WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News: Athletes of the Week: West De Pere Phantoms Football Team

Athletes of the Week: West De Pere Phantoms Football Team

By Michelle Tuckner

Our athletes of the week are making history for the West De Pere Phantoms. It's been a long wait for the West De Pere football program, and every player past and present is relishing the Phantoms' first-ever trip to the state championship.

"My emails are full. I haven't gotten back to all the past football players and the community members. It's amazing the number of people supporting us out there," head coach Bill Turnquist said.

The Phantoms knocked off the defending state champs, Waupaca, on Saturday, with a strong defensive performance, forcing five turnovers.

They're winning even without star running back Beau Bellmore, who injured his ankle in the quarterfinals.

"It was awesome. I wish I could have played, but the team played good. It was a big game," Beau said.

"I've been striving for this since freshman year. It's been cool to get here," offensive lineman Garrett Schuh said.

The players wanted to make it to Madison for their head coach. After 35 years at the helm, and at age 63, Turnquist finally gets to coach at Camp Randall Stadium.

"It was huge. It was unbelievable. We wanted to do it for T. That was a big goal to get T. there before he retires," Beau said.

Beau said he'll be ready to play as they try to win the second team state title in any sport in school history.

"It's very thrilling around school. The whole community has banded together. There's a lot of things happening. It's hard to sit back and relax," he said.

A state title would be the final crown in an amazing coaching career.