Friday marked the last day of preparation for the players and coaches before the game. The coaches had the players practice all of their special teams alignments, as well as several live drives and situations. The players were on high alert, and it was evident that both teams were fine-tuning the plays they felt would give them the best chance for success in the game. The players are definitely anxious to tackle someone in a different colored jersey.
Both teams practiced twice on Friday, and they were in helmets and shoulder pads for both teams. They ran some plays, practiced extra points and made sure everyone knew their assignments in various formations. With player introductions at 1PM, Saturday morning will go by quick. Players will eat breakfast in the cafeteria, gather all their equipment and personal belongings, then check out of the dorms. Snacks and Gatorade, provided by Econo Foods, will be available for the players before they head to the Dome for pregame.
Friday evening was the All-Star Banquet, where four hundred people were in attendance to meet and greet the players. Parents, family and friends saw their players for the first time all week and had a chance to find out what the players have been experiencing during the week. The night started out with a video montage of pictures and music from the trip to Bay Cliff Health Camp. It was very moving to see all of the players and campers interacting, and it really set the tone for the entire evening. The players and coaches then took turns introducing each other, and the night culminated in a motivational message from guest speaker, Jeff Olson, Ishpeming High School Head Coach.
The surprise of the evening was the appearance of legendary Forest Park coach, Bill Santilli. Organizer, Todd Goldbeck, recognized Santilli as one of the first two All-Star head coaches (Olson being the other), and indicated that Coach Santilli would be introducing Jeff Olson. Santilli gave some of Olson’s achievements during his coaching career, which were many, then he gave some fun facts about Olson that he collected from Olson’s wife, Sally.
Olson spoke to the players and fans about the relationships he developed throughout his career, and how all of the friendships and rivalries helped to motivated him to work harder to achieve more. Olson also talked about pursuing your passion in life, and that commitment and discipline would be the two character traits which would allow an individual to be successful in any area of life they choose to pursue.
Overall, it was an excellent message, and everyone was hanging on Coach Olson’s every word. There is a lot of diversity in the players, so whether a player continues their football career in college, or not, they could all take the message to heart. Some players will attend college, and some will go straight to a career or the military, but everyone could relate to the message.
The Traveling Trophy was also on display for all to see. Parents and fans saw it up-close for the first time and many took pictures of their players with it individually. The trophy will be presented to the winning team, where it can be passed to other teams representing the winning squad throughout the year, before returning to Marquette for next year’s game. Players also received their all-star rings and the winners of the Skills Challenges were recognized during the program.
The U.P. Football All-Star Game will begin at 1 PM. Doors to the Dome will be open at Noon. Cost is $7 at the door.
