TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
The Merrill Siver “M” Club, as part of Merrill’s Homecoming tradition, held their Annual Banquet on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, and honored new inductees into the Club.
“The Silver ‘M’ Club was established in 1944 and is America’s most unique football club,” said Kay Klug. “This year it celebrates 78 years, with over 700 men who have been inducted into membership, 25 years after receiving their Varsity letter.”
The Club recognizes Merrill High School Football players 25 years after they letter in football as Silver “M” ers and then again recognizes those players 50 years after they first lettered in football as Golden “M” ers.
“This Club is a big deal for these members and their families,” Klug said. “To know that you played football for the Bluejays and know you get to join this memorable organization after 25 years is a big deal.” Four generations of Klugs have now been inducted into this prestigious group, Klug was proud to add.
Many members “come home” for the Club’s weekend festivities from all over the country, she said. “It is truly a real Homecoming.”
This year, after the 2022 Merrill High School (MHS) Varsity Football Team played their victory Homecoming game over Hayward, many of the former MHS Varsity Football Team members gathered for the 78th Annual Silver “M” Club Reunion and Banquet and to honor and welcome their newest members into the Silver “M” Club.
This year’s incoming Silver “M” ers, from the Class of 1997, are: Lucas Anderson, Gavin Attoe, Ryan Baguhn, Eric Belgram, Stephen Bloechl, Jeff Christiansen, Joseph Colstad, Adam Dotter, Arlo Entenmann, Kevin Harding, Scott Hermanson, Mathew Hoock, Andy Jacobson, Josh Klug, Brian Koehler, John Kollmer, Paul Kufahl, Steven Leider, James Nash Jr., Robert Nowak, Seth Pajtash, Scott Polebitski, Gregory Rajek, Jared Sanders, Richard Seefeldt, Jay Stewart, Andrew Stimers, Brad Strobel, Kory Waid, and Lucas Zastrow.
This year’s incoming Golden “M” ers, from the Class of 1972, are: Gary Baumann, Mark Bubolz, Dave Detert, Scott Diagonstine, Brian Emanual, Dave Hartwig, Dave Hinke, Paul Kienitz, Jim Kries, Rick Krueger, Dave Laehn, John Leist, Lee Taylor, Jim Richardson (Coach), and John Zimmerman.
As a part of the event, they also lit candles in honor of their deceased teammates.
The Silver “M” Club provides scholarships to graduating MHS football players and also helps support efforts of the current football program. “It has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years in support of the Merrill football program to purchase uniforms, equipment, facilities, etc.,” Klug said.
