Chase County challenges Bison Alumni to full-contact football

The Chase County Fair Board has approved scheduling for an Alumni Football Game at the 2008 Chase County Fair. Game organizers Dirk Dinnel and Steve Grams of Imperial say the game will be full-contact competition.

Original plans for the Alumni Game were to play a local rivalry. However, since little interest was shown by the rival team, Dirk and Steve have decided to pursue organizing a game against the McCook Bison.

The attitude in Chase County has been inspiring as alumni football players from around the country have already made commitments to come home and play. Down here in Longhorn country, I think the sentiment is "we just want a game," said Dinnel.

According to Grams, getting alumni excited about activities back home is important, as it presents an opportunity to showcase the progress made in our communities.

The Bison and the Longhorns both have a strong tradition of being hard-hitting teams on the gridiron. Should the Bison Alumni get organized and accept the challenge, this game could shape up to be no less than a "Battle of the Beasts."

Game time is set for Saturday Afternoon at 4 p.m. Aug. 16 during the Chase County Fair. Alumni Cheerleaders, Tailgating, and the presentation of a Traveling Trophy are currently being discussed as additions to the event.

Anyone in the McCook area that is passionate about organizing the Bison's Alumni Football Team is encouraged to call Steve Grams at (308) 883-2000.

If strong support from both communities doesn't exist by the end of March, efforts to organize the alumni football game will be ended.