Is there a young dreamer ready to lead the Bears to a SuperBowl Championship in the near future? Well, maybe. That might be the thoughts of forty young men that made it to Solder Field on November 7th as finalists from Illinois in the 1993 Punt, Pass and Kick competition.

Punt, Pass and Kick is a nationwide program for all youths ages 8 through 15. Kids from all over America test their skills for a chance to represent their home team, in Hawaii, at the NFL Pro Bowl in February. In Illinois, more than 6,300 kids punted, passed and kicked for that special opportunity. "PP and K" is a free activity sponsored in Illinois by IPRA, and nationwide by Gatorade, Sears and the NFL.

Beginning last September, local competitions were held at over 70 agencies. The winners advanced to the Sectional Competition held at one of twelve sites in early October. Carbondale, Charleston, Fon Du Lac, Western Springs, St. Charles, Buffalo Grove, Kankakee, Chicago (4), and Princeton were the sites selected. At Sectionals, the winning contestants competed for one of five qualifying spots and a chance to advance to the State final in Chicago. With a little bit of luck, and the wind just right, one contestant would travel to the State Championship.

The finals were an exciting time for everyone. Soldier Field is a historic stadium, with a rich tradition of unforgettable football memories. For many it was their first-time visit. Many had seen it on TV, and to be there — in person — was very inspiring. Contestants checked in well before the game began. We made sure that everyone had arrived and gave them a brief idea of the day's schedule. The punting and kicking events were completed before the game began and passing was conducted during half time.

Entering from the South end zone, the first to arrive were anxious to begin. Dressed in their Chicago Bear football jerseys, you could sense the eagerness building inside everyone. Walking out of the dark access tunnel and onto the brightly lit field, you had to pinch yourself to see if this was all real... the emerald green grass, the majestic columns embracing the multicolored seats that encircle the field, the busy pregame hustle of the field crews preparing for the game and players warming up. The younger kids, seeming only mildly impressed, wanted to run right on to the field, while the 14 and 15-year olds, a little more aware of the situation, took a brief second to look around. Some of the dads began reminiscing to their wives about Butkus, Sayers, Payton, and a couple of "I remember when...." All of them were beginning to imprint the time and the place for future memories.

After what may have seemed to be an eternity, we received the OK and were on the field ready to begin. It was two hours before game time, and our only audience was the ground crew, parents and security personnel. You could see the concentration on the face of each contestant. A last glance to Mom and Dad, a "thumbs up" signal, or a quick "good luck and do your best" and the contestants were ready to punt.

Starting first is difficult no matter what you do, so I'm sure that the first couple of kids had more than a few butterflies working in their stomachs. A practice kick in the air, retracing steps, a deep breath, a quick look to see if mom and dad were looking, and then the real thing. The wind was behind us (we think), and the air was cool and crisp, the sun was bright - perfect weather!

Kicking was next, and you could see everyone becoming relax. At first it was pretty quiet, but now competitors were talking to each other, pointing to the sky boxes, laughing loudly (if only to hear their voices bouncing off the empty seats) and enjoying this almost perfect day.

With the punt and kick events completed, there was some free time for all. Many families took the time to explore the stadium, taste test some lunch, buy some souvenirs, while others laid blankets down on chairs to reserve their seat for the game and just relaxed. Scores were kept secret (until the end) to add to the drama. We would not gather everyone again until near half time.

With three minutes to go before half time, we lined up again and were poised to take the field for the final event — passing. As the kids ran on the field, they were greeted by a playful round of boos — after all, they were wearing Chicago Bears jerseys with a big number 4 (Jim Harbaughs' number), but it was all in good fun and no one really took it seriously. On the field you could really sense the

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electricity in the air. The stadium was buzzing with noise and excitement from 65,000 fans. Each participant had his name announced by the public address announcer prior to his throw. What a thrill it was to hear your name echoing through the stands. It only took one throw to change those boos to a loud OOOOOOH and AAHHHH from the fans. Applause filled the air, and it was hard not to be happy for each and every one of them.

When the last contestant had completed his throw, a loud ovation rocked the field for everyone's efforts. At this moment there were no winners or losers. Everyone was a winner. They were all champions. Each contestant had given his best effort, and no matter where he finished, I'm sure that each was proud of his achievement. As we left the field, some parents couldn't wait to hug their child, so most greeted them at the gate. Smiles filled everyone's faces.

The competition was over and now it was time to tabulate the scores — checking and double checking to make certain there were no mistakes. Third place ... second place ... and the winner is ... (Hollywood could only hope to create this type of drama).... To see the faces of the winners, with chins down to the floor, was a joy. Cheers filled the room and you could hear the deep sighs from the parents. Cameras flashed, and video rolled to record this day for years to come. It was a fitting climax to a wonderful day.

Our long day was over. For some, the car ride home probably took a hundred years, and Monday couldn't get here fast enough, so the contestants could go to school and tell everyone about the Finals! It was a long competition, but win or lose, it was a memorable experience that no one will forget for a long time.

The success of "PP and K" can be attributed to the many volunteer hours and the dedication and professionalism of the participating agencies, their local clubs and civic organizations, football clubs and staff. Without the dedication of all these people, "PP and K" would not have grown to the record number that participated this season. More kids, from more agencies, from all over Illinois, participated in 1993 than in 1992.

From local to sectional to state, the pride and devotion of each individual, and the commitment of their agency, are just some of the reasons this program is so popular. The staff that worked the Finals were well coordinated, organized and conducted themselves professionally as they represented the thousands of volunteers that helped out this season. It was a winning moment for everyone.

From local to sectional to state, the pride and devotion of each individual, and the commitment of their agency, are just some of the reasons this program is so popular.

Rick Missing, CLP, is Recreation Supervisor for Buffalo Grove Park District and chairman of the IPRA Athletic Committee. For more information about Punt, Pass and Kick for 1994, please contact the IPRA office. *

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