News : Alumni Football a success; V-S and CPU players plan rematch next year

VS Alumni Football players lost to CPU, 12-0 Friday; they plan a re-match in 2012 in Vinton.

Jason Boisen (class of 96) talks to his daughter Olivia at halftime.

Olivia Boisen seems to wonder why her dad Jason looks different during the Alumni Football game.

Tom Booher holds his grandson as he watches his son-in-law, AJ Ross, play for CPU.

VS cheerleaders raise Jillian Worthen, whose mom Jamie (Class of 1995) helped lead cheers.

V-S coach Dave Boisen speaks to a CPU coach before the game.

The Boisens, Dave and QB Jason, discuss offensive strategy.

Randy Scheel (No. 83 and a member of the Class of '83) calls the coin toss for the Vikings.

Corey Cooling talks to Alumni Football founder Bob Cazet on the sidelines.

Jordan Barnes and Corey Cooling celebrate during player introductions.

Barnes and Cooling also led the team in some pre-game exercises.

Jason Sanders played running back for a few downs for the Vikings. Here he rushes for 10 yards.

A few more photos from Friday's Alumni Football game between VS and CPU...

Alumni Football came to Benton County Friday, when CPU hosted Vinton-Shellsburg.

Bob Cazet congratulates the game's oldest player, Mike Kaufman.

Brothers Dwayne (No. 69, Class of '83) and Dave (Class of 85) Simnacher take a breather.

Jason Sanders & Bob Cazet led prayer after the game; Bob told them to be sure to be on 'God's team.

The VS alumni pose for a photo before the CPU game.

Before the Vinton-Shellsburg and Center Point-Urbana Alumni Football players took off their pads Friday night in Center Point, they decided that the inaugural Alumni Football event in Benton County was so successful -- and so fun -- that they want to do it again next year, in Vinton.

The scoreboard indicates that CPU players had a bit more fun; they won 12-0. But everyone involved said the event was something that should continue.

"As long as you want to play, we will come back," said Bob Cazet, the former player and high school and college coach who founded Alumni Football 26 years ago.

A total of 59 players, 30 from V-S and 29 from CPU, suited up. The V-S team included players who graduated between the years of 1983 and 2011; CPU players ranged from the Class of '83 to 2010.

Chad Tharp was honored as the oldest player; he is one of three members of the Class of 1983 on the V-S team. Quarterback Jason Boisen was named the outstanding V-S offensive player; Corey Cooling was named the Vikings top defensive player. He has several tackles and blocked a punt.

A portion of the tickets sold by each team went to their school. Nobody took an official count of attendance, but 800 tickets were sold and the stands were nearly as full as they are during high school games. Alumni cheerleaders joined current cheerleaders on both sides of the field, and current and former coaches united to lead their teams.

Alumni Football provides the pads and uniforms; the players each paid $95 to cover the cost of equipment and other expenses.