Jun 5, 2008

Ava High School will be represented at the Grin Iron Classic east/west all-star football game this Saturday night, June 7, at Plaster Sports Complex on the campus of Missouri State University. Ava players, as well as members of the Ava football coaching staff, will be involved in the game. The Sertoma Grin Iron Classic (yes, it's ‘grin’, rather than ‘grid’) is the East/West All-Star High School Football Game for Southwest Missouri. The event derives its name from the fact that the Grin Iron Classic (GIC) is the signature event of the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks, very fondly known as “The Tooth Truck” -- a mobile dental clinic for at risk children who live right here in the Ozarks. Each year, the Southwest Missouri Coaches Association chooses the best graduated seniors in the area to play in the GIC, along with a coaching staff for each team. For most players, this is one of the highlights of their high school football careers. Tickets are $6 each and may be purchased at McDonald's Restaurants, the Ronald McDonald House, Price Cutter/Smitty's/ Ramey Supermarkets or at the gate. Children 6 and under receive free admission. Ava Bears selected for the East squad include runningback/ linebacker Chance Davis and wide receiver/free safety Mark Philpott. Quarterback Jonathan Batcheller was also selected but will be unable to play due to injuries from a recent car wreck. Ava head football coach David Williams and assistant coach Dan Swofford will help coach the East squad on Saturday night. Vince McCrosky, of Cabool, will be head coach of the East squad.