Entertainment Abounds at Family Fun Night

By Lisa Stratton
UWRF Public Affairs

"Chiefs, Chiefs, Chiefs, Chiefs!" screamed more than 1,500 Kansas City fanatics as they caught sight of practice-jersey clad players making their way onto the turf at Ramer Field for Wednesday night's Family Fun Night event. The crowd exploded into cheers, applause, and foot stomping as players and coaches ambled into the stadium at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

The Chiefs received a rock star's welcome, but another group of gentlemen claimed the moniker of real rockers. The Tommy Bentz Band from River Falls, Wis., performed a thunderous set earlier in the evening for fans as they visited with friends or the concessions stand.

"They're really good," said Mark Miller of St. Paul, Minn. "I hope they've got a gig somewhere closer to me in the near future. I'd like to hear more of their sound."

In addition to listening to tunes from the Tommy Bentz band, Chiefs fans had a variety of activities to occupy themselves with. One of these was the Chiefs Experience, an obstacle course sponsored by Viking Coca Cola designed to give athletic enthusiasts a taste of training camp. Fans of all ages took on the course, which included a "chip shot" station for kicking a football, a "precision" area testing throwing abilities, a "catching" spot to practice receiving the ball and an obstacle course measuring speed and quickness.

UWRF's Steve Stocker, director of the Hunt Arena and Knowles Building, recruited Whitney Franklin, an alumna of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and Carrie Henrich, who calls the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point her alma mater, to help at the Chiefs Experience.

"Steve called up and said, 'We need volunteers!' I couldn't say no," said Henrich. Henrich went on to describe prizes that those achieving high marks could receive, before turning to Franklin and saying, "I think we should try it out. We could win some good stuff." Franklin replied, "We probably will."

Starting off the night's planned activities was a parachute landing by four members of the Indianhead Sport Parachute Club. The last colorful flier to alight on the field was world record holder Mary Bauer, who claims a parachute career spanning 26 years with more than 13,000 jumps to her name.

"Come on Mary!" shouted several entranced viewers as the parachuter and the American flag proudly attached to her gear circled the field before smoothly touching down.

Next, Mark Kinders, director of Public Affairs at UWRF, took the podium in front of the stands. Kinders opened the night by saying, "Welcome to the summer home of the Kansas City Chiefs." Kinders went on to introduce several special guests: State Senator Sheila Harsdorf and son, Ryan, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Mary Halada, and four members of River Falls royalty: Grand Royal Ambassador Bethany Tunheim, First Royal Ambassador Kelsey Williams, and Royal Ambassadors Ella Schwartz and Jill Kelly. Lastly, Kinders introduced Chancellor Don Betz.

Betz, now in his third year at the University, took the opportunity to impress upon those assembled the pride that UWRF takes in having the Chiefs visit. "This is a great opportunity for River Falls. We have the chance to be a part of a tradition; not many places in the United States can say that they have been the summer home of an NFL team for 17 years," said Betz. "The Chiefs are a great organization, and they are great friends of ours." Betz introduced the Chiefs' Executive Vice President Denny Thum.

"I want to wish you all a great time tonight on behalf of the Hunt Family and the Chiefs organization. We're pleased to be back; I want to say thank you to all the students and staff who have made River Falls feel like home, and for making it as enjoyable a time as possible," said Thum. Thum also thanked the students of UWRF for the creation of the new University Center, which the Chiefs used as their headquarters while on campus for the first time.

After the speakers, many fans eagerly lined up adjacent to the track, awaiting their chance for a signature from their favorite player. Sean and Anna Patty from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, nearly bounced with excitement as they attempted to get a glimpse of running back Priest Holmes. Anna waved a sign bearing Holmes' name in red glitter, which she said she hoped to get signed.

"Priest is my favorite player. He has no fear on the field; he'll dive over the offensive line, or do whatever it takes," said Anna. Sean added, "We're obsessed with the Chiefs."

At 6:05 p.m., fans were allowed to spill onto the track to wait behind an orange barrier for autographs. Helmets lay sprawled and forgotten on the field as players separated by position around the barrier. Safety Bernard Pollard could be seen signing a pennant for one young fan, saying, "What's up, homie? What's good with you?"

UWRF students Cassie Parsons and Allison Balfanz did not feel the need to bring extra items to be autographed: they asked to be signed themselves.

"Boomer signed our arms," said Parsons, proudly displaying one inked bicep. Fullback Boomer Grigsby signed both ladies, as did tight end Keith Willis and cornerback Marcus Maxey moments later.

Wisconsin native Tim Krumrie, defensive line coach, finished signing a few minutes early to prepare for practice, but immediately came back to sign for one woman who called out for him.

After the autograph session, winners of July 28 Punt, Pass, & Kick contest were recognized and had the opportunity to have their pictures taken with Head Coach Herm Edwards.

At dusk, the event ended with a brilliant fireworks display by Rolf Halverson Fireworks. Flares of every color lit up the faces of young and old alike as they took in the last few minutes of Family Fun Night.

As families packed up and made their way to the parking lot, many could be heard discussing HBO's hit show, 'Hard Knocks' featuring the Chiefs training camp, which aired at 9 p.m. that night.