Sports : Viking Alumni Football team prepares for June 16 kick-off

The Vinton Shellsburg Alumni Football team held their first practice on April 1st to start preparing for their game Saturday June 16 at 7:00 pm at the Vinton High School Football Field against the Center Point-Urbana Stormin Pointers. With less than 10 days to go, the Vikings are polishing up their offense, defense, and special teams to get ready. Fans should expect to see 30 or more former players take the field, including graduates spanning 36 years. No, that is not a typo. Class of 1976 football player Gary Garwood, has come out of "retirement" and will take the field with the team. Gary has quickly picked up where he left off when disco was still popular and joins other alumni players such as Jason Boisen (1994), Cory Cooling (2010), Mike Hopper (2006), Logan Merchant (2011), Jason Sanders (1996), and Dylan Rickels (2007) to name a few.

Fans can expect to see a hard hitting game on June 16. The game will be played as any high school football game. 12 minute quarters, special teams, and with each player in full pads. Many players have been physically preparing for several months for this game. In fact, Ryan Young (1994) started his work outs immediately following the alumni game payed July 8, 2011. After realizing how poorly he was prepared following the game, Ryan began running and has been faithful to his workouts ever since. In fact, he recently complete the Twin Cities Tough Mudder with several other Vinton area residents.

In addition to a well played football game, fans will be treated to the Vinton Community Band and a Cheerleading Squad that has been practicing for two months.

Tickets are selling fast! For anyone who is planning on attending the game, please buy your tickets in advance. 50% of all pre-game ticket sales will come back to our school programs and community. Last year, $900 was given to the Cheerleaders and Viking football team. This year, we expect to give more back. Tickets are $10 (7 and under are free) can be picked up at the Vinton Livewire, John's Qwik Stop, and Ehlinger's Vinton Express.

We would also like to thank the following sponsors for helping make this happen: Betterton Chiropractic, Koop's Automotive Sale and Service, Farmers Savings Bank & Trust, John's Qwik Stop, John and Beverly Anderson, Wilson-Hite Insurance, US Bank, Three Rivers Insurance, Vinton Livewire, Monkeytown, CreArtivity, Tharp Design, Green Tree Graphics, and Sutton Lawn Care.

Let's fill the stands!