FEATURE STORIES

July 31, 2006

By Jude Harder
UW-RF Public Affairs

The Punt, Pass, and Kick competition was blessed with fantastic weather and a good turn out. One hundred and eight hopeful NFL stars showed their stuff at the Ramer Field Sports Complex, giving it their best in hopes of obtaining the first-place trophy in their age group.

Kids ranging in age from 8-13 were each given one punt, one pass and one kick. Each effort was then added up to determine the winner.

Competition was tough, humidity was high and parents were watching closely, hoping that their child would be crowned the next champion.

Corporate sponsors, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery, provided red and white footballs to all who participated. After handing out footballs, Kelly Simpson and John Riedel, from FedEx Ground, were kind enough to help in the competition. Mary Halada, former camp coordinator, was also on-hand to assist in determining the winners.

The awards ceremony got underway promptly after the last football was kicked. Chiefs Executive Vice President/Assistant General Manager Dennis Thum greeted the audience and said a few words before handing out the trophies to the winners. "Youth football is the lifeline to the NFL, hopefully we'll see one of you in the league someday," said Thum.

Thum also had a few words to say about new Head Coach Herm Edwards. "You will see a big change in the intensity of the players with Edwards as head coach," said Thum. The intensity he is referring to has been quite evident at this year's training camp; almost never do you see Edwards taking a breather, even with the heat and humidity that has been hanging over western Wisconsin.

After his speech, Thum than distributed the trophies to the first, second and third place finishers in each age group. All participants received a ribbon.

The trophy winners will be recognized again after the Family Fun Night practice on Aug. 5. Edwards will be on hand to recognize the winners.

Thanks to all the volunteers who took the time to help with the event and to ensure everything ran smoothly.

8-year-old division
1. Eric Yoxall, Minneapolis, Kan., 181'3"
2. Ryan Cotter, Overland Park, Kan., 138'9"
3. Treyton Larson, Roberts, Wis., 131'2"

9-year-old division
1. Jonathan Krueger, River Falls, Wis., 193'6"
2. John Birkholz, Rosemount, Minn., 144'6"
3. Ben Dumont, Roberts, Wis., 130'0"

10-year-old division
1. Dalton Ferguson, Solon, Iowa., 228'11"
2. Ben Mikla, Wilson, Wis., 213'6"
3. Sepesitiano Pupungatoa, River Falls, Wis., 192'10"

11-year-old division
1. Brad Freeborn, River Falls, Wis., 203'3"
2. Justin Johnson, Champlin, Minn., 194'5"
3. John Sandars, Owasso, Ok., 164'8"

12-year-old division
1. Ryan Kusilek, River Falls, Wis., 286'5"
2. Augustine Pupungatoa, River Falls, Wis., 262'10"
3. Jordan Voit, Woodbury, Minn., 250'11"

13-year-old division
1. Lucas Weiss, River Falls, Wis., 326'11"
2. Josh Dixon, River Falls, Wis., 297'2"
3. Seth Stoner, Webster, Wis., 269'0"