The MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard made its first and only stop to Wisconsin this year, honoring Arrowhead High School (Hartland, WI). A couple noteworthy items came with my stop to Wisconsinon Friday, January 18th: 1) It was hovering around 9 degreesoutside. 2) I am a Giants fan traveling to Packer country only two days before the biggest football game in the area in over a decade. Fortunately, Arrowhead HS warmly welcomed MaxPreps and the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
Our time was spent with one of the most appreciative and renowned coaches in the state, Tom Taraska. Coach Taraska took me on a personal Tour of the facility, offering a comprehensive look at Arrowhead’s fine history. On this night however, Coach Taraska was all about MaxPreps and theWisconsin National Guard honoring his 14-0 championship team.
The Wisconsin Guard went above and beyond once again, putting together gift bags for each varsity football player, complete with official MaxPreps Tour of Champions t-shirts. Soon it was halftime, which for the Tour of Champions = game time. MaxPreps representative received some warming “Boo’s” from the audience (apparently Packers fans) as he proclaimed his support of the Giants. Yet the jeers quickly turned to cheers following a positive reflection of Arrowhead’s undefeated season and distinction as theTour’s only Wisconsin team.
SFC Dave Langley, a charismatic and familiar face at Arrowhead, spoke on behalf of the Wisconsin Guard. Following an impromptu phone call from Brett Farve (or maybe not), SFC Langley presented Coach Taraska with the MaxPreps Tour of Champions trophy in front of a packed home crowd.
So we wrapped up another successful Tour stop, recognizing our #27 ranked school in front of an enthusiastic Arrowhead High!
