A family legacy they hold Deer:

Grafton High School graduate wide receiver Tyler Deer caught five passes for 38 yards and ran twice for eight yards in the South Large School’s 24-17 victory over the North in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Star Game in Oshkosh on Saturday.

Just participating is carrying on a family tradition for the state’s leader in catches last season.

“It was cool to carry on the family legacy as my dad and two of my uncles also had the honor to play in this game,” Deer said. “That gave me a sense of pride.”

Deer’s father Shawn, who attended Green Bay East, was an inside linebacker for the North. Deer’s uncle Dave Gromacki was defensive tackle for the South and his other uncle Mike Gromacki played inside linebacker for the South. Both attended Grafton.

Deer was targeted a game-high 13 times by quarterbacks Joey Passaglia of Middleton and Grant Sulik of Burlington.

Seniors are nominated by their coaches to participate in the annual game, which also serves as a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital in Wauwatosa.

“It was a cool experience that I’m happy I was able to participate in. It was great to play with some of the best players in the state and make some new friends along the way,” Deer said. “The game was exciting and a good team win. I was happy to help raise money for Children’s Wisconsin and play for the kids who couldn’t.”

Deer raised nearly $2,400, shattering his personal goal of $750.

Grafton’s interior defensive line coach Josh Mack was the defensive line coach for the South team.

Nicolet head coach James Becker chose Mack to join the all-star staff.

“I like to believe I carried the Grafton G well and represented our team, school, community and my family in a manner that we could all be proud of,” Mack said.

He enjoyed coaching some of the best linemen from Division 1, 2 and 3 in the state.

“The practices were highly competitive and physical. It was fun to watch these young men compete with each other. By the time we kicked off on Saturday afternoon, they were competing for each other. Teams that find a way to come through adversity together will always find success together,” Mack said.

“We had a week of extremely hot and humid weather and poor air quality, dorm living without air conditioning and a bunch of young men who are used to being the best players on their respective teams trying to navigate our team principles of being ‘energetic, selfless, and accountable.’ I can say with absolute certainty that these young men put their egos aside and overcame all challenges as a team.”

The South held the North to 307 yards,  1-for-9 on third-down conversions and made one interception.

Mack was most proud of the team raising more than $70,000 for Children’s Hospital. He raised $1,800.

It’s an experience he will always remember.

“I am humbled and appreciative of having this experience. I believe it created opportunities for me to come back a better coach and a better person,” he said. “I made some friends along the way, got to compete in a sport I love, and had fun throughout the experience.”

Cedar Grove-Belgium defensive lineman Vadim Misiura made a sack for the Small School South team in a 41-0 loss to the North.

“The experience was really fun. Getting to know a bunch of new people and playing with them was a very cool experience,” Misiura said. “Overall, it was a great time.”

Misiura reached his fundraising goal of $750. He will play football at wrestle at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon.

The three games — eight player, small school and large school — raised more than $375,000 for Children’s. Donations are still being accepted. To donate, visit https://support.childrenswi.org/event/2026-wfca-all-star-charity-footbal....