Traverse City native Brad Kent (third from right) and his crew in Afghanistan show their support for the TC Patriot Game. (Photo Courtesy: Bad Kent)
Area new car dealerships have begun selling T.C. Patriot Game shirts today. This is the third year that the annual football clash between Central and West high schools will become a way to honor local veterans and those who have died while serving in the military.
This year Central supporters will wear red shirts, while those backing West will don blue shirts. Organizers say they hope to have both sides of Thirlby Field flooded with a sea of red and blue shirts. The contest between the two schools is the biggest football event of the year with the stadium filled to capacity. It will be held Friday, September 12.
A ceremony will be held before the game to honor northern Michigan veterans and give special recognition to those who have been killed in recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Veterans will be allowed into the game again this year at no charge.
Proceeds from the shirt sales will go to the Grand Traverse Horses for Heroes program at Reining Liberty Ranch. Student Senate members from both schools chose the Ranch for the second year in a row. The students were impressed with how the money from last year’s event was spent, and how they want to expand programs for returning veterans.
Initially shirts will be available at all Bill Marsh car dealerships, Fox Motors, Williams, Traverse Motors and Cherry Capital Cadillac Subaru. The shirts will be sold at other locations, including both schools, once classes begin and at the Military & Veteran Services at Northwestern Michigan College.
The T.C. Patriot Game was started through the encouragement of coaches from both schools that wanted to show students that major sacrifices are being made to preserve our freedom. “All of these students work hard to play on the field at Thirlby,” says Central coach Tom Passinault. “While their sacrifices are significant, they need to know that others who played on this same field made the ultimate sacrifice.”
More information about the game or sponsorship is available at the athletic departments at both schools or by contacting Mike Kent at MKent@BillMarsh.com.
TC West senior Cam Sipple (blue shirt) and TC Central senior Elizabeth Pappas (red shirt)
model the new TC Patriot Game shirts at Thirlby Field. (Photo Courtesy: Allen-Kent Photography)