Gilbert “Gib” Graber and Brady Tibbits were inducted into the Mineral Point High School Gridiron Hall of Fame during halftime of the football game vs. Potosi/Cassville Friday, September 9, 2022.
Gilbert “Gib” Graber
Mineral Point Football Contributor
Gib Graber has been a long-time supporter of the Mineral Point Football program, along with being a fixture in the community and the school district. He graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1944 before serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon his return, Gib took up farming and later began driving bus for the school district in the early 1960s. A few years later, he became the driver for the football team, and drove varsity, junior varsity, and freshman teams to hundreds of games over the next few decades. Gib was an enthusiastic supporter of each and every one of these teams, and spent countless hours cheering on Pointer teams from the stands.
Gib also took on an important role for the teams that he drove. He always gave a short pep talk to the boys before they left the bus, which never failed to get them fired up for the game. Afterward, Gib welcomed everyone back to the bus with an “attaboy” of congratulations when they won, and a pat on the back and a message of “we’ll get ’em next time” when they lost. He made each and every kid feel like an important part of the team, and left a positive impact on hundreds of Pointer football players over the years.
It is likely that Gib Graber has watched more Mineral Point Football games than any other person. For the better part of 90 years, regardless of the weather, you could always count on Gib being in the stands cheering on the boys in blue. It is fitting that our school and football field sits on what was once part of Gib’s farm. The Mineral Point Football Hall of Fame is proud to welcome what is likely Pointer Football’s greatest fan and supporter.
Brady Tibbits
#33 Running Back/Linebacker/Defensive Back
2008-11
Brady Tibbits is one of the most dominating football players to ever put on a Pointer uniform. He was a four year starter, playing cornerback and running back as a freshman, and then starting at middle linebacker and fullback during each of the next three seasons.
In 2008, Brady got the opportunity to start alongside his older brother Jordan on an exceptional team which ended up with a 9-2 record, their only losses coming twice at the hands of Fennimore – once for the conference title, and once in the WIAA Playoffs to end their season. During this season, Brady would lead the team in tackles with 104, including six sacks, and he also snared two interceptions. This would earn him 1st team SWAL All-Conference, and honorable mention Wisconsin State Journal All-Area as a defensive back.
In 2009, Brady led the team in rushing, scoring, and was the leading defender for the team. He again earned 1st team SWAL All-Conference as a linebacker and as a running back.
In 2010, Brady was named a captain as a junior, and led an outstanding team to an exceptional record of 9-3, having reached Level 3 of the WIAA Playoffs before falling to Bangor. His 2010 season was likely his finest, rushing for 1460 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the team with 163 tackles, five forced and recovered fumbles, and three interceptions. Brady was again named to the SWAL All-Conference team on both sides of the ball, and earned all-area recognition from multiple media outlets. For his highest honor, Brady was named as the SWAL Conference Defensive MVP for the 2010 season.
Brady’s 2011 season was hampered with injury, but he still amassed nearly 1000 rushing yards, 100 tackles, and again earned SWAL All-Conference recognition. His career totals are impressive, ranking him as the all-time leading rusher and tackler in Pointer Football history. During his career, Brady ran the ball 488 times for 3610 yards and 37 touchdowns, and piled up 433 career tackles. Brady also ranks near the top in many other statistical categories.
After leaving Mineral Point, Brady played football for the Illinois State Redbirds, primarily as a blocking fullback, where he earned 2nd team All-Conference Missouri Valley honors his junior season. He also scored two memorable touchdowns in his collegiate career. The first was a three-yard run during the FCS Playoff quarterfinal in 2014. The other was a nationally televised one-yard touchdown reception vs. Iowa at Kinnick Stadium during his junior year in 2015.
(Photos in slideshow by Addie Ryser/Pointer Media)