|
|
|
Green, Ohio —
They came to Ohio in 2010 for an alumni football game featuring the storied rivalry of Massillon versus Canton McKinley. Little did they know the fourth largest grossing event in the nation would come from a local high school rivalry discontinued years ago. Thrown together in a month's time, Pittsburg Steelers Star James Harrison (as an assistant coach) and almost 70 former alumni football players dazzled a crowd that swelled Coventry stadium to more than 2,300 fans. The Alumni Football USA Organization found the Battle of Route 93.
Featured on their website for over a year now and a part of the every national highlight film, Alumni Football USA has made the Coventry versus Manchester rivalry one of the premiere games for not only Ohio, but the nation. With a year's worth of preparation for this year's battle, this event looks to make a strong run at the top grossing spot in the nation for the year of 2011. Several area businesses became involved this year with sponsorship and ticket sales as well as adding some interesting concession stand items including but not limited to pulled pork sandwiches and egg rolls to go along with hotdogs and chips which are normally served. This year's game will also feature a group of alumni cheerleaders who are led by Coventry graduates Jennifer Walker-Sibit and Krista Hutchison-Seese, who will certainly energize the crowd.
The 2011 installment of the Battle of Route 93 features some unique individual rivalries and opportunities once again. Manchester's group led by Manchester Hall of Fame player John Mick and the speedy Phil Partin bring a group of determined Panther players back to Coventry Stadium this year. That group will be met by this year's Coventry alumni team coached once again by current Rittman assistant head football coach, Gary Hutt and Coventry Middle School Head Football Coach, John Davis. Coventry's Joe Slabaugh will be back on his home turf, looking to make an “impact” on both sides of the ball. The Earnsberger brothers of Manchester will again face the White brothers from Coventry. Manchester will have professional wrestlers “Robby Starr” and “Sherman Tank” on their sidelines for a second year. For those that witnessed last year's game, “Tank” was the player with no less than six Coventry defenders on his back trying to tackle him. Coventry will counter this year with a former comet who will be one of the largest ever to play alumni football. Standing 6feet, 8 inches and 370 pounds, Marquez Sales will cast an imposing shadow on the field. With the Summit County Sheriff's Office already providing security for the event, there will be several of their deputy colleagues on the opposing teams facing off for the chance to not only raise money for the area schools, but to also solidify some departmental bragging rights. With last year's success, both teams were congratulated for their exemplary sportsmanship and despite the high level of contact, no player sustained any serious injuries.
They came to Ohio in 2010 for an alumni football game featuring the storied rivalry of Massillon versus Canton McKinley. Little did they know the fourth largest grossing event in the nation would come from a local high school rivalry discontinued years ago. Thrown together in a month's time, Pittsburg Steelers Star James Harrison (as an assistant coach) and almost 70 former alumni football players dazzled a crowd that swelled Coventry stadium to more than 2,300 fans. The Alumni Football USA Organization found the Battle of Route 93.
Featured on their website for over a year now and a part of the every national highlight film, Alumni Football USA has made the Coventry versus Manchester rivalry one of the premiere games for not only Ohio, but the nation. With a year's worth of preparation for this year's battle, this event looks to make a strong run at the top grossing spot in the nation for the year of 2011. Several area businesses became involved this year with sponsorship and ticket sales as well as adding some interesting concession stand items including but not limited to pulled pork sandwiches and egg rolls to go along with hotdogs and chips which are normally served. This year's game will also feature a group of alumni cheerleaders who are led by Coventry graduates Jennifer Walker-Sibit and Krista Hutchison-Seese, who will certainly energize the crowd.
The 2011 installment of the Battle of Route 93 features some unique individual rivalries and opportunities once again. Manchester's group led by Manchester Hall of Fame player John Mick and the speedy Phil Partin bring a group of determined Panther players back to Coventry Stadium this year. That group will be met by this year's Coventry alumni team coached once again by current Rittman assistant head football coach, Gary Hutt and Coventry Middle School Head Football Coach, John Davis. Coventry's Joe Slabaugh will be back on his home turf, looking to make an “impact” on both sides of the ball. The Earnsberger brothers of Manchester will again face the White brothers from Coventry. Manchester will have professional wrestlers “Robby Starr” and “Sherman Tank” on their sidelines for a second year. For those that witnessed last year's game, “Tank” was the player with no less than six Coventry defenders on his back trying to tackle him. Coventry will counter this year with a former comet who will be one of the largest ever to play alumni football. Standing 6feet, 8 inches and 370 pounds, Marquez Sales will cast an imposing shadow on the field. With the Summit County Sheriff's Office already providing security for the event, there will be several of their deputy colleagues on the opposing teams facing off for the chance to not only raise money for the area schools, but to also solidify some departmental bragging rights. With last year's success, both teams were congratulated for their exemplary sportsmanship and despite the high level of contact, no player sustained any serious injuries.
Come join the event of 2011 and help the player's raise money for their former high school's athletic programs. This year's “Battle of Route 93 II” takes place at Coventry Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 6. Tickets are $10 for those 17 & up, $6 for those 6 -16years old, free for those under 6 years old.
Tickets can be purchased at Hook, Line and Drinkers, Handy Jim's, Lyons Photography, and Asian Gardens Restaurant.
Only the presale ticket sales help the schools. The after-the-game party will be held at Hook, Line, and Drinkers.
Concessions will be operated by Hook, Line and Drinkers, Asian Gardens Restaurant, and the Coventry Band. For additional info and tickets contact 330-541-5247 or email coventryalumnifootball@gmail.com. This game is brought to you by Alumni Football USA.
