Tyler and Alan Bernhardt knew there was a huge football tradition at Watonga High school. They had been part of it. Tyler was a 2013 graduate who played left tackle and defensive end. Alan was a 1983 graduate who played center and defensive end and was named to the school’s hall of fame.
The last time the hall of fame held its award banquet was in 2014. It went dormant since then, but the Bernhardts felt it was time to reawaken the organization.
“There were new coaches, new staff, new administrators. We thought this was a good avenue to go about getting the community back involved. So, we said we were going to bring this back outside of school,” Tyler said.
It was important to the father-and-son dynamic duo that the team felt support that was beyond the teachers and administration, past the school board and more than the fans in
Alan Bernhardt (L) and son Tyler Bernhardt (R) present first year head coach Matt Walter (C) with a check for $10,000 from a golf tourney fundraiser. The tourney also marked the revitalization of the football alumni association and hall of fame.The presentation is inside the new film room in the field house where players can watch tapes of upcoming opponents.
the stands, as deep as that support runs.
“This is by the community- not just here, but all those who have played here,” he explained.
“That involvement gives them the sense this is more than a sport,” he added.
So Tyler and Earl Hartfield went to first year head coach Matt Walter with their idea.
“I said, ‘Hey, this is a great idea. That recognition is important. That tradition is important. That is what we are trying to build’.” Walter also pointed out that the hall of fame is incredibly significant to players and families.
“It’s a big deal. When you look back, that might be the best time in your life. You want former and current players to see themselves or their buddies in the hall of fame. Later they bring their kids and grandkids, too. It’s more than just the same old stories, it’s something that is tangible up there on that wall.”
The plan is to incorporate the hall of fame, complete with wall plaques and other recognition, into the gym that is currently under construction.
To rev the engines, the Watonga Football Alumni Association – the full name of the hall of fame organization – decided to hold a golf tourney. It was a kickoff fundraiser to support the football program.
To say the idea was well received is something of an understatement. The golf course at Roman Nose State Park can accommodate 24 teams. The roster was filled with a waiting list. After expenses, the donation check was for $10,000. Plans for next year include golfing two days to entertain everyone that wants to field a squad.
“It was very successful,” Alan said. “Our hope is it grows every year.”
The donation this year is for general equipment expenses and to take players to a 7-on-7 invitational tournament in July at Pawhuska.
“This (donation) will allow the kids to experience sports in a different way. They get to travel, stay overnight and play some teams they don’t usually play.” Those teams will include Perry and Pawhuska as well as several others.
The Bernhardts and others in the association want to draw on the deep reservoir of pride and tradition that accompanies Watonga Eagle football. After all, it is one of the few programs in Oklahoma with six state championships to its name.
“We are doing this because we want to, not because we have to,” Tyler said.
“All my kids went here, now my grandkids are going here, so we’ve got a stake in it” Alan added.
“We want to give them what we had, give them that tradition, that heritage,” Tyler continued. “I mean, football is what Watonga is.”