One Night.
Generations of Battle Creek.
On September 26, 2026, generations of Braves and Bravettes came together to celebrate the athletes, teams, coaches and stories that shaped Battle Creek.
The Legacy, lit up in purple and gold for the night generations came home. Photo: F.L.Y. & Shine Photography.
The school marquee the week of — Battle Creek Public Schools putting the Schnitzler event on the board.
The Night
Battle Creek came home. Under the lights and inside the reunion hall, alumni from every era gathered for a single night of storytelling, debate and celebration — a living archive of everything Battle Creek athletics has meant.
Coach
The Schnitzler family on stage — surrounded by the 1981 State Champion Braves (12-0) and 1990 State Champion Bravettes (24-0) trophies. September 26, 2026.
Coach Bob Schnitzler with family, alumni and the 1981 State Champion Braves & 1990 State Champion Bravettes trophies — September 26, 2026.
Coach Bob Schnitzler in his purple Battle Creek polo — September 26, 2026.
Generations of Braves and Bravettes came together in Battle Creek for a day celebrating Coach Bob Schnitzler, the teams he coached, the athletes who wore purple and gold, and the stories that connected generations of Battle Creek athletics.
September 26, 2026
Mary and Bob on the field — before Mary headed to Atlantic City for Miss America.
Craig Schnitzler '83 (center, with the "I ♥ COACH S" sign) and his Kenesaw supporters after winning a Nebraska state football championship — a Battle Creek alum who became a champion coach in his own right.
The Schnitzler name carried beyond Battle Creek — Craig '83 went on to coach Kenesaw to a Nebraska state football title of its own.
Tom Osborne & Coach Bob Schnitzler.
Coach Tom Osborne sends a salute to Coach Bob Schnitzler — recorded for the reunion.
Atlantic City, 1993
Battle Creek took over Atlantic City. When Mary Schnitzler headed to Miss America, the whole community made the trip — signs, shirts and a fan section loud enough for the boardwalk.
Montana and Nebraska — the fan-section signs, ready for the boardwalk.
The Battle Creek contingent with Mary in Atlantic City — Coach Jim Gray holding up #1.
Mary with Coach Jim Gray at Miss America 1993.
The Miss Nebraska fan section — five deep in Atlantic City.
The whole Battle Creek crew — "Miss Nebraska / Mary Lynn" shirts, Atlantic City 1993.
Signs up — the Nebraska fan section in front of the Atlantic City mural.
The Show
Bob Schnitzler and guests in conversation on the reunion stage. Photo: F.L.Y. & Shine Photography.
Decades of Battle Creek uniforms, jackets and championship memorabilia displayed behind the stage. Photo: F.L.Y. & Shine Photography.
Under the stage lights, Coach Bob Schnitzler and generations of Braves and Bravettes shared the stories behind the championships — a live conversation surrounded by decades of Battle Creek uniforms, trophies and memorabilia.
Who Was There
The Braves & Bravettes Who Came Home
Browse the full record of everyone who registered and attended — by class, sport and hometown. A living wall of the people who made the night.
Holly Timperley
Coach Jim Gray and Holly Timperley at the 1994 state track meet — Holly wearing her state medal.
Coach Jim Gray and Holly Timperley — 1994 state track.
Holly Timperley is Battle Creek's only Gatorade Athlete of the Year alum — a state track champion coached by Jim Gray.
From the Stage
From the Reunion Stage
A moment from the 2026 All-Sports Reunion stage, shared as a reel.
Watch on FacebookMatt Hoskinson on Battle Creek's Greatest Teams
A spirited case for the greatest teams in Battle Creek history, debated from the reunion stage.
Watch on FacebookJeff Bellar on Bob Schnitzler
Norfolk Catholic's legendary coach on the man who built Battle Creek athletics.
Watch on FacebookMemorabilia
The 1981 State Champion Braves (12-0) and 1990 State Champion Bravettes (24-0) banners. Photo: F.L.Y. & Shine Photography.
The Battle Creek Victory Bell, rolled out for the reunion. Photo: F.L.Y. & Shine Photography.
"The Schnitz" tap and cup — brewed for gold by Divots Brewery, founded by BC alum Jeremy Kirby.
The custom "Schnitz" tap handle, hand-built by BC alum Chris Goodwater. Photo: F.L.Y. & Shine Photography.
The Victory Bell made the trip, and "The Schnitz" was brewed for the night by Divots Brewery — founded by Battle Creek alum Jeremy Kirby — with custom tap handles hand-built by BC alum Chris Goodwater. Two alumni, two crafts, one beer poured all night in Coach Schnitzler's honor.
From the Victory Bell and championship teams to old uniforms, helmets, photographs and keepsakes, decades of Battle Creek athletics were brought together for one day.
The Battle Axe
A commemorative newspaper — "The Battle Axe" — was created for the reunion, pairing the 1962 Battle Creek Enterprise headline announcing Bob Schnitzler's arrival with the championship moments that followed. A one-time printing for a one-time event.
The Battle Axe · Volume #1 · September 26, 2026 · Battle Creek, Nebraska
In the News
Battle Creek Alumni Honor Legendary Coach's Lasting Legacy
The Norfolk Daily News on the 2026 All-Sports Reunion and the lasting legacy of Coach Bob Schnitzler.
Read StoryBattle Creek Honors Legendary Coach Bob Schnitzler with Special Event
Coverage of the 2026 All-Sports Reunion and the day honoring Coach Bob Schnitzler.
Read StoryBattle Creek Honors Legendary Coach Bob Schnitzler with Special Event
Platte Valley coverage of 'A Night With Coach' — the evening of stories shared by Battle Creek greats, Coach Schnitzler, and his wife Lorraine.
Read StoryCoverage of the 2026 All-Sports Reunion
Newspaper stories, clippings and photographs from the Battle Creek Enterprise — added as coverage is published.
Visit the BC EnterpriseSponsors
The reunion wouldn't have happened without the generosity of the community — the businesses and families who stepped up to make a night for the ages possible.