2008 Woodie Awards
Players tackle Buddy Day
Kristen Roderick
Issue date: 8/29/02 Section: Sports
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A few smiles and a football are all the Broncbusters need to keep the annual Buddy Day alive.
"Buddy Day marks the end of preseason and the beginning of game times," Bob Larson, head coach, said.
Players worked with the children by using tackle dummies and doing passing and running drills. The men also used themselves as an obstacle course for the children.
"I love watching our guys interact and vice versa," Larson said, "It is great to see them feed off of each other."
For each player Buddy Day was a day of being with the children.
"I enjoyed the general enlightenment of working with small children and doing something for the community," Ernie Schwarz, left guard, said.
The smiles on their faces also affected the players.
"I just liked watching the kids smile," Kevin Baalmann, quarterback, said.
The children each had varied favorites about the event.
"I liked to get to tackle stuff," Ashley Bean said.
One favorite was running across the backs of around 10 players.
"I really liked running across the players backs," Jace Banner said.
Buddy Day is proven to be a very important event for the coaches, players, and children.
"I like to think we're all roll models," Larson said. "We try to live up to all expectations."
Through the event, children are able to meet their role models.
"Buddy Day lets the kids meet the people they see on the field on Saturday nights," Jared Wenton, wide receiver, said.
The men learned how the children admire them.
"It's good to see how they look up to us as football players," Kevin James, tackle, said.
Having the parents and children there had an effect on the players.
"I just loved seeing the support from the parents and the kids for Buster football," Dan Flick, tight end, said.
Buddy Day benefits the children from the night it happens to the end of the season. Every child who wears their Buddy Day t-shirt to a game will get free admission.
"It gives a chance for the kids to look forward to wearing their Buddy Day t-shirts to a game," Larson said.