Season marks anniversary of PHS field

JEREMIAH BARTZ/ Frontiersman sports editor

PALMER - The Palmer High School program will most likely never again have another fan like Fred Machetanz.

To most Machetanz, who passed away in the fall of 2002, is remembered as a legendary artist. But to Palmer football Machetanz is still considered the biggest fan. The 2005 season marks the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the PHS field to Machetanz.

On Sept. 13, 1985 Burt Varrell, a coach on the 2005 Palmer staff, read a proclamation as Palmer dedicated the field to Machetanz. Since that day the home turf of the Moose has been known as Machetanz Field.

Machetanz's love for Palmer football began as his son Traeger competed on the Palmer-Wasilla Falcons squad in the mid-1970s. Even after Traeger graduated, Machetanz remained an avid fan.

&#8221Fred continued to be a supporter. Both financially and in spirit,“ said Rod Christiansen, a teammate of Traeger's and the head coach of the Moose for the last 15 years. &#8221Right up until his passing.“

In the early days of Moose football, Machetanz would roam the sidelines shouting, &#8221Let's Get'em Palmer,“ a slogan that has became a big part of the Palmer football tradition.

During his tenure as head coach Christiansen has incorporated that into his program. In 1994 Christiansen had the slogan printed on the sleeves of all the Palmer jerseys - a tribute to Machetanz. Palmer also has a large rock with a plaque honoring Machetanz beyond the north side of the field. The Palmer squad can still be seen huddling around the rock before the players sprint onto the field.

Machetanz attended every home game he could, and his favorite was always the Potato Bowl.

&#8221Some years he really couldn't get out to games, so we'd take the Palmer-Wasilla tape to him,“ Christiansen said. &#8221The captains would go to his studio in his house to meet him, and talk with him.“

Machetanz was able to watch Palmer win the 1995 state championship from the front seat of his car.

On a chilly October night in 2002, he watched Palmer earn a 21-0 Potato Bowl victory over Wasilla. The Palmer captains brought Machetanz the Mayor's Cup Trophy. Each of the players shook his hand, and the team saluted him with the &#8221let's get'em“ cheer.

Two weeks later he died at the age of 94.