09/23/2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2023
OASD Media Contact: Katie Nieman, Communication Director 920.966.0080, [email protected]
Oshkosh West Announces Homecoming Game Changes, Field Dedication
Celebrating the official public dedication of the Robert H. Meronk Track and Field
Oshkosh, WI - A new location and start time for the Oshkosh West High School homecoming football game will allow the community to recognize and celebrate the impact of the late Robert H. Meronk.
The Oshkosh West homecoming football game, scheduled for Friday, September 29, 2023, will now be played on school grounds, at the brand-new Robert H. Meronk Track and Field. The field is located off of Westfield Ave. Kick-off will be at 7 p.m. Aside from this game, Oshkosh West varsity football games will continue to be held at Titan Stadium for the foreseeable future. This exception was made to commemorate the dedication of the school’s new multipurpose turf field.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the official public dedication of the Robert H. Meronk Track and Field during halftime. School and district leaders are honored to welcome Coach Meronk’s family for this momentous occasion. Coach Meronk was an incredible educator, coach, and mentor. His unwavering support for the school and community left a lasting impact on countless individuals.
Robert “Bob” Meronk was inducted into the Oshkosh West Wall of Fame in 2013. Meronk served as a physical education teacher at Oshkosh West from 1974-2003. He was an assistant football coach from 1974-1991, and head football coach from 1992-2002, leading the Wildcats to their first three playoff appearances in school history in 1996, 2000 and 2002. He was the Fox Valley Association Coach of the Year in 1996 and 2000. Meronk was involved in the girls track program at West as well as the head coach in 1976 and 1977, and again from 1982-2009, leading the Wildcats to 11 FVA championships, eight regional championships, five sectional championships and an Indoor State Meet title in 1999. He was also the boys varsity basketball coach from 1977-79, a JV boys basketball coach from 1974-1977 and again from 1987-1988, and was a varsity assistant girls basketball coach from 1988-1990.
Temporary bleachers will be used to increase seating options at the field. For this game, home seating for Oshkosh West spectators will be located on the east side of the field. Visitor seating for Appleton East spectators will be located on the west side of the field below the press box. Bleacher seating will be limited and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Lawn chair seating will be available around the outside perimeter of the track fence.
Parking will be available on nearby streets and in the main Oshkosh West student parking lot. The Oshkosh West staff parking lot located off of Southland Ave will be reserved for accessible parking only. Spectators can enter the field area via two ticket booths located at the main entrance off of Westfield Ave and the North parking lot entrance.
Oshkosh West is bringing the spirit of Homecoming home, and invites the entire community to be part of this historic moment. Before the game, food trucks will be on-site and the annual Homecoming Parade will step off at 5:30 p.m. The parade will follow a modified parade route around the school. Additional information will be shared with the school community as the event nears.
About the OASD: Building community through education. The Oshkosh Area School District is located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, serving over 9,000 students and operating 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, one charter school, and an eAcademy. For more information, visit www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us.
