Although the 2019 high school football season is months away, the Fairbanks grid program is gearing up for a special celebration.
The 2019 campaign will mark the 50th season for Panther football.
The program was started by the late Frank Spurlock, who was the school’s first head coach.
The late Galen Kyre, who was the district’s superintendent at the time, was also instrumental in helping organize the program.
The Panthers’ field is named in Kyre’s honor/memory, while a memorial to Spurlock is located at the southern end of the field.
Fairbanks will also play its 500th game on Friday, Oct. 11 when it hosts West Liberty-Salem.
Head football coach Patrick Cotter and the athletic department are working toward a celebration during that game.
Invitations are being extended to all former FHS players and coaches to attend the contest.
Those former players and coaches are asked to register at the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/s6NUAZpScPLZTO2 in order that the athletic department has an idea on how many will be attending the game.
“We want to contact as many former players and coaches as possible,” said Cotter. “We’re asking everyone to pass the information along.”