East edges West in Army's 'All-American' Bowl

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Jun. 10, 2011) -- The longest-running high school all-star game in the nation was played out in front of a nationally televised audience Jan. 8, when the U.S. Army-sponsored All-American Bowl kicked off at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

In an East versus West match-up, the East edged out the West team 13 to 10 in front of a record crowd of 37,893.

Recognized as the Army's premiere recruiting activity, the annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl game began with a mix of future, current, and past heroes in Army combat uniforms, alongside the nation's most talented high school football players.

The director for Communications, Marketing and Outreach for the U.S. Army Accessions Command, Col. Derrick Crotts, said that this entire event is about more than just football.

"This game represents everything that is great about America," he said. "It represents the best athletes in America, it represents the best bandsmen in America, and it represents the best Soldiers that this nation has to offer."

All of the activities leading up to the football game were a way to honor the Soldiers of the Year, wounded warriors from the Center for the Intrepid and Soldier-heroes. The Soldier heroes are recipients of the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with device for valor, or the Purple Heart for actions in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

The first event of the week for the players and Soldiers was a Punt, Pass, and Kick team competition. Each team included a mix of players, Soldiers of the Year, and wounded warriors. The players and Soldier-heroes were first introduced at an East versus West soldier skills challenge that pitted teams in eating, push-up and sit-up events. The East team won this friendly competition.

From there, the players and Soldier-heroes were paired up for the remainder of the week. One player was honored to be with these Soldiers, calling them true heroes.

"With the Army, it is a lot of fun getting to spend time with real-life heroes that are actually out there saving our lives and giving us freedom," said Juda Parker, a player for the West team from Hawaii. "Just coming and spending time with them and playing football means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to them."

Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Jeremy Hancock, civil affairs non commissioned officer, and one of the Soldier-heroes honored during the week, returned the sentiments about the players.

"I have been incredibly impressed by the character and drive these young athletes demonstrate, they are humble and goal oriented and motivated to accomplish their dreams," said Hancock. "It's evident they have a gift and through great coaching and parenting and hard work, it has been developed to a standard of excellence that will carry them far in this sport, and their lives."

The players and Soldier-heroes continued to interact during media events, barbecues, and formal dinners in their honor.

For the Soldier-heroes, the experience was a way for them to be publicly recognized for their service to country.

"It has been a true honor to represent the U.S. Army and to show the general public that we truly care about our community," said Sgt. 1st Class Charles R. Reeves, recruiter. "It is also an honor and a privilege to interact and mentor these great All-Americans."

Overall, the Army was able to accomplish what it set out to do. They were able to show the American public what the Army is all about.

"We get 4.9 million viewers of the game, more than 30,000 attending, so we take someone who knows a little about the Army and make them more knowledgeable with this event," said Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commanding general, U. S. Army Accessions Command.

Related Links:

Video: Secretary of the Army McHugh's welcome to the All-American Bowl

Video: 2011 All-American Bowl

U.S. Army All-American Bowl