Everyone has seen their share of little boys playing backyard football, but for some, the fun of falling in the mud and playing against friends has never gone way. The experience and joy of playing has followed them through high school. But now it is more than “just a game” — it’s serious money. The Grubb State Classic, organized by senior Jarod Grubb, opened Oct. 25 with $80 at stake. The actual classic took place at the Conrad Complex even though many have been playing in back yards. In fact, that is how it all got started. “We have been playing in my yard and Jess Roper’s forever,” said Grubb. “We just decided to make some dough and have fun.” The classic was not just a one day event. The plan is to continue to play every weekend until there is snow on the ground. “(We’re) going to have a snow classic, for wet wild snowy crunch time,” said Grubb. On opening day, a total of four teams signed on with four members on each team. The rules were quite clear and all the players abided by them. One of the most important was there could only be one Brave football player to a team. Other rules included everyone must pay $5 to participate or no money would be awarded to the winning team, and participants must be 18 years old or younger and go to school at FHS or KJHS. Enforcement of the rules will be strictly each player’s own honor. The players have to call their own penalties and out of bounds. “No one is going to beat our team. We have the money in the bag,” said senior Robbie Brekke. “It was a great idea for Grubb to do, I just feel bad that he is not going to get any money out of it.” “It could possibly get out of hand,” said senior Tyson Hall. “Got to watch out for that Brekke kid.” This is just one of the sports alternatives to relieve weekend or after-school boredom. There is also the Tuesday night flag football league. Grubb and senior Will Hammerquist are coaches for third and fourth graders who participate in the flag football league. Senior Kyle Nelson also coaches, but his kids are fifth and sixth graders. “It’s fun, my kids are really good athletes,” said senior Kyle Nelson. “They make the coaches look good because we have gone 6-0. They are the best bunch of kids out there.” “I love coaching little kid football,” said Hammerquist. “I remember how cool I thought my coaches were when I was little and it makes me feel cool.” Said Grubb: “(I like to) stay involved and exercise great leadership skills, (and) give a chance for the general public to display skills in a some what organized manner.” |
