NEW GLARUS — Following New Glarus-Monticello’s 38-6 loss to Columbus on Friday, Oct. 13, current and former team members gathered at the 50-yard line to take a picture. It was the last game NGM played on its longtime home field.

This season marks the end of the 40-year NGM co-op. The primary school broke ground on the field Monday, Oct. 16, beginning construction of its new building.

New Glarus Stadium Field opened in 1959 and has been home to Glarner Knights football for the duration of the co-op. DJ Schuett, current NGM head coach, played on the field as an athlete from 1988-1991. He has also coached his sons Darris, Drew and Declan in their own athletic careers. 

“It’s going to be hard to turn off the lights here tonight,” Schuett said. “It’s been a part of my life for more than 35 years.”

Senior wide receiver Jake Roth is one of many in his family to go through the program, and he knows what an honor it is to play in the final game on the field.

“To be the last team to play on this field means a lot,” Roth said. “A lot of great players and teams have played on this field.”

Next season, New Glarus will field its own team and play in the newly constructed sports complex across from the high school.