Pepsi Punt, Pass & Kick attracts young athletes for various reasons

Hooksett Editor — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:05:00 GMT

Last year, Auburn’s Joey Dudek rode his arm and leg to Gillette Stadium – and very nearly the Super Bowl.

Dudek, who won the 10- and 11-year-old division of the local Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick competition last August, also triumphed at the sectional competition in Bristol, R.I., and then the regional competition at a Patriots home game.

His score just missed qualifying for the national competition, which concluded at the NFL’s championship.

This year, 37 local youngsters showed up at MerchantsAuto. com Stadium in Manchester, home of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, for the chance to follow in Dudek’s footsteps.

“We came here last week for the (Eastern League AA) all-star game, so for them to go out there and compete on that same field, they just love it,” said Bedford’s Sonia Statires, mother of Charlie, 9, and Jacob, 7. “My kids love sports in general, and this is a great way to spend a summer afternoon.”

Like the Statires boys, sporting Riddle Brook Elementary T-shirts, many competitors were from the greater Manchester area.

Others, such as Salem’s Matthew Carney, Brad Ratay, and Kyle Nagri, and Hopkinton’s Abbey and Sam Winslow, traveled many miles to participate in the event.

“It’s about 25 minutes each way, so it’s not to far to get them to an event like this,” said Abbey and Sam’s mother, Katie Winslow. “Three years ago, Sam participated and won at the regional and next level and went to the Patriots game. I guess it’s that opportunity that makes us come back each year.”

“I think it’s a really good event for young promising athletes to show off their talents,” said Ratay. “It’s a pretty good time. I don’t think I’ll win, but I’m proud to be here.”

Many, like Ratay, are just eager to test their skills. New Boston’s Maxx Chambers, for instance, is a member of Goffstown’s 10- and 11-year-old state Little League all-star champions. He proved he doesn’t need a bat and glove to exhibit his athletic prowess.

“I played football last year, and I thought (the competition) would be something good to do because I was good at punting and passing, but needed a little improvement with my kicking,” said Chambers. “I thought it would be fun to see if I could win and if could move on.”

Though he didn’t advance, Chambers said he still enjoyed the event immensely.

Auburn News : epsom

Pepsi Punt, Pass & Kick attracts young athletes for various reasons