This past Saturday evening, February 18,2012, an era ended in New Boston. The lights in the famed "Tiger Den" were turned out for the last time.
The school, which will be 97 years old this year, along with Oak and Stanton, are finally being replaced by a state of the art facility located on the old pool property by Lakeview Avenue and the stadium.
Tuesday evening was the girl's last home game and another moving event for New Boston alumni, but Saturday evening it was knowing this was the absolute "last" game made the buzz a little more intense.
As everyone knows I never attended Glenwood, Oak Street or Stanton. My wife and children did, and most likely my grandchildren will. But I have never been closer to a school and its people. I think the thing that has always impressed me about the feelings towards this school system is the remarkable close relationship of everyone. And that relationship seems to carry on after people graduate there.
Saturday started off with a Men's Fellowship Breakfast at the New Boston First Church of God. Former Glenwood Athletic Director and Head Basketball coach Steve Jenkins spoke not only about the school but the village as well. Then there was a great tailgate party on the Genesis Parking Lot and that was followed by the game.
It was great to be a part of this truly historic day in our Village. At the end of the game, as I walked out of the gym, I knew it was over. The end of an era. But I also know that it is the beginning of a new era. I know that as those fantastic alumni which, over the last 97 years made "Tiger Pride" what it is today, the future alumni will rise the Tiger to a even higher level.
The people of New Boston put their children first agreeing to the new buildings. If you think about it, the people of this town 97 years ago, put their children first in creating Glenwood High School. So really the caring for our youth and our heritage is still strong. I guess we can say the celebration of the past is now giving way to the expectations of the future.
Mike Payton
2-19-2012
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