Highlight of day 3 for the U.P. All-Star football players
Read more: Sports, U.P. Skills Challenge
MARQUETTE, MI -- The highlight of day 3 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.
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: Mike Schmaus, Ontonagon, 40 yard dash = 4.511 seconds (electronic timed)
Fastest Man (Lineman): Ben Gable, Rudyard, 4.684 seconds
Strongest Man: Aaron Skrenes, Westwood, Bench Press = 225 pounds, 19 repetitions
Strongest Man (Non-Lineman): Justin Heupel, Kingsford 10 repetitions
Quarterback Challenge: Geritt Mortensen, St. Ignace, Distance Thrown = 57 yards
Receiver Challenge: Brady Grayvold, Norway
Receiver Challenge (Lineman): Andy Hartwig, Iron Mountain
Punting: Geritt Mortensen, St. Ignace, 57 yards
Field Goal Kicking: Mike Klobucher, Engadine, 49 yards
The Skills Challenge gave the players a much-needed rest from the grind of two practices per day. Each event that was performed had a gallery of players watching. Everyone was gathered around the competitors, cheering them on while they competed. The players took the rest of the day off to recover, before resuming practice on Thursday.
While the players were having their Skills Challenge, the coaches were having a friendly competition of their own. All of the coaches were sent to the Marquette Heritage Golf Course to play a round of golf. The East coaches won the scramble format versus the west coaches and the weather ended up giving them great conditions to play in. The East coaches are as follows: Todd Kangas-Manistique, Ed Marietti-Manistique, Joe Derouin-Bark River, Don Ives-Bark River, Josh Rader-Pickford.
The Youth Camp will be conducted by the all-star players on Thursday at the Dome, from 7PM-9PM. The All-Star Banquet is set for Friday at the University Center, 6PM. The Underclassmen Combine will take place on Saturday morning at 9AM, before the All-Star Game
