November 1, 2019 – Hartford, WI – Many hands tried to make for light work as volunteers gathered to clear the snow from Gib Mahr Field in Hartford as the No. 1 seed Orioles readied for the No. 5 seed Holmen Vikings tonight at 7p.m. in a WIAA Division 2 playoff game.
With an all-day snowfall, field conditions were a challenge. A plea was issued for shovelers and snowplows. Over 40 people showed up over several hours ready to shovel the bleachers and the field. As temperatures decline, it’s a race to clear the field before the snow freezes and the field becomes unplayable.
“We have an amazing community,” said Scott Helms Athletic and Activities Director for HUHS. “We could not have cleared the entire football field without the people who showed up with shovels and 10+ snow plows.”
A system of blowing snow onto tarps and dragging it to the fence became an efficient way to clear the snow from the field while others shoveled.
If Hartford wins tonight it will take on the winner of the No. 3 Milton vs. No. 2 Waunakee match up on Friday, Nov. 8.
WIAA State Football Finals are scheduled for Thursday-Friday, Nov. 21-22 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. The championship final for 8-player football will be held Saturday, Nov. 16 at a location to be determined.