HORTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ) – High school football kicks off across the state this week and when the lights turn on Friday night at Hortonville High School, they’ll be shining on a number of exciting summer renovations.
Akin Field, home of the Hortonville Polar Bears for decades, was in desperate need of a facelift.
Principal Tom Ellenbecker explains that a simple change of lights wasn’t even an option.
“I know the lights that we replaced were over six years old and we couldn’t even get the bulbs to replace them anymore,” said Ellenbecker.
So instead the school embarked on a massive renovation project that was made possible thru the help of community members and district leaders. Ellenbecker says other factors made the upgrade necessary as well.
“Our population demographics have changed within the district, I know we’ve seen a large increase in our student enrollment,” he said. “We’ve just seen more opportunities pop-up for students.”
Fans attending the Hortonville football season opener against Appleton West at 7 p.m. on Friday will notice a couple of upgrades.
“We’ve added a state-of-the-art scoreboard and speakers,” explains Ellenbecker.
The festivities start earlier in the day with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for 1:30 p.m. The all-day celebration is open to the public and the school community is hoping everyone engages in Polar Bear pride.
“I hope this community is really, really proud of what they’ve constructed here and supported here,” said Ellenbecker. “So we wanted to make this a community celebration.”
There is a firework show planned to begin at the conclusion of the varsity football game.
