Get ready to lace up your cleats and stretch out your hamstrings!
This Saturday, September 30th is the 2nd Annual Titletown Showdown! But even if you won’t be a gridiron hero for this epic 6-on-6 flag football tournament that includes many former Green Bay Packers, you can still show your support for SOWI athletes by heading to Green Bay to cheer on the athletes, participants and Packers alumni. You can also still donate to a participating team!
“The experience was really neat. You got to see a lot of Packers players.” – SOWI athlete Tyler Derringer
The tournament will feature a Packers alumni team that will include former Packers like Tony Fisher, Dexter McNabb, Bill Schroeder and Chris Francies. The tournament will take place at historic City Stadium, where the Green Bay Packers played from 1925 to 1956.
Former Packers running back Tony Fisher will be returning to the field after playing in last year’s inaugural Titletown Showdown. When asked what made the event so special after last year’s event, Fisher responded: “I think it was just the camaraderie, just seeing how everybody came out here and had a blast playing.”
Many of those enjoying the camaraderie were Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes. The West Allis Stars sent their flag football team up north to compete on the gridiron with friends and Packers alike. “The experience was really neat. You got to see a lot of Packers players,” SOWI athlete and West Allis Star Tyler Derringer said.
Derringer (1) and the West Allis Stars at the 2016 Titletown Showdown
Derringer and his West Allis Stars will be returning this year based on how much fun they had in 2016. For Derringer, a highlight of last year’s event was when the Stars beat another team composed primarily of officers involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Wisconsin. This was especially significant for Derringer since he was once on the LETR Input Council and is close with most of the LETR team he defeated.
It was also very memorable for Derringer when athlete Branyan Hisel of Waukesha, who hadn’t played much football before, scored his first-ever touchdown, to the delight of the crowd.
West Allis Star defenders break up a pass during a game in last year’s tournament
“They (Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes) did a terrific job… I think it was just a great opportunity for everyone,” Fisher said.
“I think it was just the camaraderie, just seeing how everybody came out here and had a blast playing.” – Former Packer Tony Fisher
Derringer also applauded the Packers for going that extra mile and helping to coach-up athletes and participants on the field. This really helped reinforce the Unified aspect of the event. “It’s a great way to get athletes and the community to get integrated,” Derringer said.
A player gets serious air to haul in a catch during last year’s tournament
The event is sponsored by the Green Bay Packers Give Back and Wisconsin is the second state to adopt an LETR-led flag football tournament. Special Olympics New Jersey, who has hosted its own Snow Bowl for over ten years now, was on hand last year to help kick off the Titletown Showdown.
As far as what to expect come this Saturday, Derringer has this to say: “I want to wish everyone good luck. Make sure you have fun but most importantly, remember your Code of Conduct.”
Check out some highlights from last year’s tournament and we’ll see you Saturday in historic City Stadium!
