High Schooler From Utica, New York To Take “Million Dollar Football Toss” At The Champs Sports Bowl
Andrew Rizzo, a high school student from Utica, N.Y., has a once in a lifetime opportunity to win a million dollars by throwing a football into a 24-inch diameter target from 30 yards out during the Champs Sports Bowl, which takes place on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Randall Cunningham, former NFL Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings Legend, will act as Rizzo’s honorary coach.
The lucky contestant completed an entry form at the Champs Sports store in Sangertown Square Mall in New Hartford, N.Y., as part of a nationwide sweepstakes program available exclusively in all Champs Sports stores this past November. Rizzo is a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and works part-time at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center in the dietary department along with his father. He is the second youngest of five children, and will be bringing his father to Orlando to root him on. In addition to the expected crowd of 32,000, Rizzo will have an extensive cheering section as his grandparents and extended family are from the Orlando area.
“This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I never thought my name would be chosen as a winner, and although nervous, I’m very excited to be on the field while thousands watch as I throw for a chance to win $1,000,000,” Rizzo stated. “It’s rare that a high schooler gets the chance to be coached by a former NFL great. I look forward to taking pointers from Randall Cunningham.” Regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks, Cunningham was among the league leaders in rushing yards, completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns, making him a four-time Pro Bowler, and the perfect candidate for honorary coach.
Set to meet at this year’s Bowl, airing on ESPN, is Clemson and Colorado. The ACC and Big 12 teams, respectively, will go head to head making it the second time ever the teams are meeting. This is the second consecutive year that Champs Sports is the title sponsor of the former Tangerine Bowl.
“We are always looking for new and innovative ways to provide our customers with unique experiences to show our gratitude for their loyalty and patronage,” said Rob Brodersen, vice president of marketing at Champs Sports. “This program builds upon our sports heritage and strengthens our on-going relationships at major sporting events.”
Champs Sports is a part of Foot Locker, Inc., an athletic specialty retailer that operates approximately 4,000 stores in 20 countries in North America, Europe and Australia. Through its Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, and Champs Sports retail stores, as well as its direct-to-consumer channel Footlocker.com/Eastbay, the company is the leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.