Posted: Saturday, February 2, 2013 6:15 pm | Updated: 12:28 am, Sun Feb 3, 2013.
Posted on February 2, 2013
Fifth-graders at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School in the Pennsbury School District braved the bitter cold and hit the field for a great cause on Friday.
Dressed in many layers of clothing, the fifth-graders were led by coaches Roger Kean, a fifth-grade teacher, and Jason Miller, a fourth-grade teacher, to participate in Super Duper Bowl III, the last game of the annual winter flag football tournament.
Years ago, the tournament began as a couple of teachers organizing football games. They then decided to turn the game into a charitable event, according to Miller.
And the Friday before the Super Bowl is a great day to play since the kids are already pumped up for the big game, he said.
Bouncing up and down to the upbeat music, played by fifth-grade teacher Sandy Raybuck, the student spectators tried to keep warm as they cheered on the teams.
“We incorporate the game into our math, reading and writing lessons too,” said Kean. “The day is also about creating school spirit and good sportsmanship.”
Each year the Super Duper Bowl raises money for a different charity. The first two years the students raised money for multiple sclerosis.
This year the event raised money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The teachers collected $1 from each student who wanted to come out and watch the fifth-graders play.
According to acting principal Gail Campbell, about $330 was raised. But there was still money coming in at the end of the event.
Friday’s festivities began with a mini pep rally that included the school band and cheerleaders.
The featured teams were named after the fifth-grade teachers and the video game Donkey Kong. Melnick Mashers, Kean Kongs and Raging Radical Raybucks.
Kean appeared in a gorilla mask that sent the students bananas with enthusiasm.
All the team shirts were designed by Zach Kaczor, 13, of Lower Makefield, when he was a fifth-grader at the school. He came out to support his younger brother Chaz and cheer him on.
“I think the game is awesome,” said Lora Kaczor, of Lower Makefield.
“It is a great last hurrah for fifth graders,” she said.
Each student and staff member was treated to a soft pretzel to enjoy while they cheered on their favorite team from the sidelines.
Also supporting the students and wishing them a great day was mystery guest, former NFL player Lonnie Allgood.
For about four weeks prior to Super Duper Bowl III, the teachers practiced playing flag football with the students during their recess.
After the game Chaz Kaczor, 10, of Lower Makefield, said his thoughts before the game were “I hope I score a touchdown.”
“I was getting pumped up looking in the mirror jumping up and down this morning,” he said.
Fifth-grader, Alexa Ryan was named Most Valuable Player. Her trophy was a giant soft-pretzel in the shape of a trophy.
“It was really fun,” said Ryan. “I liked catching the ball.”
“I want to thank Mr. Kean and Mr. Miller because no other school does this,” she said.
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