As college football season comes to an end, premier high schools seniors from around the country get the opportunity to show their talents and skills at the annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl. In addition, the Bowl serves as a time to honor the Army’s Soldier Heroes, Wounded Warriors and Veterans. This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Bowl and Army Public Affairs Specialist, Erika Wonn is on the scene in San Antonio, Texas for the festivities. Throughout the week, she will be providing the Army Family with event updates leading to the big game on Saturday afternoon. Check out her first post below.
The 2010 All-American Bowl festivities are kicking off here in semi-sunny San Antonio. This premier bowl is celebrating its Ten-Year Anniversary with events highlighting the accomplishments of more than 100 distinguished Soldier heroes and 90 high school football all-stars from across America.
The bowl game action starts today when the Soldier and NCO of the Year, Soldier heroes and Wounded Warriors take part in a skills challenge held at the Alamodome. Soldiers and players interact throughout the week during different events and challenges including sled racing, field goal kicking, a push-up contest and other various football related challenges. When I spoke with the Army Drill Sergeant of the Year, Staff Sgt. Michael Johnston, he was excited to participate, but didn’t expect to dominate the field. “Have you seen those guys,” he said. “They are huge!” This may be true, but I think the Soldiers will give these young players a definite run for their money!
To culminate the 10th Anniversary, The Army All-American Bowl will have a BBQ Banquet Thursday night with a special appearance by country superstar Darrell Worley. This leads up to Friday, when the Player of the Year is announced at an awards banquet. Seven players have been nominated for this prestigious award due to their athletic and scholastic accomplishments, but only one will walk away with bragging rights as the 2010 Army All-American Bowl Player of the Year.
Of course, Saturday is what we really journeyed to San Antonio to see. The gridiron battle, East versus West showdown will start at noon, Central. That’s 1p.m. EST for my friends back in D.C.
This game is a great opportunity for the Soldier heroes to bond with their high school football player counterparts. These players have no idea how lucky they are to get to spend time with America’s best asset… the American Soldier. I hope both of these groups learn much from each other, and that the players take this experience with them through their college football careers and beyond.
To learn more about the All-American Bowl, visit http://www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com/.
And be sure to check out updates from the week’s events and all the action of the game on Saturday at the Army’s official social media sites:
