Madison, Wis. – On Sunday afternoon, the Grantland Theater in Lancaster was nearly full as the community came together to see “The Mosquito Bowl,” a new film inspired by the life of hometown legend Dave Schreiner. Schreiner, an All‑American football player at the University of Wisconsin, was a first‑round NFL draft pick before answering the call of duty and serving in the Marine Corps during World War II.
The movie, based on Buzz Bissinger’s book of the same name, weaves Schreiner’s athletic achievements with his wartime service. It is currently playing in select theaters ahead of its Netflix debut, and the local response has been enthusiastic.
Family and community reflections
Linda Lucke, president of the Grant County Historical Society board, said the event underscores Lancaster’s close‑knit spirit. “It’s a good thing for Lancaster, because it is a town where people care about each other,” she remarked.
Among the audience was Schreiner’s niece, Judy Corfield, who was two years old when her uncle left for the Pacific and three and a half when he was killed in action. Though she has no personal memories of him, Corfield grew up hearing his story. “I don’t have memories so much as what I’ve been told,” she said. “I happened to be living in Lancaster at the time that the telegram came.”
Corfield described the experience as emotional and rewarding. After seeing the film twice, she said, “Tears first. But having seen it twice, now I can appreciate it better.” She hopes viewers take away the film’s message about teamwork, bonding and camaraderie, both on the football field and the battlefield.
Historical artifacts and local pride
The Grant County History Museum, which houses a permanent display of Schreiner’s military items, added new artifacts after learning of the movie. The museum’s volunteers, many of whom are longtime residents, see Schreiner’s story as a powerful example for young people. “Somebody from a small town can still make a difference in the world big time,” Lucke said.
Corfield’s family has contributed personal items to the museum, including a crib that once held the Schreiner children and scrapbooks compiled by her grandmother. She also plans to donate Schreiner’s letter‑sweater, which she discovered still contains a ticket stub from the October 7, 2006 Wisconsin‑Northwestern game.
The museum is currently extending its hours to accommodate film‑goers, remaining open Tuesday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Grantland Theater will continue showing the movie through November 5, with a question‑and‑answer session held after each screening.
Volunteer opportunities
Lucke noted that the Grant County Historical Society, a nonprofit run entirely by volunteers for more than 75 years, is always seeking new hands. While the main museum level is accessible to people with disabilities, the society hopes to add a limited‑use elevator to open the lower level for hands‑on exhibits and additional storage.
“We’re trying to make history important,” Lucke said, inviting residents to explore their local heritage. “I would just like to invite people to come see our corner of the world. I think it’s one of the best‑kept secrets in Wisconsin.”
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
