Fleming competes at the Punt, Pass & Kick finals in Detroit
Logan Fleming, 9, of Rogers City participated in the 19th annual Michigan NFL/Pepsi Punt, Pass & Kick state championships Sunday at Ford Field. The 40 finalists (20 boys and 20 girls) competed for state titles in four age divisions ? 8-and 9-year-olds, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15. Fleming competed on the playing surface of Ford Field with a place kick and punt prior to the game between the Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. Logan saved her best for the passing event at halftime in front of an announced crowd of 63,813.
It just so happens the girl that finished in first, Kayla Deering of Owendale, set a new record for the longest pass in the age group. Deering was the champ of the age class with a score of 169? 5?, while Fleming finished in fifth with a total distance of 97?.
Fleming received a complimentary Lions-Pepsi jersey, sweatpants, and a hat. She also had her name printed in the official game program; she was announced at halftime; and had her name displayed on the Jumbo-Tron. And as the players were heading i
?She gave it back to him,? said Logan?s mother, Shari. Fleming beat out thousands of other eight- and nine-year-olds to advance to the state finals and was treated to a memorable experience. ?It was pretty amazing,? Shari said. Before traveling to Detroit over the weekend, students and staff of Rogers City Elementary School conducted a pep-rally last Friday.
High school football coach Mike Kosiara and a couple members of the football team presented her with a signed football. Shari said her daughter would like to return next year. She?ll have to do it in the 10-11 age group.