Marquette, MI — June 22, 2016 – The highlight of day three for the U.P. All-Star football players Wednesday was the Skills Challenge. Events included the Fastest Man (40 yard dash), the Strongest Man (Bench Press), Quarterback Challenge, Receiver Challenge, Punting and Field Goal Kicking. Two players made it into the Top Three All-Time in their events, with one player breaking an All-Time Record. The North won five of the competitions and the South won four, which is a great indicator of how competitive this game will be.
For some of the challenges, the players were split into two divisions, lineman and non-lineman. Having two divisions gives those challenges a unique atmosphere, as there are several competitions taking place within each event. The three events that are split are: Fastest Man, Strongest Man and Receiver Challenge.
Results for the Players Challenge are as follows:
Fastest Man: Pat Burmeister, Marquette, 40 yard dash = 4.716 seconds (electronic timed)
Fastest Man (Lineman): Andrew Leinonen, Menominee, 40 yard dash=4.958 seconds (electronic timed)
Strongest Man (Lineman): Chase Bouschor, Sault Ste Marie, Bench Press = 225 pounds, 26 reps:New Record
Strongest Man (Non-Lineman): Justin Rock, Iron Mountain, Bench Press = 225 lbs, 17 reps: Tied 3rd All-Time
Quarterback Challenge: Ozzy Corp, Ishpeming, Distance Thrown = 54 yards
Receiver Challenge (Non-Lineman): Josh Hood, Newberry
Receiver Challenge (Lineman): Logan Uecke, Menominee
Punting: Mike Anderson, L’Anse, 52 yards
Field Goal Kicking: Nathan Nowack, Menominee, 45 yards
The Skills Challenge gave the players a much-needed rest from the grind of two practices per day. Each event which was performed had a gallery of players watching. Everyone was gathered around the competitors, cheering them on while they competed. There were some friendly rivalries within each competition, but the atmosphere was casual and all the players enjoyed the events. In addition to some local television and radio media in attendance, there were also some parents and fans that came by to watch the skills challenges. They were able to get on the field and take some pictures up close of their favorite players while they competed. Both squads have the rest of the afternoon off to relax and let their bodies recover from the physical stress of practice.
Tonight is the Coaches Reception at Buffalo Wild Wings, which is open to the public from 7-10 PM. Anyone can come down and socialize with the all-star coaches, as well as the local coaches who are in attendance. Portions of the food proceeds get donated to the All-Star Game.
The players will travel to Bay Cliff Health Camp Thursday afternoon, and the All-Star Banquet is set for Friday at the University Center, 6 PM.
