Beginnings
Wilson Stadium circa 1951. [credit unknow]
Google Earth aerial view from April 1992.
Google Earth aerial view from April 1993.
Google Earth aerial view from April 1999.
Google Earth aerial view from April 2004.
Google Earth aerial view from September 2012.
John Gurski Stadium
On November 6th, 1998, prior to Wilson's season finale vs Garden Spot, the athletics stadium was officially renamed "John Gurski Stadium".
"We were fortunate to have the solid backing of several board members at the time who were instrumental in making it happen. Too often, these dedications are done in memorial after the passing of the person. We were so glad that it happened while dad/coach was still there to say a few words in front of the fans and family.
...It was a very special night not only for dad but for his entire family...
My family has also enjoyed the monument near the entrance to the stadium and how the players pay their respects to the program he so loved. Kudos to you and all for keeping his name alive for a team and school that meant so much to him."
-- John Gurski, Jr. (Wilson High School Class of 1980)
...It was a very special night not only for dad but for his entire family...
My family has also enjoyed the monument near the entrance to the stadium and how the players pay their respects to the program he so loved. Kudos to you and all for keeping his name alive for a team and school that meant so much to him."
-- John Gurski, Jr. (Wilson High School Class of 1980)
Gurski Monument Debuts
Gurski Monument digital art commissioned by Joe Mays.
Artist Renee Bemis was contracted to create the Gurski Monument.
John Gurski Stadium circa 2010, with grass field and pre-renovation scoreboard.
Final Game at the "Old" Gurski Stadium
On Friday, November 23rd, 2012, John Gurski Stadium hosted the final football game before renovations would begin in the Spring of 2013. As luck would have it, Wilson's last opponent on home grass would be none other than crosstown rival Governor Mifflin in a District 3 AAAA semifinal; winner advanced to play for a District Championship. The Bulldogs - who soundly defeated the Mustangs 21-0 at Gurski to start the 2012 season - would again vanquish Mifflin, ending the "old" Gurski Stadium era with one final victory.
Full album from the final game at "old" Gurski Stadium can be viewed here.
"Old" Gurski Stadium Final Events
Last Football Game: Friday, November 23rd, 2012 [Wilson 21, Mifflin 14]
Last TD Scored: 5-yard run by Mifflin QB Jan Johnson
Last Point Scored: PAT by Mifflin K David Suchoza
Last Wilson TD: 1-yard run by RB Junior Joseph
Last Wilson Point Scored: PAT by Hunter Rubright
Last Passing TD: 9-yards from Jan Johnson to Thomas Depaul
Last Wilson Passing TD: 15 yards from Matt Timochenko to Madison Miller
Last Football Game: Friday, November 23rd, 2012 [Wilson 21, Mifflin 14]
Last TD Scored: 5-yard run by Mifflin QB Jan Johnson
Last Point Scored: PAT by Mifflin K David Suchoza
Last Wilson TD: 1-yard run by RB Junior Joseph
Last Wilson Point Scored: PAT by Hunter Rubright
Last Passing TD: 9-yards from Jan Johnson to Thomas Depaul
Last Wilson Passing TD: 15 yards from Matt Timochenko to Madison Miller
Stadium Renovations
Spring/Summer 2013
After a decade of research, studies, consultations, and community input, in 2013 the Wilson School District finally embarked on an Athletic Facilities Upgrade Campaign totaling nearly $13 million, which would see the creation of a new turf athletic field (Bulldog Field at Mack Stadium) as well as significant renovations of Snyder Natatorium and our very own Gurski Stadium.
Google Earth aerial view of the in progress athletic facility renovations, specifically a deconstructed Gurski Stadium in April 2013.
Red endzone turf is laid during renovations to Gurski Stadium in the Summer of 2013. Photo by Joe Mays.
Turf installation is completed however much work remains in the Summer of 2013. Photo by Joe Mays.
Full album from the ongoing Gurski Stadium renovations on August 10, 2013, can be viewed here.
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First Game at the "New" Gurski Stadium
Friday, September 13th, 2013, wasn't very scary for the Bulldogs. Their first home game of the season, and first regular season game at the new look Gurski Stadium, was a 46-6 thrashing of rival Reading High. The match-up would be the last in the Bulldogs - Red Knights series until September 2022.
"New" Gurski Stadium Firsts
First Football Game: Friday, September 13th, 2013 [Wilson 46, Reading High 6]
First TD Scored: 3-yard run by Wilson's Johnny Raifsnider
First Passing TD: 42-yards from Matt Timochenko to Domenic Nigrelli
First FG: 25-yards by Hunter Rubright
First Football Game: Friday, September 13th, 2013 [Wilson 46, Reading High 6]
First TD Scored: 3-yard run by Wilson's Johnny Raifsnider
First Passing TD: 42-yards from Matt Timochenko to Domenic Nigrelli
First FG: 25-yards by Hunter Rubright
John Gurski Stadium aerial view during Wilson's 2013 District 3 AAAA Semifinal vs Lower Dauphin. [credit unknown]
Google Earth aerial view of Gurski Stadium and surrounding athletic spaces in September 2015.
Current field entrance by Gurski Monument. Photo by Joe Mays.
Southeast endzone view of John Gurski Stadium. Drone photography by Jason Dutt.