New tradition

Ex-Panther brings in Turkey Bowl

By MIKE COURSON

What was once a family tradition will now be a fundraiser. Former Great Bend and Fort Hays State University football star Josh Simonson used to play football with family and friends each Thanksgiving. This year, Simonson is putting on the first annual Turkey Bowl, a flag football tournament to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Simonson, a 1996 graduate of GBHS, and 2000 graduate of FHSU, moved to Phoenix to dabble in real estate and insurance. As the economy went downhill, Simonson turned to law.

“Since 2007, I have had my nose deep in books, learning more than I could have ever imagined,” said Simonson. “I have to say, the losses were my biggest gains. I can't tell you how thankful I am for the pains that helped me grow. Knowing now how our financial system, laws and tax code work, I have ventured into private banking and humanitarian work. And here we are with the Turkey Bowl.”

Proceeds from the seven-on-seven flag football tournament will go to the local Special Olympics team, the Storm. Simonson’s sister, Jessi, is an athlete for that team.

“My sister is a member of the local team so I guess that is how I got involved,” Simonson said. “Being around these kids has given me such inspiration that I feel obliged to give back to them. They have really been the inspiration in my humanitarian projects. I actually grew up with James Boenke and Chris Divine. I graduated with those guys, and they are also an inspiration to me. We can all learn a lot from these guys. I've never been around a group who is always smiling like these guys. They are truly incredible.”

Teams will consist of seven players, with substitutes welcome. Simonson is asking for a donation of $20 for each player. This money, he said, is important for the Special Olympics.

“These events are everything to them,” said Simonsn. “They are on limited budgets so events like this are very important in financing their participation in things like the big basket ball tournament at FHSU in March and the State track meet in Wichita in June. It costs a lot to put a team this size up in a hotel for these weekend events. More importantly, its a chance for them to be recognized.”

Games will be played at Great Bend’s Memorial Stadium, but the field will be flipped with the sidelines becoming the goal lines on a 25-yard wide field. Quarters will be five to eight minutes long, depending on the number of teams involved.

The Turkey Bowl kicks-off at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving. There will be a concession stand provided by Kyle Roberts, and there will be some catered food as well.

“I would like to provide decent meals that folks may give a donation for,” Simonson said. “Special Thanks to Kyle Roberts. If people would like to bring grills and do some tailgating, I welcome that idea. We want the event to be fun for the whole community.”

For more information regarding donations or registration, contact Josh Simonson at (480) 600-8129 or joshsimonson@yahoo.com.