U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour Underway

November 01, 2007
BY Army Community Relations

Those selected for the bowl will follow in the footsteps of some of the country's top college and professional players and have the elite opportunity to highlight the skills and values they share with Soldiers in the United States Army. Photo by Army Outreach

High school senior football players await their fate as the Army travels the nation to name 84 players for its All-American Bowl, an all-star game held January 5, in San Antonio, Texas.

Those selected for the bowl will follow in the footsteps of some of the country's top college and professional players and have the elite opportunity to highlight the skills and values they share with Soldiers in the United States Army.

Players are selected by a committee of national recruiting experts and are placed on the East or West team. The 138 stops on the selection tour bring Army representatives to each player's high school, where a game day jersey is presented before the player's peers, parents, coaches, athletic directors and principals. This important opportunity allows the Army to communicate the important tie between athletes and Soldiers-- their strength, dedication, teamwork and values.

To track all of the Selection Tour stops through early December, visit the official site .

As an added bonus, the Army will inaugurate its U.S. Army All-American Marching Band program, which recognizes the integral role band members play in the traditional, high-school football experience. Ninety-one outstanding marching musicians from across the country were selected to participate in the 2008 All-American Bowl, and each will have the opportunity to showcase his or her talents before a national audience.

As a tribute to our men and women in uniform, more than 80 Soldiers from across the country will be honored as part of the week-long schedule of festivities for the 2008 Army All-American Bowl. These Soldier Heroes, who are doing the "heavy lifting" for our nation," are the strength of the nation - the ultimate instrument of national resolve. These brave men and women represent the hundreds of thousands of Soldiers currently serving around the world. The honored Soldiers and football players will be paired and participate in a series of events together during game week, illustrating their shared ideals of leadership, courage and strength on and off the field. In additions, Soldiers will be honored during pre-game activities for their commitment and service.