Following last year’s inaugural alumni football game, players knelt for a moment of silence. This year promises to be even more fun, as a tailgate party and other festivities have been added. The game will be played July 1 at 6 p.m. on Anderson Field at the high school.
Gridiron glory is coming back to Cook County on July 1, when former CCHS Vikings put the pads back on and play a fun-filled game for charity.
Game time is 6 p.m., but this year there will be a tailgate party, so come early.
While there is plenty of tackling, no blitzing is allowed. Last year the game featured some great defense and all of the participants showed that while they may not be in the same shape they were in as high school or college players, they still know how to play the game.
So far 29 Vikings have signed up to play, but head organizer Kyler Hawkins hopes more sign on.
This year there will be more for the fans, which numbered about 400 last year.
“We’re trying to do a little more this year; tailgate party, powder puff football, pep band, and maybe even alumni cheerleaders. It all depends on who will show up,” said Lance Anderson, who will play in the game.
Tala Marxen is in charge of the pre-game party.
Two current college players, Leo Johnson and Kale Boomer, will coach the two teams. Not long ago both starred as two-way players on offense and defense for the Vikings. Today Boomer plays defense for the UMD Bulldogs and Johnson plays defense as well for the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears.
The game isn’t limited to former CCHS Vikings. “We are looking for more guys. As long as they live here or have something to do with the community then they can play,” Anderson said.
Last year’s star Kurt Steele has moved to Oregon because of his job with the U.S. Forest Service.
Anderson said practices take place on Sundays at 4 p.m. They last about an hour, he said, encouraging alumni to come out and give it the old Viking try.
Football pads, helmets and uniforms are from Alumni Football USA.
Over the past 30 years Alumni Football USA has hosted 1,000 games in 24 states and raised more than $770,000 for local communities.
Tickets to watch the game can be purchased for $10 from the Dairy Queen or from individual players. This year 500 tickets were printed.
Fifty percent of the profits will go to the football team, 25 percent to the girls’ basketball team, and 25 percent to the Booster Club.
Proceeds from tickets sold at the gate go to Alumni Football USA.
Last year Brad VanDoren, Class of 1982, was the oldest alumni to take part. He took the challenge to play alongside his son, Travis, Class of 2000. Will he return this year? Come to the game and find out.
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