TOMAHAWK - In 1897, Tomahawk had a football team travel to what is known today as Wisconsin Rapids. They lost. But it was the beginning of a long story of Tomahawk Sports. A former Hatchet wrestling coach is documenting that rich history.

In 1978, Bob Skubal joined the Tomahawk wrestling team as an assistant coach. He wanted to tell the story of Tomahawk Athletics - the complete story. Over 30 years later, the "History of Tomahawk Sports" was born.

"We wanted kids to respect what had come before them," said Skubal. "The fact we live in a small town - and don't want kids to specialize in one sport - we thought it would be good to research all of the teams."



The first book - published last year - covers over 80 years of Hatchets athletics. Last month, the second of the series of 4 books was released. It covers the fall of 1980 - to the summer of 95.

Bob along with his wife Donna spent many hours in local libraries, making phone calls, and looking up old year books. At first it was about researching the teams. But interesting stories were also getting discovered.

Skubal adds, "There is no other high school in the U.S. we could find with access to as complete a history as we have. Many schools have one sport. But nobody has every sport, every score, every coach - good and bad."

"History of Tomahawk Sports" can be purchased at WJJQ Radio, Tomahawk BP, Nelson's County Market, Tomahawk Leader, and Olde Towne Mall. You can also contact Skubal at (715) 453-5690.

Story By: Joe Dufek