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Coach Hernandez of Tomahawk Named Packer Coach of the Week Published on 11/06/2020 under Sports

The Packers have announced that Sam Hernandez of Tomahawk High School in Tomahawk, Wis., has been named the Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week.

Hernandez, in his second year as head coach of the Hatchets, has his team at 2-4 overall this season and 2-3 in Northwoods Conference play. The Hatchets look to even their conference record Friday, Nov. 6, as they close out their regular season against Coleman High School.

Since taking over the team this past year, Hernandez's impact has been felt not only on the football field, but on the whole community. From helping elderly people move to new homes, assisting community members who need help with their yard work, and volunteering at the local Kinship of Tomahawk, the team continues to pursue a variety of ways to help others in need. Not only has giving back been beneficial to the community, but it has also been uplifting for the players.

"I think for a lot of them, it gives them a sense of pride and a sense of doing something for others," said Hernandez. "And as a football program, we want people to come sit in the stands and watch us play, and we feed off of that. So this is an opportunity for us to provide a platform for these kids to do good things for others without anything in return. If we can send the players out into life after high school with that skillset of doing good things to be good people, then that is a great lesson for them to take."

Hernandez graduated from Marshall High School in Marshall, Wis., in 2004. Throughout high school, he participated in football, basketball and baseball. He played nose tackle, running back and kicker under head coach Mike Zimmerman. Following high school, he went on to graduate from UW-Whitewater in 2009. In addition to coaching other high school sports, Hernandez's football coaching career began as an assistant coach for Lake Mills High School in 2008. He went on to coach at Johnson Creek High School in 2013, before being named the head coach of the Hatchets in 2019.

To Hernandez, the Coach of the Week Award speaks to the work being done by the program on and off the field.

"This award is really an award for the kids, the program and my coaching staff. I'm just one person as part of a bigger group. I'm so honored to have our program and have our kids be recognized for this because they do work hard. We've struggled in terms of wins over the last couple of years, but the kids work hard, the coaching staff works hard every week, and we do work in the community and outside of the football field. To see those kids get recognized with other programs around the state, is a really cool opportunity for this program and highlights the really good things that we are doing."

Hernandez and his staff oversee a program of 43 players with 33 suiting up for varsity games. His assistant staff includes Andy Peissig, Jeremy Zimmerman, Aaron Evans, Dave Long, Jon Long, Nick Schertz and Steven Shrigley. In addition to being the head coach, Hernandez is also an English teacher at the high school. Hernandez and his wife, Ashley, have three sons, Derek, Brett and Vaughn.

About the Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week Program:

The Green Bay Packers Coach of the Week program supports football outreach efforts by giving high school coaches the recognition they deserve. Nominations can be submitted by 10 a.m. every Monday to Ryan Fencl, Packers football outreach specialist, at coachoftheweek@packers.com. All nominations should include the nominee's name, address, school, phone number and reason he/she is deserving of the award. This year, because some schools have postponed their football seasons to the spring due to COVID-19, the Packers are seeking coaches to be nominated regardless of their teams' on-field performance or whether they are playing in the fall or spring. Rather, the nominee could be honored for how they have turned programs around, how the team has impacted the community, or how the coach impacts the players and their families.

In Other News

Main Street Memories Car Show Returns to Downtown Tomahawk

Published on 05/22/2026 under News Memorial Day weekend in Tomahawk means the return of the Main Street Memories Car Show. Originally started by a local car club, the event was later taken over by Tomahawk Main Street, which has continued the tradition while introducing small changes to keep the show fresh and exciting. As we previewed Thursday, this year's show is dedicated to founder and longtime participant Swede Jorgensen. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz took some time out from preparations to discuss the 32nd edition of the Car Show. She was quick to credit the many volunteers, participants, and attendees who have helped make the show a success over the past three decades. Last year's event featured more than 325 vehicles, which Turkiewicz admitted made for a tight fit. While many car shows are in fields or parking lots, Tomahawk's offers a scenic setting in the historic downtown district.. Turkiewicz added that vehicle owners also appreciate the paved streets, which help keep their chrome polished and clean. Turkiewicz said they traditionally have a big age range, referring to both the people and the cars. And because the Main Street Memories Car Show doesn't group by class or era, you might find a 1935 Ford could be parked next to a brand-new Corvette. In addition to traditional classics, the show has also featured TV- or movie-inspired vehicles such as the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, the Batmobile, the "Dukes of Hazzard" General Lee, and Jurassic Park Jeep. Turkiewicz says the show is very family-friendly and gives visitors the chance to admire unique vehicles, learn more about them, and meet owners who enjoy sharing the stories behind their cars. And while the vehicles are the main attraction, Turkiewicz says there's plenty for non-car enthusiasts to enjoy as well. The event also includes a craft fair, vendors, kids activities and entertainment complementing the downtown restaurants and shops. The Main Street Memories Car Show takes place Sunday throughout the Tomahawk Main Street District, rain or shine.

Published on 05/22/2026 under News Another group of Tomahawk High School students have reached a milestone in their educational journey...it's time for graduation. Ninety Three THS seniors will cross the stage this evening to receive their diplomas. It the culmination of a busy few weeks for the soon-to-be-graduates. They've finished finals, attended their senior class trip, held senior awards night, and completed a community service project. It's all led to the final day of class and tonight's commencement ceremony. Learning a bit about the Class of 2026: their motto is "Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up."; class song is 'Hey Ya' by OutKast as their class song. Midnight blue and the hydrangea are the class color and class flower respectively. Michael Samundsen was named the 2026 Valedictorian with Edwin Riese as Salutatorian.. Each is expected to address their fellow graduates during this evening's program. Rounding out the Top 10, students graduating with honors include: Freya Alberg, Faith Derleth, Ethan Gibeault, Emma Hoff, Logan Norman, Nathan Norman, Sophie Olsen and Galen Schmidt. As for tonight's graduation ceremony, tickets are not required. Doors open at 6pm, the program begins at 7pm. While the ceremony won't be live-streamed, the district says it will be recorded and posted to the their YouTube channel.

Published on 05/22/2026 under News Northwoods motorists may want to tap the brakes this weekend as you may be watched from above. The Wisconsin State Patrol announced upcoming aerial enforcement plans which will include Highway 51 in Oneida County on Friday. According to the announcement, it's much easier for troopers to spot drivers who are speeding or driving aggressively from the air. When a pilot observes a violation, they communicate with ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop. The Wisconsin State Patrol says that the aerial enforcement missions are publicly announced to improve public safety through voluntary compliance rather than to simply stop drivers and handing out citations. The eye in the sky has been used in various regions around the state throughout this week.

Published on 05/22/2026 under News As Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer travel season, state officials are reminding Wisconsinites to keep safety in mind, both on the roads and on the water. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Department of Natural Resources are teaming up with a new campaign "Drive safe. Tow safe. Boat safe." As heavy holiday traffic and busy boat launches are expected, officials say a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe this summer. Drivers are encouraged to secure trailers and cargo before traveling. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "Even if you are a seasoned traveler or have towed a trailer for years, going through a safety checklist every time before hitting the road is still critical at every experience level to keep our roads safe." Once on the road, Officials say distracted driving, speeding and impaired driving remain top causes of summer crashes, especially with more drivers towing boats and campers. The DNR is also urging boaters to wear life jackets, stay sober and check weather conditions before heading out. They encourage all travelers and outdoor enthusiasts to safely and respectfully share the state's roads, launches and waters with others.

Published on 05/22/2026 under News Kids in Rhinelander will soon have a new way to beat the summer heat. After several years of fundraising and construction, The Kiwanis Club of Rhinelander and the City of Rhinelander are set to host the grand opening of the new Vancos Family Splash Pad at Hodag Park. The project was made possible through donations, volunteers and community partnerships. Kiwanis Club President Kerry Brekke says "This project represents what can happen when a community comes together to invest in its families and future." Brekke added the splash pad is an investment in local families and a space designed to create lasting memories for years to come. To kick off the summer season, they're inviting the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday afternoon at 1pm where they'll celebrate the new play area.

Published on 05/22/2026 under News As many prepare for cookouts and the unofficial start of summer, communities across the Northwoods are also preparing to honor the true meaning of Memorial Day remembering the men and women who gave their lives in military service. Among the area observances drawing growing attention is the annual Saturday ceremony at Union Grove Cemetery in Harshaw. What began years ago as a small gathering has grown into a well-attended tradition, bringing hundreds to the rural cemetery each Memorial Day weekend. Organizers have once again been preparing the grounds ahead of this year's ceremony, which continues to feature the popular Einar Ingman motorcycle procession traveling from Tomahawk to Union Grove which has become a meaningful part of the annual observance in memory of the Medal of Honor recipient. A number of Memorial Day ceremonies are planned throughout the Northwoods this weekend, with more information available on the WJJQ Community Calendar.

Published on 05/22/2026 under News Travelers heading to and from the Northwoods have another flight option this summer. United Airlines has brought back its seasonal summer service between Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport and Chicago O'Hare Airport, with the first flights taking off Thursday. Airport officials expressed excitement about the return of the United Express flights, noting that it provides passengers with more choices in both destinations and carriers by expanding beyond the year-round Delta flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Flights to O'Hare will operate Friday through Monday, with one flight scheduled each day. The seasonal service will be operated by SkyWest Airlines.

Published on 05/21/2026 under Sports Dickens Delivers On Senior Day, Hatchet Baseball Edges Pines The Hatchet baseball squad ended Great Northern Conference play and Senior Night in exciting fashion, upsetting Northland Pines at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field Thursday night, 6-4. After the Hatchets took a 4-1 lead heading into the fourth, the Eagles would score three runs in the fourth and fifth innings, tying the game at 4-4. With two outs and two on in the bottom of the sixth, Senior Jonah Dickens ripped a two-run double to left-center field to put the Hatchets ahead for good. The two-run double by Dickens was his only hit of the day. Tomahawk would muster five hits total and reached base by way of five hit batsmen. Logan Norman picked up the victory, allowing just two runs on three hits in three innings of work. The win puts Tomahawk at 9-10 on the season and wraps up their GNC Season with a 6-8 record. The Hatchets will wrap up the regular season Tuesday back at TK Field against Assumption. First pitch is at 6:00. After the regular season, Tomahawk will host the WIAA Division 3 Regional Quarterfinal at TK Field as the #8 seed. The Hatchets will play against #9 seed Crandon. Three-Game Winning Streak Into Postseason for Hatchet Softball Tomahawk softball wrapped up their regular season Thursday with a resounding victory over Rib Lake, 13-1. The Hatchets ripped away at the ball with 16 hits and scored at least three runs in three innings. Averi Petta finished a triple away from the cycle, going three for three with a single, a double, and a home run with three RBIs. Sophie Olsen finished three for four with two doubles and two RBIs. Autumn Merrigan also had three hits, including a double and three RBIs. Camryn Kraklow picked up another victory, allowing just one run on two hits. The Hatchets wrap up the 2026 season with a 12-11 record and a 6-8 Great Northern Conference record. Tomahawk begins postseason play in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Semifinal Tuesday as the #6 Seed. The Hatchets will play #3 Seed Prescott at Biggs Frey Memorial Field. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will have the broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM/97.7 FM WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 4:35 and First pitch at 5:00. Tomahawk Girls Track Take Top Spot at Dale Peterson Invite At the Dale Peterson Invite in Antigo Thursday, both the Hatchet boys and girls track and field squads finished in the top four as a team. Tomahawk's girls won the invite with 129.5 team points, 17.5 ahead of Laona-Wabeno. The Hatchets had three athletes place first across multiple events. Freshman Lauren Reibe took the meet medalist in the 300 meter hurdles and the Pole Vault. Freshman Abbigail Doleshal took the top spot in the discus throw with a heave of 89'9". Sophomore Madilynn Tobias placed first in the triple jump with a leap of 31'. The Hatchet boys would place fourth in the invite with 84 points, just one point behind Rhinelander and three points ahead of Lakeland. Tomahawk's boys had two first-place finishes in the invite. Senior Beau Stromberg took the top spot in the 400 meter run. Sophomore Luke Morrison took the top spot in the triple jump with a jump of 40'1". The WIAA Division 2 Regional Track & Field Meet starts on Tuesday at Medford. Events begin at 4:00.

Published on 05/21/2026 under Sports On Wednesday, select Hatchet Athletes signed Letters of Intent to play at select colleges and were honored with select Coaches' Awards. Siennah Calkins, who was gifted the Bill Fischer Outstanding Female Athlete and the WIAA Female Scholar Athlete Awards, will be continuing her volleyball career at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Don Dorski Female Scholar Athlete Award Winner Freya Alberg will continue her basketball career at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. Rex Reilly, who took home the Gary Kuntz Outstanding Male Athlete and WIAA Scholar Athlete Award, is one of the three Hatchet football players that will be continuing his athletic career. Reilly will be attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Awarded the Don Dorski Male Scholar Athlete and the Bill Stiff Sportsmanship Award was Michael Samundsen. Ethan Gibeault and Wally Horabik will be football teammates at the University of Wisconsin-Stout next fall. Lydia Shaney will continue her athletic career as a Cross Country and Track & Field athlete at Lawrence University in Appleton. Also continuing her Track & Field Career is Faith Derleth, who will be attending St. Cloud State in Minnesota next year, as well as Alicia Voermans at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Finally, Hatchet swimmer Bruce Peetz will continue his athletic career at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. The final Hatchet Award winner was the Jim Taylor Sophomore Only Scholar Athlete awarded to Jett Reilly.

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