Monday July 30, 2012

MERIDEN, N.H. -- The Shrine football players from New Hampshire and Vermont, all 72 of them, were tired as they left the practice field Friday, completing their first full day of workouts at Kimball Union Academy.

The 59th annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl will be played next Saturday, Aug. 4, at Dartmouth College, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. And their strong legs will run so that weak legs may someday walk.

The teams went through double practice sessions again Saturday and then took Sunday off to visit the Shrine Hospital for Children in Springfield, Mass., one of three Shrine Hospitals that benefit from the annual summer classic. It was there in the smiles of small children they learned the real meaning of Shrine football.

Vermont head coach Mike Norman of Rutland is looking to get the Green Mountain State back on the winning track after 10-straight losses. Calling the offensive signals for Vermont will be either: Rob Coloutti of Fair Haven or Tucker Stone from Hartford. Vermont will be operating from a multiple I offense and utilizing a number of speedy receivers -- among them, Soren Pelz-Walsh of the Brattleboro Colonels.

New Hampshire coach Mike Beliveau from Souhegan is also happy with his players, especially their attitude and overall playing shape. The Granite Staters will be operating from a spread offense with either Rob McCormick from Souhegan or Evan Bidgood from Timberlane expected to call the signals.

Preceding

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the bowl game itself on Aug. 4, will be a spectacular parade through the streets of Hanover, N.H., featuring over 2,000 marchers. The parade is scheduled for noon. In addition to Shrine units from seven centers in the Northeast, there will be an appearance by the Shrine All Star High School band, some 120 in number, along with cheerleaders, floats and other units.

Tickets are now on sale in outlets throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. The cost is $8 in advance and $10 on game day. There is also reserved seating for $20. For Information regarding tickets, call the Shrine Football Office in Lebanon, N.H., at 603-448-1042.

Pop Warner

BRATTLEBORO -- The registration and parent meeting for children ages 5-13 interested in playing Pop Warner football or joining the cheerleading squad will take place Wednesday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m., in the Multi-Purpose room at Brattleboro Union High School.

The cost to join tackle football is $100 and cheer is $150 per child (sneakers will be provided) with a discount going to families with multiple children participating. The 5-6-year-olds will be playing flag football and the cost is $50. Scholarships are available on a case by case basis.

If you are interested in having your child participate or have questions, send an email to BrattleboroPopWarner@yahoo.com.