Pigskin Classic packed with family fun

This year’s Pigskin Classic – the 17th annual – should be a real doozy when the Lynx host a familiar foe, the Washington Warriors, in the event’s nightcap this Saturday.

But hours before the battle takes place on the football field, there’s a wide variety of family-friendly fun to be had. The day opens at 7 a.m. when Lynx football fans – for a $10 fee - can begin reserving up to six feet of bleacher space. Booster Club memberships and Lynx spirit wear will also be available for purchase until 1 p.m.

Registration for the 5K Walk/Run is from 7-8 a.m., and runners/walkers will take off from the starting line at 8:15. Online registration forms are available at brandonvalleyschool.k12.sd.us/boosterclub/default.htm.

In addition to Saturday’s early-morning race, the days’ events include a youth pedal pull (trophies awarded), 3-on-3 basketball tournament and a cheerleading camp, all which get underway at 9 a.m. The mini-Lynx cheerleaders will also perform for the hometown crowd during pre-game activities.

New to the day is a dodgeball tournament in the BVHS gym for middle (2-4 p.m.) and high school (noon-2 p.m.) students. 

Two local organizations – the Splitrock Council of the Knights of Columbus and the Brandon EDGE - are back with their respective soccer challenge and punt, pass and kick competition that afternoon. Both the soccer (boys and girls ages 10-14) and the punt, pass and kick (boys and girls ages 7-14) competitions begin at 1 p.m., and are free to participants.

Concessions will be available throughout the day.

Leading up to the 7 p.m. kickoff, a BV 5-6th grade Junior League Football exhibition is planned.

At 6:40 p.m., the game ball will be delivered by the Booster Club’s volunteer of the year, Erik Lien. Lien and the game ball will arrive via helicopter landing on the 50-yard line.

The Booster Club has selected Lien, best described as a dedicated Lynx volunteer – and an even bigger fan – to deliver the game ball this year.

“It’s the volunteer of the year, and they see Erik at every event and he volunteers with the bowling team and girls’ softball,” Randy Marso, BV activities director said. “And Erik is the epitome of a Lynx fan. He’s supportive, never negative, and he is a Lynx.”  

And as always, the Pigskin Classic’s halftime festivities include the “pig auction,” which is made possible by donations from the Bly Brothers (pig) and Renner Locker (processing).

All proceeds from the Pigskin Classic allows the Booster Club to provide the “extras” and scholarships for BV student-athletes.