You know you’ve made it in this world when Mark Wahlberg plays you in the movies. This is the case for Vince Papale, former professional football player, who was the subject of the 2006 Disney movie “Invincible.” Papale will visit Clarion in January to speak at the school and a Sports Boosters Event that is open to the public.
Papale’s story is a stirring one — the story of an ordinary guy who, against all odds, took his shot to achieve every football fan's fantasy of playing in the NFL. In 1976, when Papale was a 30-year-old high school teacher and coach, as well as a part-time bartender, the Philadelphia Eagles held an unprecedented public try-out. At that time, the Eagles had just experienced their 11th year of defeat.
The country was also in upheaval — Watergate, the Vietnam War, and an energy crisis, just to name a few things that were affecting everyone. The city of Philadelphia needed something to lift their spirits and give them hope, and this public try-out did just that. Papale acted on a whim and tried out for the team. As a ten-year season ticket holder and former track star who hadn't played any football in college, Papale was beyond surprised to learn that he had made the cut — and made history as well.
The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Sports Boosters are excited to bring Papale to speak in Clarion on Friday, January 21. Booster Bob Powers explains that the event will take the place of their annual banquet. “We think that Papale has a great message to share about perseverance.”
Powers emphasized that the money raised from ticket sales will go back into CGD athletics. Rachel Stumpf noted that the Boosters have contributed funds to pay for things like uniforms and athletic equipment of all kinds. Powers added that they have also helped with the cost of the Hudl program that allows sports teams to review video during games, just like professional teams use.
Another area that the Boosters are excited to contribute money to is the broadcasting of games. Powers said that in conjunction with the school IT department, they have recently transitioned to a live-streaming tool called BoxCast that provides TV quality broadcasts. These streaming games have been particularly popular since COVID, and the Boosters’ improvements will make them even more enjoyable. This is a big reason that the group is hoping to see many people at the Papale talk.
CGD Superintendent Joe Nelson is also looking forward to Vince Papale’s Clarion visit. Nelson is the one who first conceived the idea of the former football player coming to town. The speaking engagement had to be pushed back a year due to COVID, but now he is excited by what Papale will have to say not only at the community event, but also at the school to both students and staff.
Nelson explained that during the day before the Sports Boosters event, Papale will speak to students and the CGD staff at a professional development gathering. “Vince is even going to tailor his message to our different groups,” said Nelson. “As a former teacher, he understands kids and teachers and their challenges.”
All involved agree that Papale will have a great message that will be inspiring to all who hear him. Tickets for the speaking event on Friday, January 21 are available now. It will be held at the Red Shed Event Center in Clarion with doors opening 5:30 pm that evening and Papale speaking at 7:00 pm. For tickets, visit www.vancoevents.com/VRB, call 515-851-0938, or contact any Sports Booster. Board members are Bob Powers, Brandy Hennigar, Abby Kirstein, Tammie Beisel, Carissa Sisson, Melissa Toomsen, Rachel Stumpf, Paul Nesheim, Greg Sweeney, Nikki Conlon, Macoy Rohrer, RoseAnn Bowman, and Dee Huntley.
