A Football Field with a Name

Every time you walk through the main gate at Greendale High school’s football field, you will walk by a sign that says,
“Stephen J. Gavinski Memorial Stadium”.
Many of you may know his story, but many of you may not.

Steve Gavinski (1948-1991) was a man among men. He came to Greendale in 1970 right out of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to teach at the elementary level. He possessed a BSE and a Master's Degree in Education, and his dream was to teach and coach. He was married to a wonderful woman (Sue), and had two beautiful children in Tim and Sarah. They all lived in New Berlin, Wisconsin, which is just a few miles west of Greendale. Back then, Sue taught at Whitnall High School while the kids were attending New Berlin Eisenhower High School. Needless to say, there were many different school colors floating around the house.

Steve started coaching football at the high school the first year he arrived. He was an assistant under Coach Wayne Koska. He also coached wrestling at the high school with Bob (Rocky) Carlson, who would eventually end up being his best friend. Steve was a mild mannered man that understood all aspects of coaching sports. In 1982, he took over the head varsity football coaching job and put many successful seasons together, including three Conferences Championships. Unbeknownst to him at the time, he actually started his fourth, but would not be able to see its glorious conclusion. Steve was diagnosed with cancer three years earlier, and died just 3 days before the first game. He left behind a wonderful family, many friends, and many memories. He was, and always will be remembered, because he touched thousands of lives.

This is only a brush stroke of Steve's life. If you would like to read his whole story, click here. I think you'll be amazed at how he lived and what he accomplished. You'll also have the answer to who that man was, whose name spreads proudly across that sign, in front of the Greendale High School's stadium.

To watch a special tribute video that was done in 1991, click here.