It’s a weekend that Barry Sollenberger would be talking about for weeks & even years to come.  The event that carries his name showcased 4 teams from 2 states and more than 15 players who likely will play at major universities over the next few years.  Those numbers are a direct reflection of how much the game has grown since its inception. 

 This year’s game will carry extra significance for the teams who represented the NIAA (Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association).  Moapa Valley & Bishop Gorman each collected wins in their games with their counterparts from Arizona, marking the first time a team from Nevada had defeated a team from Arizona.  The victories came against Arizona defending champs and will surely heighten the anticipation of what next year’s matchups will hold in store.  That kind of emotion about high school sports is what drove Barry Sollenberger to be the ambassador that he was for Arizona high school sports and it’s that emotion that will continue to drive this event to become bigger and better every year.

 The outcome of the games won’t impact any of the team’s standings within their states rating systems but the bragging rights will makes next year’s games an even bigger event.  While the games were the primary purpose of the event, the impact of this year’s Sollenberger Classic went well beyond the field at the University of Phoenix Stadium. 

 A banquet on Friday night there at the stadium was highlighted by those in attendance getting to hear from Randall McDaniel.  McDaniel, the former Agua Fria high school star who went on to excel at Arizona State University and eventually a 14 year NFL career that landed him in the NFL Hall of Fame, spoke to the players about what it takes to excel.  While McDaniel shared some of his secrets about his ability to survive 14 years in the NFL, he spoke more pointedly about the importance to excel off the field, in the classroom and in life.  Those words were taken in by the 200 plus players who sat captivated by the presence of a man who looks like he could line up and play today.  McDaniel’s shared with the players the long odds of anyone in that room making it to the NFL, but conveyed that ultimately it’s up to each player there and how much drive and dedication they have. 

 Prior to kick off in Saturday’s classic the AIA, thru the help of the Arizona Cardinals and Barrows Neurological institute continued its education initiative on concussions by holding a workshop for coaches & officials to help make them more aware of athletes/competitors who may be experiencing concussion like symptoms.  Dr. Javier Cardenas, MD at Barrows, who helped spearhead the Brainbook platform now used by the AIA spoke to those in attendance.  

  The weekend as a whole was a huge success and it came as a result of the efforts of many who helped pull it all together.  It’s a weekend that many young athletes won’t soon forget and ultimately that’s why high school sports are really all about.   While the wins & losses will be recorded in a record book for those to look back at, it’s the memories for each participant that carries far more significance as they go thru their lives.  It’s a weekend that Barry Sollenberger would be proud of and anyone who knew him can envision that big smile would have crossed his face.