Great football, great fans and even the weather co-operated for the 13th annual Maddog Football Homecoming. Our hometown Maddogs played host to the Saskatoon Warriors as the Peewees opened things up at 1:00. Both teams lined up before the game to pay a special tribute to longtime KFL president Kelly Bowers who passed earlier this week. Kelly was a strong supporter of youth football for more than 24 years. He also never missed a Homecoming and was always there to cheer on both teams. His zest for life was infectious and he was loved by all. The players donned memorial stickers on their helmets to pay tribute to Kelly, and all the games Saturday were played in honour of him.
Kim Wall sang “O Canada” to open the ceremonies while Patti Rowley, our “Voice of the Maddogs”, announced the starting line-ups. Marty Maddog cheered the players onto the field. Mayor Kent Muench was at midfield to throw out the first pass to the Maddog player, Kyren Houmphanh and the game was officially started.
The highlights of the day were the arrivals of the Roughrider Cheerleaders and members from the Huskies and Hilltops football teams. Marty Maddog got the crowd cheering for their Maddog teams and entertained the fans.
After the Peewee game, the Maddog flag players hit the field, and played a series of inter squad games against each other. The Huskies and Hilltops lent a hand with the young athletes and coached them through a series of fun plays. The Bantams rounded the day off at 3:30 when they hit the field.
This year the Rock 102 Roadsquad and C95 came as well. The gals had free draws and give-aways throughout the day including concert tickets and gift cards to Fatburger. They also had a fun football toss for breast cancer awareness and fans also tried their luck at the prize vault to see if they could crack the code. The day was fun filled with beautiful face art by Kreative Mom, and a Thomas Train bouncy castle by Cheep, Cheep Bouncers for the kids while the football fans enjoyed the games.
The Maddogs had a silent auction with major prizes such as a signed Roughrider Jersey from Sask Power, framed picture from Mosaic stadium from Sasktel, as well as a night’s stay and restaurant card from The Sheraton Hotel, two rounds of golf at the Legends, a signed football from the Roughriders and a donation valued at $400 from Great West Breweries. There were also many other sponsored items on the raffle table thanks to the generous donations from our community and surrounding areas. Returning to Homecoming this year was the Canalta Frisbee Toss sponsored by Canalta Hotel. Fans had the opportunity to toss their frisbee to win the prize packages.
The Maddogs would like to thank the homecoming committee, Allison Noble, and Janine Hayward and all the executive and volunteers who made this day happen. A special shout out goes to our voice of the Maddogs, Patti Rowley for announcing the games. They would like to thank The Martensville Messenger, C95 and Rock 102 for their advertising.
A very big thank-you is also extended to the City of Martensville for their cooperation as well as our Homecoming sponsors who helped make the day a success; Alpyne Apparel, Soul Power, Affinity Credit Union, Martensville Co-op Gas Bar, The Beach, Martensville Messenger, Great West Breweries, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Clear Cut Coffee House, Legends Golf Club, Vern’s Pizza Martensville, Sasktel, Caesar Mill,Sask Power, Dollar Store Martensville, Read Automotive, Infinity Salon, Subway Martensville, Tim Horton’s Martensville, Wireless Age Martensville, Pharmasave, Kota Graphics, SAS Floral and Gift, Mr. Mike’s, Canalta Martensville, City of Martensville, Work Safe Saskatchewan, Furrific Dog Grooming, Sports Page, Lakeview Insurance, Jag-Jason’s Auto Glass Plus, Sheraton Cavalier, and Canadian Tire.
The next home game for the Maddogs is on September 29 when North Battleford comes to town. Games start at 1:00 and 3:00 at the Maddogs Field. Thanks for supporting the Maddogs. GO MADDOGS!