PUNT, PASS, & KICK

By Kathryn Krtnick
UW-RF Public Affairs

Under the scorching sun, 140 participants graced Ramer Field for the 2005 Punt, Pass and Kick competition. Through sweat and sunburn, the kids put on a spectacular athletic performance for the fans. Kids ranging in age from 8-to-13 had an opportunity to showcase their football skills. Each received one punt, one pass and one kick.

Even though the sun was sizzling, a record amount of kids took part in the fun. Parents and friends cheers and applauded from the sidelines, all hoping that their kid had a ''hot" arm and leg for the competition.

Corporate sponsors, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery, provided red and white footballs for all the kids. Representatives, Kelly Simpson and Dave Bowen, from FedEx Ground and Misty Pollard, from FedEx Home Delivery, not only handed out footballs, but also put on their shades and joined the volunteers out on the field.

While all the scores were being tabulated, kids had a chance to hydrate themselves and take pictures with mascots Freddy Falcon and KC Wolf.

When it was time for the awards ceremony, Chiefs' Executive Vice President/Assistant General Manager Dennis Thum greeted and congratulated all the athletes: "This is a special day for the boys and girls participating. While Summer Training Camp is our [Chiefs ] foundation, this event is your foundation for a bright future."

Trophies were awarded to the first, second and third place finishers of each age division, and all the participants received ribbons for their effort and hard work. Thum concluded the presentation by emphasizing that, "Everyone here is a winner."

The trophy winners will also be recognized after the Family Fun Night practice on Aug. 6 by Chiefs Coach Dick Vermeil.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who measured, marked, recorded and shagged footballs!

Punt, Pass & Kick Photo Galary

2005 Punt, Pass & Kick Results

8-year-old division                      
1. Ramzi Aujani, Eagan, Minn., 172'4"
2. Jonathon C Krueger, River Falls, Wis., 171'8"
3. Luke Meyer, Baldwin, Wis., 137'10"

9-year-old division
1. DaMarcus Zeroth, River Falls, Wis., 209'6"
2. Alex Yoxall, Minneapolis, Kan., 196'3"
3. Blake Heiman, River Falls, Wis., 179'5"

10-year-old division
1. Brad Freeborn, River Falls, Wis., 251'10"
2. Kyle Tallman, Roberts, Wis., 193'4"
3. Joshua Ledbetter, Rolla, Mo., 186'3"

11-year-old division
1. Ryan Kusilek, River Falls, Wis., 237'1"
2. Andrew Yoxall, Minneapolis, Kan., 233'2"
3. Augustine Pupungatoa, River Falls, Wis., 213'

12-year-old division
1. Lucas Weiss, River Falls, Wis., 297'6"
2. Joel Dick, Wichita, Kan., 266'4"
3. Quentin Zeroth, River Falls, Wis., 223'6"

13-year-old division
1. Josh Frey, Prescott, Wis., 284'5"
2. Tristan Kjeseth, River Falls, Wis., 275'3"
3. Zane Heinselman, River Falls, Wis., 227'3"