Jerry Bonino Field to be dedicated Aug. 19

Two Rivers High School is naming its football field in honor of Jerry Bonino, who coached the Raiders to three consecutive state championships, a first for Wisconsin.

The dedication of Jerry Bonino Field takes place Aug. 19 during halftime at the Raiders’ first home game of the season. The Two Rivers school board voted unanimously for the action earlier this month.

Bonino taught physical education at Washington High School and coached its athletes for 27 years, winning the three WIAA Division III football championships in 1980-82. During his tenure, the team earned eight Eastern Wisconsin Conference titles. He was named Lakeshore Area Football Coach of the Year in ’81 and ’82, named Eastern Wisconsin Football Coach of the year in ’81, and Washington High School Teacher of the Year in ’82. He was inducted into the Wisconsin High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1998.

Bonino also refereed football and baseball for eight years, officiated basketball for 25 years, and was director of playgrounds with the Two Rivers Recreation Department for 20 years. He retired in 1995.

The community is invited to a reception for the coach at 5:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria, and encouraged to stay for the game and halftime ceremony.

See video about Bonino and the naming of the field in his honor.