"I'm glad to be back here:" Friday night lights shine on Slinger High School Hall of Famers
SLINGER -- Usually the fall in Slinger means one thing: Owls football. But on this Friday night, October 2nd there are so many other things going on.
"The atmosphere is electric," said Brent Vandermause, 2015 Slinger Hall of Fame inductee.
With the flag girls and the band leading the way, homecoming festivities at Slinger High School are underway with the annual parade.
Slinger High School parade
"It's quite a scene and certainly something I miss and I'm glad to be back here from being in New York the last five-six years," said Vandermause.
"Plus it helps when both teams are doing well, we're 6-0, Oconomowoc is 6-0, it's going to be a great night for football," said 2015 Slinger Athletic Director, Dan Karius.
The Owls and Raccoons battling for a shot at the Wisconsin Little 10 conference title also adds excitement to the occasion.
"Some of our former athletes are back and we're going to recognize them and they bring their families and it's really a great night," said Karius.
Coinciding with the game is the Slinger High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony where seven people are honored, including Brent Vandermause from the class of 2000.
Slinger High School
"This is the field that we won the state championship back in 1998," said Vandermause.
Brent Vandermause
It's also a very special event for current athletic director, Dan Karius.
"I graduated in '74, then I was away for 28 years coaching my career in northern Wisconsin, and just to come back and do something for your hometown is really special," said Karius.
For the honored athletes, it's an emotional return.
"It brings back the emotions, the memories, just the smells," said Vandermause.
And it brings back feelings from his time as a football player with the Owls.
"Looking at these guys out here i think i can do it again for maybe a play or 2 but i'd be done after that but absolutely," said Vandermause.
Slinger High School
As the new hall of famers are honored, Karius hopes there is a connection with the current students.
"I hope that when they walk down the hall and see all the names up there, you hope that someone will wish someday I want to be on that wall," said Karius.
As seven new members enter the hall of fame, current and future generations can just see how special it is to grow up in Slinger.