Post by fwp on Apr 17, 2010 6:58:04 GMT -5
www.standard.net/topics/sports/2010/04/16/chance-feed-knight
OGDEN -- While the Ogden Knights struggle to keep their team intact, plenty of local indoor football fans and good neighbors have stepped in to help the players.
Now here's a chance to get involved.
Earlier this month, the second-year Knights were forced to cancel the rest of their home games in the AIFA season, but will honor their commitments to play their 2010 road schedule.
Many of the Knights -- with players from Florida, Louisiana and California -- are bunking at the Comfort Inn in Ogden, but only get paid if they play.
Joe Cottam, owner of Bella's Fresh Mexican Grill in Farr West, had contracted with the team ownership to provide a meal a week as a part of a sponsorship. Now they are feeding as many as 18-20 ballplayers each night.
"We have really enjoyed getting to know these guys," Cottam said on Friday. "My 8-year-old, Antonio, took the team to lunch at Lomond View Elementary School this past week, and it was a neat show-and-tell.
"It was just amazing to watch those guys interact with the kids," he said. "They set up teams, taught them training techniques, and the kids were crazy about them."
Last Sunday, Cottam and others fed the ballplayers at Pleasant View's Barker Park, and drew plenty of onlookers.
"A lot of folks were driving by, stopping and asking what was going on," Cottam said. "We realized we need to get these guys out in the communty."
Several supporters decided to host a "Family Day with the Knights" event at 3 p.m. this afternoon at Barker Park, 600 W. Pleasant View Drive. The group plans food, fun and games.
"We're not asking for donations, but come and eat with them, bring your kids to meet these guys," said Cottam, who applauded many other individuals and businesses who have helped out.
The Knights next play on April 30 at Casper, Wyo.
For information, call (801) 388-9974.
OGDEN -- While the Ogden Knights struggle to keep their team intact, plenty of local indoor football fans and good neighbors have stepped in to help the players.
Now here's a chance to get involved.
Earlier this month, the second-year Knights were forced to cancel the rest of their home games in the AIFA season, but will honor their commitments to play their 2010 road schedule.
Many of the Knights -- with players from Florida, Louisiana and California -- are bunking at the Comfort Inn in Ogden, but only get paid if they play.
Joe Cottam, owner of Bella's Fresh Mexican Grill in Farr West, had contracted with the team ownership to provide a meal a week as a part of a sponsorship. Now they are feeding as many as 18-20 ballplayers each night.
"We have really enjoyed getting to know these guys," Cottam said on Friday. "My 8-year-old, Antonio, took the team to lunch at Lomond View Elementary School this past week, and it was a neat show-and-tell.
"It was just amazing to watch those guys interact with the kids," he said. "They set up teams, taught them training techniques, and the kids were crazy about them."
Last Sunday, Cottam and others fed the ballplayers at Pleasant View's Barker Park, and drew plenty of onlookers.
"A lot of folks were driving by, stopping and asking what was going on," Cottam said. "We realized we need to get these guys out in the communty."
Several supporters decided to host a "Family Day with the Knights" event at 3 p.m. this afternoon at Barker Park, 600 W. Pleasant View Drive. The group plans food, fun and games.
"We're not asking for donations, but come and eat with them, bring your kids to meet these guys," said Cottam, who applauded many other individuals and businesses who have helped out.
The Knights next play on April 30 at Casper, Wyo.
For information, call (801) 388-9974.