October 27, 2008
Lamoni, IA- Last Thursday evening the Graceland University football team hosted their first annual Southern Iowa Gridiron Series football game. The annual event will pitt two teams from southern Iowa against each other in a big game atmosphere hosted at the Bruce Jenner Sports Complex and played on beautiful Huntsman Field. This years participants were Central Decatur (Leon, IA) and Mt. Ayr Community Schools. Mt. Ayr won the game 44-12 but the score wasn't indictive of the atmosphere surrounding the event.
"This is a great opportunity for Graceland University and our football program to host area schools," stated Head Jacket Football Coach Cris Welch. "Both Central Decatur and Mt. Ayr have ties to our program. This great event allows the young men in southern Iowa the opportunity to play on a state of the art playing surface," continued Welch. "The atmosphere of the night was that of excitement and even though the outcome was one-sided both groups of young men expressed a tremendous amount of appreciation for participating in the "Southern Iowa Gridiron Series." We are planning on hosting as many high school games throughout our season as our schedule will allow. We are already scheduling 2009 games and have been encouraged by the excitement shown by possible participants," finished Welch.
Mt. Ayr Co-Head Coaches Delwyn Showalter and Derek Lambert as well as Central Decatur Head Coach Jon Peterson weighed in on the exciting event, "This was a tremendous experience for our football team," exclaimed Coach Showalter. "It was a "bowl-game" atmosphere and a lot of fun for players, coaches, and fans. The hospitality was outstanding, everyone at Graceland was very accomodating and went out of their way to make this game special for both teams. This was a unique opportunity four Mount Ayr and Central Decatur, and I am sure it is something that will become a cherished memory from the 2008 season. We were privileged to be selected to take part in the first game in this series, and we hope to be able to continue this relationship with Graceland in the future. Thanks to Coach Welch, Coach Douglas, and everyone at Graceland for making this game happen," concluded Coach Showalter.
Coach Lambert added, "What a tremendous opportunity for our kids to showcase their abilites in such a great venue! I am very thankful that Graceland University and the Graceland Yellowjacket football team allowed our use of their first class facilities. The trophies and scholarships that were presented to the individuals and teams were top notch! Our coaching staff and team were welcomed as soon as we drove onto campus and the staff at Graceland were extremely hospitable. We would like to thank Graceland University, the football program, and all those involved in making Thursday night a memorable night for all of us!"
"I personally feel as though this is a great event," said Coach Jon Peterson of Central Decatur. "It gives two rivals a chance to work together to promote sportmanship and our athletes. The kids enjoyed playing at a college venue and felt that the Graceland staff did an excellent job of making us feel welcomed. The scholarship and trophies only added to the excitement," finished Coach Peterson.
In the event Mt. Ayr senior Zach Robinson was named Player of the Game and received a $500 scholarship from the Graceland football program. Robinson had this to say about his honor and the event, "This was a lot of fun, the field was awesome and I really enjoyed playing at Graceland. I was very honored to be selected as the scholarship winner, our team has many deserving players."
During the 2009 high school football season you can expect more from the "Southern Iowa Gridiron Series." The event was a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by schools and communities alike.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
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