THIS IS "NEILLSVILLE GIRLS BASKETBALL WEEK"!
Monday, March 13th, 2006 -- 8:28 AM
The ride might be over, but an appreciative community turned out Sunday to thank the Neillsville Warriors Girls Basketball team for their historic run to the state tournament.At a ceremony in the familiar confines of the Neillsville High School Fieldhouse led by our play-by-play man, Larry Hoeser, the girls and coaching staff were honored by Neillsville Mayor Diane Murphy who declared this week ?Neillsville Warriors Girls Basketball Week in the City of Neillsville?.
Representing Clark County, Barb Petkosvek presented the team with a ?Certificate of Appreciation? and said the girls? success should serve as an example to people in all walks of life.
"As I looked at this basketball accomplishment, I thought about the pride and strong work-ethic Clark County has, even in the wake of loss of jobs across the county," Petkosvek said.
"I came to the conclusion that the County Board, School Boards, Cities, Villages and Town Boards, business leaders and community members need to show the same respect, integrity and willingness to work together that this small town girls basketball team has demonstrated."
The players thanked the community for their support.
"I first and foremost want to the thank the fans for coming to all of our games. I want to thank the seniors for taking us all the way to state this year," said Junior forward Kristin Perkl.
Coach John Gaier noted Neillsville?s winning percentage was 92.3% on their season and they made it to state despite an only 3% chance of accomplishing the feat. It was noted over 1,000 Neillsville fans traveled to the Alliant Energy Center to see the girls play Thursday.
"Our girls weren't able to bring home the Gold Ball, but our fans sure should. Your support touched the hearts of our kids, our coaches and a lot of people in different communities. To see the Sea of Red that was down in Madison, Wisconsin - that was just unbelievable," Gaier said.
We understand this may not be the ?final? chapter in the girls? amazing season, so stay tuned for more news in the next day or so.
[b]Text of Proclamation:[/b]
Whereas the Neillsville Warriors Girls Basketball team have completed a season of unprecedented success, ending their season in a WIAA State Division 3 Semifinal game with a record of twenty-four wins and only two losses; and
Whereas the Warriors won the Eastern Cloverbelt, Cloverbelt, Regional and Sectional titles for the first time in the program?s thirty-three year history; and
Whereas the team has accomplished its goal of ?Playing Hard, Playing Smart and Having Fun?; and
Whereas many of the players, their families and coaches are active members in the community and volunteer their time for school, community and Rec Department activities, setting a good example for the next generation of area athletes and citizens; and
Whereas a successful basketball team, like a successful community, must at all times function as a team and strive for the common good; and
Whereas the Neillsville Warriors Girls Basketball team found success at the very time the community needed a ?pick-me-up?, and their success allowed many to focus on positive things;
Now, therefore, I, Diane Murphy, Mayor of the Great City of Neillsville, do hereby extend my appreciation to all those associated with the Neillsville Warriors Girls Basketball team and do hereby declare the week of Sunday, March 12th, 2006 through Saturday, March 18th, 2006 as Neillsville Warriors Girls Basketball Week in the City of Neillsville.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.