100 Years of Light: Midwest Marks Century-Old Football Milestone with Halftime Tribute

Midwest celebrates history on Friday night. One hundred years ago, Midwest School became the first school-age program to host a full football game under the lights. It occurred on November 19, 1925. Midwest will host a special ceremony at halftime of Friday’s conference game against the Riverside Rebels.

WyoPreps visited with Midwest Schools Principal Mike Brainard about this historical moment and what it means to the school and community.

They’re going to re-enact the photo taken 100 years ago using the game ball, thanks to pictures and records from the Salt Creek Museum.

The first night game in the U.S. was between the Midwest Yellow Dogs and Casper Mustangs. The game ball was white in hopes that it would be easier for the two teams to see it. Midwest Refinery Company electricians set up the 12 floodlights of 1,000 candlepower around the field, four more at 2,000 candlepower, and from the top of an oil derrick near the field, a huge searchlight swung over the players and the crowd. Nearly 1,000 people attended the game at Moses Field, which is the current softball field.

Midwest coaches and players will be recognized on the field at the University of Wyoming football versus San Jose State on Saturday in Laramie.

A new sign honoring this historic event will be unveiled on the concession stand. Another commemorative sign will be placed under the Oil Derrick on Teachers Row in front of the school.

A photo opportunity with any former players, coaches, or officials who played for Midwest will be on the field at halftime, as well.

The public is invited to pack the stands in Midwest on Friday night, as they celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone! The game starts at 6 p.m.