April 16, 2009

By Matt Pucak
Athletic Media Relations

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The Colorado State football team impressed on the gridiron in Head Coach Steve Fairchild's inaugural season at the helm, and at the conclusion of his second spring, the Rams' players will look to show off some other skills off at Moby Arena during the second annual Rams Superstars Competition.

The competition, which will pit CSU's offense vs. defense in an American Gladiators-style battle, will determine which side of the ball will have bragging rights over the summer. It will be held in on April 24 at 6 p.m. and is free to the public.

The contest was originally scheduled for May 8 (the date on the recent mailing), but was moved to be closer to the end of spring practice.

Since coming to CSU, Fairchild has stressed the importance of competition for his Rams, as no position on the team is ever guaranteed, and score is kept between the two sides of the ball in almost every practice, and even in the weight room. The Superstars Competition will be the last chance for the two units to battle until fall practice begins in August, so the winner will have the upper hand all summer.

The fun and fan-friendly competition was implemented by Fairchild last year as an annual event to signify the end of spring football and the beginning of summer conditioning.

A combination of the NFL combine, NBA All-Star Saturday and pro wrestling, the Rams plan to engage in several contests, as last year's event included a grueling obstacle course, a tug of war, weight-lifting competitions, a slam-dunk challenge and other unique "strongman" battles.

Individuals from each unit will be called out on the floor to demonstrate their physical abilities. Divided into one of three divisions by their position -- skill weight (wide receivers and defensive backs), middle weight (tight ends, offensive backs and linebackers) and heavy weight (linemen) -- players will compete for offseason supremacy. The Moby Arena scoreboard will track each unit's progress.

Last season, the defense won in come-from-behind fashion, 17-14, something that is sure to fire up the offense this season. The highlights from last year were the defensive team's win in the "big man" slam dunk contest on 9-foot rims, which gave them the decisive points for the win, and a 360-degree, one-handed reverse dunk from wide receiver T.J. Borcky on a regulation rim.

Fans will get a chance to come onto to the court to meet the players and get autographs following the competition.

Coaches clinic space available
Space is still available for the CSU coaches clinic, which features instruction and expertise from Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak and the Rams staff, as well as other speakers. Walk-up registration on Moby Arena's north concourse is available for the two-day clinic, which begins Friday afternoon. For more information, call the CSU football office at 970/491-6131, or view the clinic brochure on the football page at CSURams.com (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/csu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/09-mfootbl-clinic-shed.pdf).

Tickets for charity dinner still available
Fans who wish to support a worthy Fort Collins charity while enjoying an evening with the state's top coaches in the perfect football setting are invited to a May 15 dinner at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

Proceeds raised by the CSU coaches benefit Respite Care of Fort Collins, which offers a home-style atmosphere for children with developmental disabilities 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

For more information, contact Amy Maybon from FirstBank, a presenting sponsor of the event, at amy.maybon@efirstbank.com.