It’s like a bow placed on a package – the new wrought iron and steel entry gate at the refurbished Ripon High Stadium just in time for next week’s opening celebration after years of work and leadership by Vince and Stephanie Hobbs.

The Hobbs were visibly excited about the entrance and the condition of the field in readiness for the fall football season.  They stood together by the gate grinning ear to ear over the accomplishment of the many volunteers who have assisted with in-kind work and funds to make it all possible.

Walking through the new gate the first thing obvious is the new red all-weather track with a background of the lush green turf on the football field, the scoreboard the many amenities of a 21st century high school stadium.

The gate was designed by Chas Meens and the work and materials were donated by Steve Bickel both from the Gate or Door Co. of Ripon.  Fred Brechtel cut out the letters and the logos on a water jet machine. 

Hobbs noted that Steve Bickel was one of the first to donate in-kind work back in 2011 when volunteers dismantled the field house at Stouffer Field.

Hobbs will see the “pinnacle” of their efforts with a huge celebration on Thursday, August 28, at 7 p.m. when the Ripon community will come together to visit the new stadium for the first time.