Four Gwinn coaches and District Athletic Director will participate in a review of the school’s 100 year athletic history at a “Letters Luncheon” scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2008, at the Tailwinds Grill & Bar. All current and former male and female athletes are invited to attend. The luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with all former coaches seated with their players.
In charge of arrangements for the luncheon is a committee composed of James Ghiardi, Chairman; Steve Wills; Dick Mettlach; Mike Forgette; Joleen Baysore; and Duane VanDrese, District Athletic Director. According to Chairman Ghiardi, the review will be presented by Dominic Ghiardi, Jerry Erickson, Mike Forgette, and Dick Mettlach.
Dominic Ghiardi was E.L. “Doc” Miller’s successor when “Doc” retired in 1947 after coaching the Modeltowners for 27 years. Mr. Ghiardi will discuss sports highlights from the 1940s and 50s. Dom Ghiardi’s 1949 boys basketball team captured the UP Class D championship title and also gained a State runner-up trophy.
Jerry Erickson was head basketball coach at Gwinn from 1957-69. Erickson’s 1960 team captured the UP Class C title, eventually losing to Bangor in over-time in the state semi-finals.
Michael Forgette coached both boys and girls basketball in a career that spans 30 years. As a varsity coach, Forgette posted over 400 wins, including eight Mid-Peninsula conference titles, nine District titles, and three Regional titles. Forgette’s 1996 girls varsity basketball team was State Runner-up.
Dick Mettlach has been the physical education teacher at Gwinn High School for the past 22 years. In addition to teaching, Mettlach has coached the Modeltowner football team for 21 years, 19 as the head coach. Mettlach’s 1999 team was a state semi-finalist and his 1992 and 1998 teams both won Mid-Peninsula conference championships. Over the years, Mettlach has also coached golf, track and 8th grade boys basketball.
Remarks by Duane VanDrese, District Athletic Director, will conclude the program.
Anyone interested in attending the luncheon is asked to RSVP to James Ghiardi by calling 346-9839. Tickets are available at the following locations: Tailwinds Grill & Bar and Gary’s Barbershop. Tickets will also be available from July 3rd through July 10th at the Gwinn Centennial registration center located in the Gwinn High School cafeteria.
A Centennial Golf Outing will follow the luncheon at 3:00 p.m. at the newly renovated Red Fox Golf Course.
