PUNT, PASS, & KICK

Punt, Pass and Kick Competition Draws a Record Turnout
By Stephanie Eischens

It was a beautiful day for the annual Punt, Pass and Kick Competition held Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field Sports Complex . Although many contestants were from the local area, the annual event drew nearly 135 kids from all across the country. The girls and boys, ranging from ages 8-to-13, were split into age groups and given a single try at their best pass, punt and kick. The competition is sponsored by Fed Ex Ground and Fed Ex Home Delivery. Chiefs' Executive Vice President/Assistant General Manager Dennis Thum presented the trophies to the first, second and third place winners. The River Falls High School football team helped to measure each effort as the kids gave each punt, pass and kick a good NFL try. The boys and girls thoroughly enjoyed the event, and parents loved cheering their kids on from the sidelines. Right before the awards ceremony, the clouds darkened and a light rain fell for a brief five minutes. This didn't bother the kids, however. They still enjoyed receiving their ribbons and trophies. Everyone who participated in the event received a ribbon. Photos were taken of all of the participants in each age group, and a group photo was taken of all the place winners. Photos can be seen at the Photo Gallery.

This year's winners were:
8-year-old division
1. Alex Haskins, River Falls, Wis., 158-2
2. Dillon Owen, River Falls, Wis., 152-1
3. Alex Yoxall, Minneapolis, Kan., 138-2
9-year-old division
1. Nick Jacobsen, Prescott, Wis., 207-9
2. Brad Freeborn, River Falls, Wis., 206-4
3. Alex Call, Roberts, Wis., 199-9
10-year-old division
1. Ryan Kusilek, River Falls, Wis., 243-1
2. Augustine Pupungatoa, River Falls, Wis., 229-3
3. Zach Hunter, River Falls, Wis., 178-1
11-year-old division
1. Tim Bianco, Kansas City, Mo., 300-2
2. Josh Dixon, River Falls, Wis., 249-6
3. Lucas Weiss, River Falls, Wis., 233-10
12-year-old division
1. Dylan Dock, River Falls, Wis., 267-8
2. Nathan Francy, Centerview, Mo., 217-2
3. Marty Herum, River Falls, Wis., 215-6
13-year-old division
1. Luke Dewall, Lakeland, Minn., 309-0
2. Joe Mattingly, Bartlett, Ill., 293-10
3. Jordan Salentine, Hudson, Wis., 287-1