The success of the local football team this season has caused a stir throughout the communities of New London and Spicer.
Patrons at local businesses are drawn into conversations about the team's gridiron greatness. And many of the businesses in the two communities have signs painted on their storefronts. But rather than having them donned with traditional signs that read: "Good luck Wildcats" on every window and sign, several football parents came up with the idea to have the signs reflect the business inside.
Mel's Sports Shop in Spicer, for instance, which has been busy keeping up with the demands of hunters in recent days, has a sign on the window that reads: "Hit 'em with your best shot".
The New London Bakery's sign says: "Sweet season". And the sign on the window at the Angels and Ivy Florist states: "We grow 'em tough".
Citizens in the communities seem to be excited to be getting all the attention because of the football team.
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NLS plays DeLaSalle at 3:15 p.m. today at the Metrodome in Class AAA state semifinals. This is the first-ever state trip for the school in football.
"Did you see the sign on the bank? Did you see what the hardware store's sign says? How about the cute sign at the service station?" That was the talk on the streets the day the Tribune reporter and photographer strolled around.
In reference to the artificial turf the Wildcats will be playing on at the Metrodome, Vegdahl's Hardware and Spicer Floor Covering has: "Roll out the carpet" on one window and "Floor 'em Wildcats" on another. And the Westwood Cafe's sign is: "Chew 'em up".
A group of parents of the football team has been planning, organizing and painting signs the past couple of weeks.
At the Country Stop outside of New London, a sign under the price of gas reads: "Pump it up, Wildcats". In New London where the high school is located, businesses proudly display their support for the Wildcats. The Village Hearts novelty store has the door painted with: "We heart out Cats." The Lindquist Service Center's sign says: "We are all tuned up". And the Family Eye Center's windows are painted: "Stay focused" and "Keep your eye on the prize". The Big Market grocery store has: "Sack 'em" and McKale's Retaurant has: "Eat 'em up". And there are many more.
"It's pretty fun to see all the support," said NLS football coach Dan Essler. "Parents spent a lot of time on this. Just to be a part of all this is special."
Even the players seem humbled by how the communities have banded together to wish the team well.
"This is so nice to see everyone support of like this," said senior fullback/linebacker Taylor Dammermann. "It means a lot to us."
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So will all the support help NLS in its quest to reach the championship?
All signs point to it.
