Bronco Football Hosts 5th Annual Charity Softball Game

Boise State senior football players Mitch Burroughs (Offense / Wide Receiver) and J.C. Percy (Defense / Linebacker) will captain the Fifth Annual Bronco Football Summer Classic softball game on Saturday, July 21st. It's a unique sporting triple play with football players using their athletic talent in a softball game to support a youth golf charity. The First Tee of Idaho once again serves as the benefiting charity, with all ticket and concession proceeds going directly to the operating and event needs of the non-profit organization.

This year's game will once again take place at Hawks Memorial Stadium, and co-sponsored by the United Dairymen of Idaho's Milk Victory campaign and the Boise Hawks. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the Home Run Derby starting at 5:45 p.m., followed by the six inning softball game at 6:45 p.m. General admission tickets are $5, with reserved seating tickets either $6 or $10 depending on location. The Challenge Family Pack is $20, which includes two adult tickets and up to four youth tickets. Tickets can be pre-purchased on-line at www.boisehawks.com, or at the stadium box office on the night of the game.

In total, 40 Bronco players (20 offense and 20 defense) will participate in the game and in between inning crowd interactive promotions. Six players will square off in the Home Run Derby, including junior quarterback and defending home run champion Joe Southwick. Additionally, fans can purchase raffle tickets at the game with an opportunity to win Bronco memorabilia, autograph items and game tickets for the upcoming season.

Following the game, Bronco players will remain at the stadium till 9 p.m. to sign commemorative Bronco Football Summer Classic posters, which will be given away on the night of the game. To best accommodate everyone wanting autographs, the complimentary posters will be the only item signed by players. The first 1,000 kids attending the game will also receive a Boise State/Boise Hawks theme regulation baseball, courtesy of presenting sponsor United Dairymen of Idaho and the Milk Victory campaign.

The Bronco Football Team Softball Challenge debuted in 2008 with former Bronco quarterback Bush Hamdan putting the event together as a community outreach project. Senior class members each year since have helped organize the game and continued the charity event, which has generated nearly $30,000 in funds raised for the First Tee of Idaho.

The First Tee of Idaho is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to positively impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

One of the core values of the Boise State football program is serving as community ambassadors. This year alone, Bronco players have tallied nearly 700 hours of volunteer and community service work benefiting numerous organizations throughout the Treasure Valley, including the First Tee of Idaho, Optimist Youth Football, Make-A-Wish Idaho, St. Luke's Children's Hospital, the Albertson's Foundation Go On Program, Operation School Bell, Red Ribbon Week, Habitat for Humanity and Dr. Seuss Reading Month.