by Staff Reports, Seminole Nation Communications Department
TECUMSEH, Okla. – Hunter Goat was both surprised and thrilled to learn that he was one of only 35 high school football players to be invited to participate in the 24th Annual Down Under Bowl on Australia’s Gold Coast. Teams of outstanding high school football players, coaches, cheerleaders and officials from America, New Zealand and Australia participate in the annual event held during the winter months of June and July. Goat, a senior lineman at Tecumseh High School and member of the Tom Palmer band of the Seminole Nation, was happy about his selection.“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to visit Australia all of my life. This is a dream come true.”
The Down Under Bowl is hosted by International Sports Specialists, Inc., whose mission is to promote American sports in foreign countries. ISSI President and founder George O’Scanlon sees sports as an international language that can be used to bridge gaps and form positive communication between countries.Chuck Goodner, Athletic Director for Tecumseh Public Schools, often serves as a head coach during the Down Under Bowl. He has made the trip to Australia 12 times.“Oklahoma has won over 75 percent of its games, winning the Down Under Bowl Championship in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007 and last year,” Goodner said.
“But it’s much more than a chance to play football Down Under,” he added. “It’s a cultural experience. The Aussies are a very warm and generous people.”The 2012 Down Under Bowl will take place in July and consist of one day in Sydney and six days on the Gold Coast of Australia, followed by three days in Hawaii.All athletes are required to pay their own expenses for the trip.
Typical expenses exceed $5,000. The only thing standing between Goat and his “dream come true” is financing. “I work after school and on weekends, and am saving all the money I can, but that won’t be near enough,” Goat explained. “I’m going to have to get all the
sponsors I can.” ISSI’s recruiting coordinator Chris Pella would like to see all the athletes receive funding from outside sources. “Our athletes and their families have worked hard to be in the position to be invited to our competitions. We don’t want this to be a hardship for them,” he explained. “We have developed fundraising incentives to help them.”
Anyone who sponsors Goat will receive entry into a drawing for 2 all-expense paid trips to the competitions in Australia and Hawaii. Sponsorships will be accepted until June. “I don’t care how much anyone gives. Every little bit helps, and I’d really appreciate all the help I can get,” Goat said. Any individual, group or organization that would like to find out more information about the event or sponsor Goat can do so online at www.downundersports.com. Those that are unable to sponsor online, but would like a sponsorship letter mailed, e-mailed or personally delivered should contact Goat either by e-mail at huntergoat94@yahoo.com or by telephone at (405) 837-8690.
(Story provided by the Seminole nation news of Oklahoma from the March 2012 edition, original can be read @ http://sno-nsn.gov/CommDept/Archives/2012-Mar/mar2012.pdf . The Seminole Nation can be reached www.sno-nsn.gov)
