The 9th annual Mascot Bowl featured more than just a football game; it came with a live band, a world record, and a lot of happy kids this holiday season.
Between sponsors and this year’s record crowd at what could be considered the first bowl game of the football season, Lehi High School was able to raise enough funds to take 175 children Christmas shopping this December through the “Firemen and Friends for Kids” and “Bear Hugs for Kids” charities.
“We had no idea when we started it in 2004 it would turn into what it is,” said Becky White, the Sports Marketing teacher at the high school. “I have 35 great students that take care of everything from start to finish.”
Members of the crowd that arrived early were able to get autographs from all of the participating mascots as well as their celebrity coaching staff, which included Olympic gold medalist Derek Parra, 20 year D1 head coach Ron McBride and two former Jazz head coaches– Frank Layden and Jerry Sloan.
One of the highlights of the event was a successful attempt to set a world record. Aaron Lesue, wide receiver for the Utah Blaze, caught a football thrown from 355 feet in the air. The Jazz bear tossed the ball from a cage suspended by a crane. The footage and statistics have been sent to Guiness for review.
“We came and practiced earlier. With the wind and everything it’s pretty difficult,” Lesue said. “We were able to get one of (the footballs) while everyone was here so that was pretty cool for everyone to be a part of it.”
Halftime featured country star Charley Jenkins who declared “Footloose” the official theme song of Utah Valley. He also gave a tweaked version of a country classic in “Sweet Home Lehi Utah.”
Amidst all the festivities, the mascots were easily distracted and the Lehi eighth graders took full advantage, winning 23-28.
