“Golden” Opportunity to Meet with the Original Packers “Golden Girl”

I had the most fortunate opportunity to meet Mrs. Mary Jane Van Duyse Sorgel, who is the originator of the famous “Go Pack Go” chant that is still heard around the Green Bay Packers fan world today and discover what a wealth of Packers knowledge and history she holds.

I met Mary Jane in 2008 while visiting a very dear girlfriend of mine in Sturgeon Bay, who happens to be Mary Jane’s next door neighbor! As I am a huge Packers fan living in the Chicago suburbs, my girlfriend was very anxious to introduce us.

I was in absolute awe while speaking with her that first time and was impressed, not only by her gracious hospitality, but also by her vast knowledge and first-hand accounts of her 60-plus year association with the Packers.

We spoke for hours as she recalled stories of Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi, Phil Bengston, Zeke Bratkowski, Bill Brault, Don Hutson, Brett Favre, Reggie White, and Mike Holmgren, just to name a few. I was totally enthralled with her stories and recollection of events, both on and off the field.

Mary Jane exemplifies what it means to truly be a Packer Backer and she holds the memories, fans, players, former band members, and all of her “golden girls” very near and dear to her heart. She is so very proud of the organization and is very humble whenever anyone mentions her accomplishments with the Packers. She would much rather focus on others and their accomplishments than on herself.

We are friends to this very day and she has been kind enough to dub me with the title of “Honorary” Golden Girl!  It is truly an honor and privilege to call her a friend.

This submission was made by Tammy Clarke, who’s pictured in the photo above on the left.