The late Dick McCreery holds up the stat book at the 2016 State Basketball tournament in Des Moines. McCreery was a long-time announcer, stat keeper and supporter of G-R athletics. He retired from the volunteer posts in 2017, not long after the Rebels captured state titles in football and basketball. The school district plans to honor McCreery with a dedication of the football press box at their season opener Aug. 27.

Mark your calendars for the beginning of the 2021 Rebel football season. The first game will be a home game on August 27 in Gladbrook against North Iowa.

It will be a special night as the press box will be dedicated and named the Dick McCreery Memorial Press Box in honor and memory of the late Dick McCreery prior to kickoff. At half time, parents of our football team will also be introduced and honored.

Dick was a longtime supporter of Gladbrook Panther and Gladbrook-Reinbeck Rebel athletic programs. For over 50 years, Dick was the voice of our athletic teams at the football games as well as basketball and wrestling during the winter months.

A special dedication of the press box will begin at 6:40 p.m. prior to the football game. His son, Marc, and daughter, Rita, as well as their families will be back for this special occasion.

Following the game, the McCreery family invites the community to the Memorial Building in Gladbrook for refreshments (subs from Hometown Family Market and pizza from Casey’s) as well as an open bar to celebrate the dedication.

Throughout the season, Gladbrook-Reinbeck will use several of their home games as opportunities for special recognition and celebration for the community. Other special home game nights will include First Responder Night, 2001 State Playoff Recognition, Homecoming and 2016 State Championship Recognition.

The Rebels will be on the hunt for the playoffs this season after taking an undefeated record into the Class 8-Player State Playoffs last fall. G-R was stood up in the first round by Easton Valley but now return several starters to this year’s team projected to compete near the top of their district.