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McPherson College Football Game Sept. 26 Celebrates Young Fans, Life of Blake Reed

Fans of the McPherson College Bulldogs come in all sizes – even small ones.

So at the MC Football game versus Bethel College on Sept. 26, the college is saying “Thank you” to its youngest fans with “Kids’ Appreciation Day.” First, before the evening’s matchup gets started, the kids can enjoy an inflatable “bouncy house” from 5-7 p.m.

Then the game kicks off at 7 p.m., and all children age 13 and younger will receive free admission to the game. The Bulldogs’ special guests will be more than spectators, though, as children will be invited to join the Cheer Squad to be part of the “Spirit Tunnel” – trailing streamers – as the football team takes the field.

A cheer and dance clinic will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, in the evening, and participants will perform at halftime. After the dance routine, area youth football teams will get to experience a mini-scrimmage with the kids of the cheer clinic rooting them on.

The game on Sept. 26 will also be a day for remembering Bulldog football’s biggest fan – Blake Reed – as it’s also the annual Blake Reed Memorial Football Game.

Reed died at age 22 from muscular dystrophy and was known for his enthusiasm and passion for life, not allowing MD to hold him back. A lifelong resident of McPherson, Blake graduated from McPherson High School in 2006 and attended McPherson College, where he became team manager. Though he could not take the field, McPherson College football coaches considered Blake the heart of the team. He learned the nuances of football and became both a leader and inspiration for the Bulldogs. He died Aug. 3, 2010, and hundreds attended his funeral in honor of his life and spirit.

Before the game on Sept. 26, the college will announce and recognize this year’s recipient of the Mac2Mac scholarship, which goes to an MC football player who embodies the spirit and enthusiasm of Blake Reed.