Stroh brothers see historic day together

CHINOOK — The Chinook Sugarbeters football program brought back fans and former players from all over, this including former Beeters' great Robert Stroh, brother of junior running back Ben Stroh.

Robert Stroh made the trip from Laramie, Wyo., where he is currently a member of the University of Wyoming wrestling program. From Laramie to Chinook it took him 11 hours on nearly 700 miles of storm-ridden highways. But after witnessing the Beeters claim their first-ever state football championship, the trip was worth it.

"It was great," Stroh said. "I loved being back. It doesn't happen every day that they (Chinook) are in the championship game, but it was cool and they performed well and got what they wanted."

Robert Stroh was a standout athlete at Chinook High School, with his biggest accomplishments coming from wrestling. He earned three individual state championships and was part of team titles as well.

And what he did on the mats as a Beeter was what took him to Wyoming.

Now a part of the wrestling program there, Robert Stroh was also scheduled to wrestle over the weekend. There was a big tournament taking place in Omaha, Neb.,, but he was fortunate enough to make the trip to the Hi-Line instead to see his Beeters, and his younger brother make some history.

Earlier in the week, Stroh suffered a minor injury. His ability to compete this weekend wasn't looking good, and when the decision was made that he wouldn't wrestle, the door for a trip back home was opened.

"I wanted to go to the football game all week," Robert Stroh said. "My coach has a pretty tight schedule and doesn't want to let anybody go. But when something like that injury happens you can either take it as a blessing or a setback. But I was pretty excited when coach did let me go, and I will be back on the mat this week."

Stroh has followed the Beeters and his brother Ben Stroh all season long.

With the ability to listen to games broadcast over the radio, he has been a part of almost every game from 700 miles away. And when it came down to the state championship, the most important game in Chinook history, Robert Stroh wanted to be there in person.

And lucky for him, that happened, giving him the opportunity to witness his brother and the rest of the Beters' squad play their best game in Chinook's storied program.

"For him (Ben Stroh) to finish his year like that was awesome," Robert Stroh said. "I've listened to all these guys play on the internet and I know all of these guys, it was just great to see everybody succeed."