COLUMN: Panthers' 1991 playoff grid team to be honored

By: 
Dr. Brian James
Guest Columnist

     This Friday night, Sept. 17, at the Homecoming game against Tipton, the Monticello community will have the opportunity to welcome back to Dean Nelson Field the 1991 Panther football team.

     This year marks the 30-year anniversary of a special team that earned a Big Bend Conference championship and was the first team since 1977 to earn a berth in the state playoffs.

     This group was led by head coach Dave Strang and assistant Kraig Dirks. These men were outstanding coaches who had an uncanny ability to get the most out of each and every player. They had the respect and admiration of their players. I have fond memories of that season, serving as the volunteer assistant in charge of the defensive secondary. It was a privilege that I cherish to this day. It was such a fun year. The camaraderie, the success and the community support. Great team! Great memories!

     The players were talented at all the positions and were extremely smart. They executed the game plans each week with an enthusiasm and intensity you only see in championship caliber teams that come along every 20-plus years. I’ve always said athletes teaches life’s lessons: hard work, dedication, perseverance and the importance of teamwork. Those players realized there was no ”I” in team. That team was exemplified by strong leadership and unselfish play. They were hard-hitting, fast, and had an intensity about them. The high-powered offense could score via run or pass. The defense was hard-nosed, generating a ton of turnovers. It made for such a fun season!

     I especially remember the tremendous community support. Fans packed the stands home and away. Fans would line the walkways 4-5 deep as the team entered the field. They would crowd the sidelines, as each game was standing room only. It was wild! Panther pride was palpable!

     This Homecoming Friday night, let’s pack Dean Nelson Field and cheer on Coach (Wes) Wilson’s team againt Tipton, and welcome home and celebrate that special group of men from the 1991 team who represented Monticello on the gridiron with such flair. Thank them for the wonderful memories and the pride they brought to Monticello.

 

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