendale football fan, I feel very fortunate to have Coach Stoltz leading the team. It's a tough job and Rob is doing a great job. I wish him continued success.
- Mike Drilling 9/30/07
- The Dynasty of the Greendale Panther Football Program... Even though I never played football, I was fortunate enough to be a manager for four of the greatest years of my life at high school. In those four years, I met some incredible people. Names like Rob Stoltz, Scott Bond, and Jermaine Murray were three of them and yes, coach Stoltz was the real deal when he played. Believe the HYPE! I also met five great coaches in Steve Gavinski, Jim Arens, Joe Schell, Bob "Rocky" Carlson, and Rodney Mattrisch. I still truly believe, and always will, that our 1991 team was the greatest ever because of what we went through and how we battled adversity. Just read the tribute to Coach Gavinski in regards to the 1991 season. I will honestly have to admit however, that the 2005 and 2006 teams would now give us a run for the money. The 91 team wasn't that big, but they were pretty darn quick. I just want to say that I will always be a Panther fan and I will always cheer for the Panthers, because once you're a Panther, you're always a Panther. That's the difference between our football program and other football programs. Other programs you graduate with just a memory that fades away to nothing. Here the memories never fade and live forever. Cheers to the Greendale Panther Football team and to everyone who has ever been a part of it. GO PANTHERS! I'm planning on seeing them play at Camp Randall once again.
- THE O-MAN 9/26/07
- Once a Panther, always a Panther...
Dear Greendale Panther Touchdown Club Committee,
Since I graduated from Greendale High School in 1996, I have lived in three different states (Kansas, Texas, and currently Alabama) and three different countries (Germany, China, and Italy). During this period of time I have traveled through more than 30 countries around the world and have been exposed to hundreds of different people groups. I have been blessed to stand at the base of Mount Everest on a clear day and to scuba dive 30 meters below sea level with leopard sharks off the coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. I have gazed in awe of the first-century ruins of the Roman Imperial Forum and Coliseum and have climbed the narrow steps of the Great Wall of China. However, as my good friend and former GHS classmate Brian Dorrington often reminds me, "You can take the kid out of Greendale, but you can't take Greendale out of the kid."
Regardless of my location, when the leaves begin to change and autumn is in the air, I have always been persistent to keep up with the Greendale Panther football program. Until now, that has consisted of reading minimal coverage at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel website on Saturday mornings or afternoons depending on the time zone. My discovery of the Touchdown Club website last night was a gem. I was especially flooded with memories watching the tribute video to Mr. Gavinski. Although I never played for him, he was my sixth-grade teacher at College Park Elementary. As a member of the youth program at that time, I looked up to him and his varsity players.
Keith and Rodney, thank you for your commitment, over three decades, to the Greendale Panther football program. There is no question my eight years (1988-95) were filled with many life-long lessons and great memories. I am gratefully submitting my application and $25 to join the Greendale Panther Touchdown Club and challenge former players and parents who have been impacted by the program over the years to do so as well. You guys have done a great job with the website; I look forward to hearing the reports coming out of Panther country this season.
Sincerely,
Ryan Perkins (Class or '96) - 9/19/07.
Ryan, Words can not explain what I was feeling after reading your letter. All I can say is that I am very proud of you and it is great hearing from you again. It's seems apparent that playing football in Greendale has meant a lot to you. I share that same feeling with you. Needless to say, that is what every coach loves to hear, especially form past players. That's why coaches love to coach! It's about making a difference in someone's life, for the better. Well, if you are looking for information on how your Greendale Panthers are doing in football, this is the place to be. In case you weren't aware of this, this website is actually setup for guys like you. This is what the Greendale Panther Touchdown Club is all about. Alumni! Our wish as a club, is that more people, like you, will find out about us so as to join and lend support in anyway you can. Hopefully you will be able to pass the word on to others because we want to make this the best support group in the state. We all know that there is just something about being a member of the GHS Panther family, that no one can explain. BTW: What do you do in your spare time? LOL - R.A. Mattrisch
- Away Games... Could it be possible to post a link for locations of away games? Go Panthers, Keep it going.- Badger Jim 9/15/07.
Badger Jim, You know that is a great idea! What we will do is create a Google map icon that will have the school we're playing at as the destination. All you'll have to do is enter your starting location. Google will then create a map based on the locations that were entered. There is a link on the "Links" page that will take you to a PDF document that has a map with addresses of all of the area high schools too. This map, however, is weak on showing the actual surface streets. We'll make sure we add this so that our fans won't be late or worse yet, get completely lost and miss the game completely. - GPTC
- Jerseys... Those are some sick jerseys, just raw; keep up the good work boys. I'm coming to watch the cud game on the 21st. - Eric Brunner 9/8/07.
- New field surface... What avenues have been explored to raise/solicit the funds necessary to accomplish this goal? Has there been an account established in which to deposit funds that are given specifically for the project? If so, who is responsible for managing the account / funds? Thanks - Lance 9/1/07.
Lance, At this point, we have not officially announced our push forward for a new field. As you can imagine, this will be a HUGE undertaking to say the least. Right now we are investigating what needs to be done, which could take a bit of time to complete. We have already talked to people at Kenosha Tremper as to how they got there field and what was all involved there. As far as bank accounts go, the only account that the GPTC has right now is our general account. A special project account would be set up in the event we moved forward. The real key for us at this point is to see how much alumni support we can expect and what corporate sponsors would be willing to help. This could take some time because we just started this club and we are still young. Once we feel that we have a solid base, we will then start putting everything officially together. - GPTC
- Oversight and policy change... The GPTC would like to apologize for posting a recent comment that was submitted here in the Chalk Talk area regarding an issue that occurred at the varsity level. Upon reviewing our policy, it was determined that we were in error for allowing that comment to be posted. The GPTC is not to be used as an avenue to express concerns or questions about the way things are done outside of the GPTC itself. We still encourage people to post comments, but we will be more careful as to what is appropriate and what isn't. - Tim Nethery & Rodney Mattrisch 8/30/07.
- JV game Aug 28th... KUDOS TO THE COACHES AND PLAYERS! Who won the 2nd half of this game? WE DID!!!!! - Jackie 8/27/07.
- Coach Gavinski Tribute... Coach, I am one who is blessed by the wonders that you worked with so many. I only try to hold up that bar that you and your efforts held so dire of your players. Thank you for your inspiration and your leadership. I am not the man I am today without your guidance. Thank you, and thank you for all those lives that you have touched that have touched mine. Rodney, Matt, and Jon. I thank you men for taking me in, as I know you were so close to coach. You all are the reason that I am the coach I am today. You are all a bit of the coach that I never had in my own life growing up. We have all come from the same family, a bond that can never be taken away. I am forever grateful in being a part of that same family. I am just one man, touched by Coach Gavinski, and of all of you, but I hope I have held up the expectations that he had held for all of his players to become in life. We only do things the right way!
- Dave Kellogg '90 Greendale Youth Football. 8/13/07
Dave, Trust me when I say that you are holding the same bar just as high as I supposedly did. This is why I stay involved because, yes, it does seem like a family, but that's how life is supposed to be. I learned from great people before me, and it's up to each of us to keep it going and to pass that on to our future. That's how life is supposed to work. - ram
- Coach Gavinski video... The video for Coach Gavinski is remarkable. A truly great man who cared deeply for his players and colleagues. Congratulations Rodney on a job well done.
- Mark Kapocius 7/27/07.
Steve was a special person. I didn't actually do that particular video because back then I didn't know how. If I did, you could rest assured that I would have.- ram
- This website... Awesome site!!! Panther Pride is alive and well
- Michael Lee 5/24/07
Couldn't have said it better myself.- ram
- Rod, you're the man!... I want to thank Rodney for all his hard work with getting this website up and running. He is what Greendale Football is about (unselfish, hardworking people that strive for perfection). Thanks again Rod you are my hero.
- Bondoooooooo 5/21/07
Thank you for the kind words. I do have help though. My wife helps me with the spelling! - ram
- Football and the circle of life... As an ex-Greendale student, an ex-Panther football player, an ex-varsity coach and parent of a ex-football player, I come to realize that I have come full circle. Actually, maybe not quite. I still need to see my grandson play like I, and his father before him. Then I will be ready to pass on to the heavens and watch the rest of games from there. Nevertheless, I have worn all of the hats possible. I have experienced what it's like from all angles, so I think that I am a qualified person to say what I'm about to say.
As a former player, I have to think that playing football was one of the neatest experiences I have ever participated in. While I know it's just a game, I feel that playing football helped me develop many tricks, traits, and skills that I still use today. What better way to learn what it takes to survive in today's day and age then by dodging would be tacklers that are trying to rip your head off. You develop a work ethic, you learn about teamwork, how to set goals, how to handle adversity, how to win, and how to lose. But the most important thing you learn is that you learn about yourself. I truly believe that I am able to handle every day's challenges because I was taught how to when I played the game.
As a coach of 21 years (and still counting) in Greendale, I have had the privilege to work with many other great coaches and to teach hundreds of boys on how to play the game. The average person has no clue (other then coach's families) as to how much time, effort, and sacrifice is needed in coaching. This is not just in football, but other sports as well. Why did I do it? Probably because I understand how this sport can have a positive affect on a person and I guess I wanted to pass that on to others, in hopes that they will benefit too. Sure coaching is a lot of work but there is no greater feeling then to walk out onto the football field with your team. There is no greater feeling then the energy you feel when you walk under the lights of Friday night. There is no greater feeling then watching the players you worked with all week, go out and play their guts out to the point of near exhaustion. Watching them become one on the field with the common goal of trying to win the game is what it's all about. There is however, one down side to coaching. It's when things don't go right and people turn on you. It always cut like a knife when parents or fans would come up to me and start complaining about why we lost the game, which of course was always our fault. Those are the people that probably only look at football as a game and nothing more. If I can pass on just one thing, it would be this. Coaches don't get paid much. They also miss out on a lot of valuable family time that will never be recuperated while working with the team. I don't know any coach that coaches a sport with the intent to lose. When calling a play at a crucial time in the game, they have a 50-50 chance of being right. Everyone in the stands has the same odds, but of course hindsight comes into play so they will always be right. Probably the biggest realization of all, is that the coaches don't play the game, the players do! People may not think about this that much but every play in a playbook is designed to score a touchdown. Think about it! If every player does their job with 100% effectiveness, everyone should be accounted for so you should score a touchdown. I guess I'm pleading with all to keep this in mind the next time something goes wrong like maybe losing a game. Instead of jumping down the coach's throat, give them and their family members a hug instead and thank them for doing what you do. That will mean an awful lot to them.
The ultimate experience of all however, was sitting in the stands with thousands of others, and watching my son run out on the field under the Friday night lights, just like I did 30+ years ago. Words can not explain the emotions that ran through me at that night. It was twice as hard for me because my son was dealt kind of a crummy hand at birth with some health issues, so he had to work twice as hard to overcome some major obstacles during his life just so that he could live the one dream he had. And that was to play football for the Greendale Panthers just like his old man did. It's too bad for he would have loved to play in college too, but his leg just couldn't take the pounding anymore. He was pretty thankful that he was able to even finish his high school career, and on a high note at that. He said that it probably wouldn't be the same anyway, because I wouldn't be playing with all of my friends that I grew up with. All in all, I think if I were to ask him what playing football meant to him, he'd first say that he loved smashing people in the mouth. Then he would follow that up by saying that he enjoyed the experience, and learned something about himself." Geeee... I think I heard that before. Another circle must be starting.
- Rodney Mattrisch 5/1/07
