This past fall, the Southwest 10 Conference was pleased to be a part of an exciting event that was designed to honor military personnel and veterans. "Patriot Games" week was held league-wide the week of September 18th and served to acknowledge the sacrifices of active duty military and veterans from our families and communities.

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All varsity athletes, including football players, volleyball players, soccer players, cross country runners and cheerleaders participated in "honor" of a military service member or veteran. Athletes wore specially designed uniforms in game competitions throughout Patriot Games week and each had a military honoree's name, branch of service or a motto printed on the back. The personalized jerseys were then presented to honoree's or their families during post-game ceremonies that week.

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Also, the Southwest 10 Conference got the communities we serve involved by selling Patriot Games T-Shirts. If an individual purchased a T-Shirt from their schools' athletic department or purchased one at any athletic event and wore it throughout the entire week, it became their pass for all home and away Southwest 10 Conference contests for the week.

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Patriot Games week culminated at five different football games on Friday, September 22nd. All service members being represented throughout the week were recognized during the game and were greeted to standing ovations from crowds on both sides of the field. At the end of the night's activities, a presentation of all football uniforms took place to cap off an amazing week of tributes to those who have fought, and continue to fight, for the freedoms we all enjoy.

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Any proceeds made as a result of sponsorships were given directly to veteran's support services in honor of their sacrifice. In the end, the Southwest 10 Conference raised thousands of dollars that will be put to great use by the services each of the schools' designated their money to go to.

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We were extremely excited to participate in such an incredible program and thank everybody for their loyal support of this truly gratifying, life changing endeavor. We also extend a sincere Thank You to our partners at Addix Gear for taking care of our uniform needs, their excellent products and allowing our student-athletes to be involved in the design process.

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To learn more about what Patriot Games week was all about, check out this interview that two of our league administrators, Matt Brawley of Cassopolis and Don Price of Marcellus, did with our media partners at FOX 17. That interview can be watched by clicking here.