Newsletter Objectives: To have an informed membership,

Encourage involvement of more members in Silver M Club, Inc. activities,

To stimulate financial awareness,

July 17th, 2015

Homecoming 2017

Silver M Club, Inc.

8 -18 Superior 7:00

8-25 @Kewaskum 7:00

9-1 Mosinee 7:00

9-8 Wausau East 7:00

9-15 @Ashland 7:00

9-23 Lakeland (Homecoming) 1:30

9-29 @Rhinelander 7:00

10-6 Medford 7:00

10-13 @Antigo 7:00

10-20 Level 1 WIAA Playoffs TBD

2017 MHS Football Schedule

This year’s Homecoming will take place on September 23rd vs. Lakeland

at 1:30pm.

51 s t Edition – Expose 2016 www.merrillsilverm.com July 2017

This year's Homecoming game will take place on Saturday, September 23rd, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. at Jay Stadium against Lakeland. The Bluejays finished in a 3 way tie for 1st place in the Great Northern Conference in 2016 with a 5 – 1 conference record and 6-3 overall in the regular season. The season was highlighted by a four game win streak to end the regular season highlighted by a 70-24 win over Mosinee. The ‘Jays returned to the WIAA playoffs in 2016, but lost to a very good Rice Lake squad in the 1st round. Coach Sturm begins his 6th season leading the Bluejays in 2017.

Officers President: Jay Proft, ‘66 Vice President: Don Heyel, ‘63

Secretary: Chris Marlowe, ‘84

Treasurer: Bob Akey, ‘71

Directors Davey Laehn, ’72 Jeff Bonnell, ‘87 Tony Mann, ’86 Tony Hartwig, ‘79 Dennis Ruge, ’80 Kevin Blake, ‘87 Dan Meyer, ’66 Chad Meyer, ‘87 Robin Smith, ‘84

Endowment Fund Trustees Jim Weix Erik Finanger Jerry Voigt Bob Akey

Chain gang is a great way to support Merrill Football at no cost to our club. Silver “M” mans the sideline markers for JV, 9th Grade, and 8th Grade Merrill football games. There has always been a great response from the club in covering these games for the past 20 years. Assisting on the sidelines in 2015 were Sid Sukow, Bill Osterbrink, Dave Barney, Doug Grisa, Mike Drury, Gary Porath, Mike Weckwerth, Jeff Anderson, Dan Meyer, John Huss, Mike Grunenwald, Bill Ruder, Tom Weckwerth, Mike Schroeder, Dave Laehn, Bob Odegard, Steve Hintze, and Bob Akey. Silver “M’ers” interested in working on the chain gangs can now contact Dan “Navajo” Meyer at 715-536-7903. Great job by all who have participated to date, the coaches

appreciate our effort.

27th Annual Golf Outing

20 Years of Silver M Chain Gang

Chain gang is a great way to support Merrill Football at no cost to our club. Silver “M” mans the sideline markers for JV, 9th Grade, and 8th Grade Merrill football games. There has always been a great response from the club in covering these games for the past 20 years. Assisting on the sidelines in 2016 were Tom English, Jeff Jameson, Dave Barney, Doug Grisa, Mike Drury, Gary Porath, Mike Weckwerth, Jeff Anderson, Dan Meyer, John Huss, Bill Folta, Bill Ruder, Tom Weckwerth, Mike Schroeder, Dave Laehn, Bob Odegard, Steve Hintze, and Bob Akey. Silver “M'er’s” interested in working on the chain gangs can now contact Dan “Navajo” Meyer at 715-536-7903. Great job by all who have participated to date, the coaches appreciate our effort.

On Friday, September 30th 88 golfers teed off in the 27th Annual Silver “M” Classic. All golfers received a Special one of a kind Silver M coffee mug and can coozie which helped raise a net total of $9195.77 from all the weekend events. The proceeds are distributed into the scholarship/endowment fund and the football/general fund at a 75% to 25% ratio.

Special thanks to all those who help make this tournament the success it has become. Also, thank you to Dave Schwartzman, Emil Hintze, Rick Dorn and Bob Akey for their on course support.

The 2017 Golf Classic will be Friday September 22nd at the Merrill Golf Club with registration forms included in this newsletter.

A Letter from Al Kromholz There are those of us who begin to look forward to the next Silver M banquette and homecoming immediately after the close of the one we just attended. Then there are those who are receiving this letter that are reminded of those great years of Merrill football, what it has meant in their life and how it is time to plan a return. What gives birth to these thoughts and feeling? Certainly it is the shared experience playing football. Yes, we remember good times and we remember tough times. We remember winning and losing and recall the shared fellowship of pain and gain. All of us gained experiences that gave direction to life and who we wanted to be. The Silver M represents all of that and more. As a club we play a very important role in the fabric of Merrill. The Club supports Merrill football at all levels with financial support for equipment, chain gangs, referees, mentors and scholarships. The activities of the club, golf tournament, picnic, game day brats and burger sales and the 50/50 raffle make certain that we can provide these things. Not one of these efforts or events can occur without you and your support. Your commitment and labor are vital. Your financial gifts and contributions to our scholarship program in memory or honor of family or fellow players is vital to all we try to achieve. There is no doubt that the Silver M Club is held in great esteem by the community. You are invited to again participate in the homecoming activities and Silver M banquette this September 23, 2017. Come feel the spirit of football in Merrill. Return to share the moments of great times with your fellow teammates and commit to a time of rich remembrances. Whether you live far or near support the club with your presence at the 2017 banquette.

Homecoming’15 activities

2017 Homecoming Activities

Friday September 22nd, 2017 12:00 pm – Kickoff the weekend by golfing in the 28th Annual Silver “M” Golf Classic. 6:00 pm – Gather with old teammates and guests for our annual social at the Merrill Golf Course. This year features live music by Steve Strasman Jr. ‘85– sure to be a good time.

Saturday September 23rd, 2017 10:30 am – Hop on the Silver “M” float and participate in the Homecoming Parade. New Silver “M” members are particularly encouraged! 11:00 am – Pregame always starts with a brat and burger at the Silver “M” tailgate party. 1:00 pm – Silver “M” members make your way to the stadium to be introduced before the game. 1:30 pm – Game Time! Merrill beats Ashland. 4:30 pm – Saturday night the weekend is capped with the annual banquet and business meeting. The social starts at 4:30 with dinner at 6:30 to be held at the Merrill Town Hall.

Silver M Club, Inc. Newsletter

Merrill, WI 54452 715-536-3410

www.merrillsilverm.com Registered Agent Mike Weckwerth

2016 Donations The Silver “M” Club relies upon the generous financial support of its members and their families along with the community at large to help fund not only the Merrill football program but the Silver “M” Scholarships as well. The Silver “M” Club would like to thank all of those who have made financial contributions in support of the club’s activities and the Merrill Bluejay football program. Each year we try to recognize all of those who make donations during the year but realize this may be incomplete. Please notify Mike Weckwerth with any additions that should be recognized.

Scholarship Fund Donations $500 Jim Langenkamp – In memory of Gary Braun $25 Mary Bauman – In memory of Ray Bauman $100 Steven Weber– In memory of Lee Wardall $100 Delores Ebert – In memory of Art Ebert $50 Patricia Montabon – In memory of Gene Montabon $90 George Henrich Sr. – In memory of Al Beaudry, Warren Weckwerth, Bob Storm and Lee Wardall $50 Emil Hintze $25 Ron Vachavake $50 Bob Opsahl – In memory of Fred Johnson $100 Les Smith – In memory of Stan Smith

General Fund Donations $100 Bret Miller – In honor of Steve (Golden M) and Stevie (Silver M) $25 Paul Keinitz $200 Edwin Briggs $30 Bill Heideman $25 Jeff Duginski $100 Bob Akey $150 Robin, Steve and Mike Smith – New Silver M Logo

Golf Fund Donations $15 Jeff Bonnell $100 Keith Donner $500 Church Mutual $150 Park City Credit Union $200 Dave Bonnell $250 Merrill Football Booster Club $50 Merrill Federal

Thank You!

Silver “M” Club, INC. Memorial Scholarship

In 2017 the Silver “M” Club made scholarship awards to 3 graduating MHS senior football players. Scholarships were awarded to: Brett Seubert received a $2,000 scholarship in memory of Bob Storm ‘59 Don Seubert received a $2,000 scholarship in memory of Ray Smedol ‘42 Ryan Golisch received the annual Arnold Krombholz scholarship. Arnold first lettered in 1938 and the amount this year was $1,000. Since 1984 the Silver M Club has awarded $95,000 in scholarships to 63 senior football players. Included in that amount are the four Arnold Krombholz scholarships awarded since 2014 totaling $4,000. The funds for this annual scholarship come from a gift/endowment agreement with Alan and Ruth Krombholz. The scholarship applicants are judged on academics, high school activities, community activities, work experience, and their written essay. Scholarship Committee members are Jay Harding (Chair) Mark Weix, Bill Wengeler, Erik Finanger, Jeff Anderson, Roger Wendorf, Bob Akey, and Bill Folta.

2016-17 Financial Report

The Silver “M” Club supports its ongoing activities through donations and fund raising events. Money raised is deposited into two different accounts/funds for specific purposes. The General Fund is the club’s working capital for ongoing activities during the annual homecoming weekend and the high school football banquet. The General Fund also includes a special savings account (Football Fund) used for special items needed by the football team such as uniforms, equipment, etc. The General Fund balance on May 15th, 2017 was $13,203.31 The purpose of the Endowment Fund (Scholarship Fund) is the annual Silver “M’ Scholarships for graduating senior football players planning to further their education. Only the interest from the investments made in the fund can be used to fund the scholarships each year. Original club by-laws require preservation of the principal in the Endowment Fund. As of May 15th, 2017 the total value of the Endowment Fund, which includes the Silver “M” Mutual Fund investment approved in 2014, is $192,862.37 Special mention for the Arnold Krombholz Silver M Scholarship. This is managed separately in a segregated account as directed by the family. The directives of the family are to fund at minimum a $1,000 scholarship annually. As of May 15th, 2017 the balance in the Arnold Krombholz Silver M Scholarship account was $34,824.84. This wonderful gift is made in honor of Arnold Krombholz who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country during World War II. Total balance for all funds as of May 15th, 2017 is $240,890.52 Specific questions about the balances in these accounts can be directed to Treasurer Bob Akey.

Please check out our updated website @

www.merrillsilverm.com

Football letter winners who earned their first letter in 1991 and are eligible to become Silver “M” Club members in 2016 are: Pete Borchardt Marcus Doyle Steve Drew Chad Emmerich Aaron Harris Michael Hartkopf Jon Leiskau Jason Lemmer Larry Lonnie Craig Marnholz William Ott Jay Schneider Matt Schumitsch John Van Leishout James Weix Jamie Wistein Robert Zdroik Prospective Golden “M” Inductees for 2016, having earned their first football letter in 1966 include: Dan Meyer Jim Mosser Steve Drew Randy Ament Roger Wendorf Arvo Britten Dan Caylor Bob Miller Jay Proft Scott Shell Barry Jefferson Dave Guenther Ross Johanson Ron Jones Peter Leskau Jim Lokemoen Mark Taylor Diamond “M” inductee for 2016 earning a letter in 1941: Harry Dahm Anyone eligible who would like to receive their Silver, Gold or Diamond “M” can contact us and will be awarded at the banquet. .

New Members 2017

Football letter winners who earned their first letter in 1992 and are eligible to become Silver “M” Club members in 2017 are: Darin Bade Chris Berndt William Dinges Jay Jesperson Bill Jaeger Chad Kreuger Adam Johnson Rick Miles Brian Krueger Todd Rebella Jason Lezotte Dave Schroeder Keith Marnholtz Matt Schumitsch Brad Pepke Justin Turnquist Paul Schnae Matt Schulz Shane Seefeld Kevin Wenzlick Prospective Golden “M” Inductees for 2017, having earned their first football letter in 1967 include: Dave Adams Dave Pophal Warren Behm Steve Seeger Keith Burrows Larry Schuman Dan Detjens Jeff Weber Bob Oestreich Phil Weckwerth Jon Koehler Mike Zwirchitz Stu Kraft Steve Mumma Gordon Hanrahan (Deceased) Diamond “M” inductee for 2017 earning a letter in 1942: Norman Paroubek Anyone eligible who would like to receive their Silver, Gold or Diamond “M” can contact us and will be awarded at the banquet.

Honorary Captain Al !

October 1st, 2016 – Eagles Club Merrill. Bill Osterbrink gave the invocation. President Bob Akey introduced the Board of Directors and their guests. Dave Schwartzmann and Emil Hintze lit the candles in memory of our recently deceased members. Last year’s minutes were approved by Steve Drew and seconded by George Henrich. Bob Akey gave a report on the current club’s finances with approval by Don Heyel and seconded by Emil Hintze. Chris Marlowe gave a report on the past years club activities which included scholarships being awarded to Isaac Buntrock (Arnold Krombholz memorial), Scott Wallace (In memory of Gordon Dotter), and Conner Kleinschmidt (In memory of Warren Weckwerth). Sponsorship donations were given to Bluejay Football Radio Broadcasts, Merrill Park and Rec 5th Quarter and the annual football awards banquet. Robin Smith gave the golf outing report with special mention to Phil English having a hole in one during Friday’s event. Jeff Anderson reported on the tailgate party with Don Heyel reporting on the 50/50 raffle as well. Mike Weckwerth gave the nominating committee report. Dennis Ruge, Tony Mann and Tony Hartwig were nominated for two year terms. Motion to approve by Mike Weckwerth and seconded by Al Krombholz. Coach Sturm thanked the club for all of its support and gave a team update. A Diamond M was awarded to Leroy Dahm for earning a letter in 1941. Members of the Silver “M” Class of 1966 received their Golden “M”‘s while the football letter winners from 1991 received their Silver “M”‘s and proudly sang a horrible rendition of Our Alma Matter. Next meeting will be held September 23rd, 2017. There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 8:34 with a motion from Dave Barney.

HOMECOMING 2017 SILVER “M” CLUB, INC.

On Friday evening September 22nd, 2017, we will kick off our annual get-together at Merrill Public Golf Course Banquet Hall. The festivities begin at 6:00 P.M with a social and hors d’oeuvres followed at 6:30 P.M with live music by Steve Strasman. Members and guests are urged to attend. Hors d’oeuvres, complimentary beer & soda will be served. There will be a cash bar for mixed drinks. A free will offering will be accepted.

Our annual Homecoming Reunion will be held on Saturday, September 23rd, 2017. Registration will be held at the Merrill Senior High School cafeteria from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Saturday. Please use the Sales Street Entrance. Merrill High School and the Chamber of Commerce promote Homecoming as a community event. Any Silver or Golden “M’er,” especially new inductees, are encouraged to participate in the Homecoming parade. The parade begins at 11:30 A.M. Saturday. Silver and Golden “M’ers” who would like to ride on the Silver “M” float should assemble at Jay Stadium at 10:30 A.M. The Brat Sale/Tailgate Party will once again be held before the game in the Jay Stadium parking lot starting at approximately 11:00 A.M. The game begins at 1:30 P.M. with Merrill hosting Lakeland. Introduction of Silver and Golden “M” members will be before the game from the south end zone. Please plan to arrive by 1:00 P.M. The Saturday night banquet and business meeting will be held at the Merrill Town Hall on CTH K, north of Merrill. Registration and social hour begin at 4:30. Your registration fee includes open bar from 4:30 to 11:00 P.M. Please indicate your drink preferences on your registration so that the bar can be adequately stocked. Dinner will be served at 6:30 P.M. with the annual business meeting to follow. Please return the reservation form As Soon As Possible. Payment of $30.00 per single or $55.00 per couple may be remitted with the form or paid at the time of registration on Saturday, September 23rd. Cancellations after Wednesday, September 13th will not be refunded. Late Registrations WILL be accepted. General Fund, Scholarship Fund, or Special Football Fund donations to the Silver “M” Club are always welcome to help support Merrill Bluejay Football. Checks for these donations should be made out to the Silver “M” Club, Inc., and sent to the address below or directly to Mike Weckwerth, N5735 Langes Rd, Irma WI 54442 ****************************************************************************************************************************** Name __________________________________ Wife or Guest ____________________________ Year Received First Letter __________________ Number of Reservations _____________________ Please send reply to: Silver “M” Club, Inc. 801 N. Sales St. Ste. 201 Merrill, WI 54452

City _____________________________________ Telephone No. ____________________________ E-mail address ____________________________ Drink Preference(s) ________________________ Questions?

Call Chris Marlowe at 715-297-7665

A MESSAGE FROM COACH STURM

The 2016 football season was a very rewarding year with many high points. I am most proud of our team for the way they overcame adversity early in the season with the loss of an impact player and team leader to injury. Each week we continued to improve, and we found new leaders and some young impact players who began to make plays that positively impacted our season. This success is a result of the hard work of our players, coaches, parents, and the Silver “M” Club. The support the team receives continues to amaze me and demonstrates Merrill community pride. While having a winning record and making the football playoffs was exciting, the returning players and coaching staff are hungry for continued success. We have a lot of experience returning for 2017 and are optimistic about the season. We face a very tough schedule opening our season against perennial power Superior in Merrill. We will need to work very hard to compete with the quality competition we will face. Our success on the gridiron in the fall will be in direct relationship to the amount of work done in the weight room, and we have seen solid commitment thus far. The seniors from the class of 2016 will be missed, and we will need some leaders to emerge to replace the leadership we lost. I would like to thank the Silver “M” Club for its outstanding support of the football program. Your financial donations are greatly appreciated and make a huge difference. The club donated the money needed to purchase tackling rings, which will be used to improve our team tackling in a safe manner. The players and families also greatly appreciate the scholarships that the Silver “M” Club provides for our athletes. This commitment to furthering their education will benefit the Merrill community and the future of America. The time and energy put forth by the chain gangs on game nights help to make our games first class. I hope the football program and the school district can continue to count on the support of the Silver “M” club to be on the chain gangs. My focus as a coach is to hold the players, coaches, and myself accountable to our core values. If we do the following we will have a successful season and more importantly will build a foundation for future success in life!

Great effort - Effort is demonstrated if we go as hard as we can in practice each day and will be evidenced by us being tougher than any situation or opponent we face.

Excellence - In all aspects of life we desire to be better than we were yesterday. In our faith, family, academics, team/training and personal development we will strive to be our very best! Our thoughtful responses to achieve the outcomes desired will be a focus.

Unity - If we have an uncommon commitment to each other and do the work necessary to achieve our purpose we will have the brotherhood of trust that great teams are built on.

Again, I would like to thank you for all of your support for the Bluejay football team! Hope to see you at Jay Stadium. Go Jays, Coach Sturm

28th Annual Silver “M” Club, Inc. Scholarship Golf Classic

When: Friday, September 22, 2017

Time: Shotgun Start at Noon with registration and lunch starting at 11:00 am

Where: Merrill Public Golf Course

Cost: $80.00 for non-members $65.00 for Merrill Golf Club Members

Includes 18 holes of golf, Two carts per foursome, Prizes, and lunch on the go. Flag Events: Numerous Flag Events

ALL GOLFERS will receive a Special Gift. Format: Four-Man Scramble (Each member plays from best shot made by team player) Flights: Dependent on Number of Teams Don’t have a foursome? We will pair you with other golfers. Questions?? Call Chris Marlowe at 715-297-7665

Prize Donations: If you wish to donate a prize, please contact Chris Marlowe.

***************************************************************************************************************************** Please enclose Check or Money Order payable to Silver “M” Club, Inc.

Team Members: 1) _________________________________________ 2) _________________________________________ 3) _________________________________________ 4) _________________________________________ Reservations with payment required on or before September 15, 2016 Please send reply to: Chris Marlowe

801 N. Sales Street

Suite 201

Merrill, WI 54452

Live Music! Stay for the Silver

“M” Social following Golf.