Former NFL player made lynchpin donation for project
By Burlington Area School District
At halftime during Burlington High School’s Homecoming game on Friday, September 30, Tony Romo will visit his alma mater to dedicate the high school’s new synthetic turf field.
Having a new high school track and synthetic turf field marks a new era for Demon athletics. The district used capital referendum funding to replace the track, a $400,000 project. When private donors stepped forward with $1.2 million in contributions, the district moved forward with installing a synthetic turf field. This is part of a larger long-term vision for athletic facilities in the district.
Burlington High School is the fifth school in the Southern Lakes Conference to install synthetic turf. More school activities – including football and soccer – and community events can take place throughout the year on Tony Romo Field. It reduces the annual maintenance costs of mowing and painting a grass field.
The Burlington Area School District named the field the Tony Romo Field in February 2020 to recognize Romo’s continued connection to the Burlington community as he has found national success as an NFL athlete and CBS Sports Broadcaster.
Romo contributed to the field as a way of supporting the Burlington community which has been supportive of him and his family.
“Tony has had a unique way of making a positive impact for Burlington and beyond. Whether it was through his on-field performance, his professional achievements beyond the field, or his ability to give back to the youth in our community, we are honored to have Tony Romo call Burlington his hometown,” states Burlington High School Athletic Director Eric Plitzuweit.
He continued, “Tony Romo Field is a positive step forward for the Burlington community, Burlington High School, and the Burlington Area School District.”
Romo was the first Burlington High School student-athlete to be named All-State in three sports – football, basketball, and golf. He went on to be one of the most successful student-athletes to come from the state of Wisconsin. He played quarterback at Eastern Illinois University before signing with the Dallas Cowboys, where he played for 14 seasons. After retiring from football, he accepted a position as Sports Analyst for CBS Sports. He will be calling the Green Bay Packers vs. New England Patriots game at Lambeau Field on Sunday, October 2. Being back in Wisconsin for the weekend provided an opportunity for Romo and his family to attend Burlington High School’s Homecoming game.
Romo has maintained strong connections to the Burlington community. From 2004-2019, he hosted Tony Romo Football Camp, a free program with nearly 400 young athletes gathering at the high school each year to work on skills with Burlington High School coaches and student-athletes. Burlington High School inducted Romo into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.
To complete the field, contributions were given by Romo, the Lynch family, Kelly and Kim Kahl, BHS Athletic Association, Redmer and Sons Recycling, Andy Naber Family (ASDA), and Paul Bondar and Family. The private donors will be introduced on Friday night during the half-time presentation. Former teammates and Junior Demon football players will also be present during the dedication ceremony during halftime.
When the district named the field in Romo’s honor, the intention was to show appreciation for the unique way that he has continued to have a positive impact on his hometown. The ceremony on Friday night gives Burlington an opportunity to come together to celebrate its great school district and the community members who support students.
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