Posted on 01/05/2006 3:45:19 PM PST by SandRat
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Army News Service, Jan. 4, 2006) – For eight of the top high-school football players in the country preparing for Saturday’s Army-sponsored “All-American Bowl,” press interviews, practice sessions, photo ops and recognition banquets took a back seat on Tuesday afternoon.
The selected players, representing both the East and West squads, visited children from the Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center in San Antonio where they signed posters and miniature footballs for the kids. Ken Hall, the legendary high school running back and all-time single season rushing leader, introduced the players and their achievements, and PARADE Magazine presented the center with a check for $1,000.
“The All-American players are pleased to be here…because, like the American Soldier, they display strength and courage in achieving success both on and off the field,” said Col. Dorothea Wallace, commander of the 5th Recruiting Brigade in San Antonio, during opening remarks.
“They were chosen because they exhibited these traits in times of adversity … the same traits that are the core of every Soldier in the United States Army.”
She emphasized that both players and Soldiers are only as good as their team.
“One other key is understood by Soldiers and Players alike: A person is only as strong as their team. A football player is only as strong as those around them – teammates, coaches and parents. A Soldier is only as strong as other members of his unit that he depends upon to complete the mission. You too are part of a team.”
Doug Berman, chairman of SportsLink, Inc., a New Jersey-based firm producing the All-American Bowl, believes that for the players, this is much more than just a football game.
“This is a chance for the players to put back something into the community,” Berman said, “and San Antonio prides itself on being a military community. And, not only do the kids benefit, but it’s interesting to watch the players, many who are getting involved in the community for the first time.”
Sgt. 1st Class Colby Fox and Staff Sgt. Scott Cartwright, both drill instructors from Fort Jackson, S.C., represented the Army during the visit. Fox said he sees the upcoming All-American Bowl and other community events as important for the Army’s image.
“You have to be leaders out on the football field and, as drill instructors, that’s one of the things we try to teach, coach and mentor in young leaders in the Army.”
For more information on the All American Bowl, go to www.army.mil/2006allamericanbowl/.
(Editor’s note: Rich Lamance serves as chief of the Print Media Branch for the Army/Air Force Hometown News Service.)
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