PHS loses biggest fan

J's World, by Jeremiah Bartz

Earlier this week, the Valley lost an important member of the community and Palmer High School lost a member of their family.

Like every other Mat-Su resident, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Fred Machetanz.

Mr. Machetanz was inarguably a very important part of our community and the history of the Valley, but I would like to take time to focus on what he meant to Palmer High School and the Palmer football program.

There are many reasons why the Palmer Moose play their home games on a field that bears his name.

Mr. Machetanz was not only a financial supporter of the program, he was Palmer's biggest fan.

There was a time when Mr. Machetanz did not miss a game.

There were decades where he did not miss a game.

He could be seen in the same spot during each game, the upper left hand corner of the Palmer bleachers, often joined by friend and former Palmer head coach Dan Strouse.

He could be heard each game, shouting his signature "Lets Get'em Palmer" as the Moose ran out onto the field.

Mr. Machetanz saw the Moose win a state championship, a number of conference titles and numerous Potato Bowls.

He was there on Sept. 27 to see his Moose walk away with their 24th Potato Bowl victory with a dramatic 21-0 win over Wasilla.

After the game, the players ran up to where Mr. Machetanz was seated and presented him with the Mayor's Cup Trophy.

In my mind that showed how much class the Palmer coaching staff and players have.

That is not the first time the Palmer football program has saluted Mr. Machetanz.

In the mid 1990s, the Palmer jerseys had "Lets Get'em" printed on the shoulder in honor of Mr. Machetanz, a tradition that should be continued.

Players also touch the large rock with the plaque that recognizes Mr. Machetanz's dedication the program and community prior to game time, again to salute Mr. Machetanz.

Mr. Machetanz's contributions to Palmer High School are vast. He not only contributed to the football team, but the school's general athletic fund. He once bought stadium jackets for the Palmer players, because he thought they looked cold.

"His biggest contribution is his willingness to keep up front our need and awareness for community," former Palmer High School athletic director Michael Janecek said of Mr. Machetanz.

Palmer has been extremely fortunate to have had Mr. Machetanz as their biggest fan.

He will be missed, but not forgotten.