Rockford needs sports hall of fame

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

Jake’s Junction Pub in Milton, Wis., is a pretty typical southern Wisconsin sports bar. It has the customary and required multiple big screens, electronic dart boards and, of course, a full variety of beers on tap. The menu includes all the usual fare, including some pretty tasty fried cheese curds. There are University of Wisconsin and Green Bay Packers decorations adorning the walls and ceilings. They have all the things you’d expect to find in any pub and grill north of the border.

Yet, it’s still a unique place. The one thing that separates them from all of the other cookie-cutter sports bars is their commitment to honoring Milton-area athletes. One wall of the establishment is dedicated to a miniature Milton sports Hall of Fame. There are 30 to 40 laser-engraved wooden plaques championing the accomplishments of men and women who have distinguished themselves in one way or another in an array of sports.

On my recent Friday night visit, I wasn’t able to spend as much time reading all of the plaques as I would have liked. I’m sure I missed some great stories about some great athletes. I plan on returning sometime soon. The next time I will allow more time.

I immediately thought a sports bar in Rockford should do the same thing for our local athletes. Then, it dawned on me that maybe this could only work in a smaller town, such as Milton.

Could it work here? I know we have a multitude of individuals worthy of the honor. That wouldn’t be an issue. Do we have too many for something like this? I don’t know who decides who gets a plaque and what the criteria would be. I’m assuming it would be up to the bar owner.

I’d like to see one of our local establishments make an effort to try to do something similar. I’d suggest they take a fact-finding mission trip up to Milton and check it out. I’d volunteer to go along and take notes. I’ll even buy the first beer and order of cheese curds. Give me a call!

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Oct. 24-30, 2012, issue