KAJ

Posted: Jul 23, 2010 12:24 PM
Updated: Jul 23, 2010 12:25 PM

The Shodair Soccer Classic will take place on Saturday, July 24th as top high school soccer players from around Montana gather in Helena to compete and support a good cause. This year's Classic is presented by Wal-Mart, Mountain Dew, and Montana State Fund.

The event kicks off with the women's game at 5:00 p.m., followed by the men's game at 7:00 p.m. at Carroll College's Nelson Stadium in Helena.

Miss Montana Kacie West of Kalispell will sing the National Anthem and assist in the presentation of the Mountain Dew MVP awards, along with television sports personalities Al Marks from Beartooth NBC and Shane Ewing from Montana's News Station.

Eight-year-old fundraiser Emma Funk of Livingston will take part in the awards presentation as well. Admission is $5 at the gate; programs featuring player photos and information will be available for purchase.

The Classic features top student athletes from high schools all across Montana. Over 70 outstanding young men and women are considered during a rigorous screening process before being selected to participate in the event. Players must have been selected as All-State and All-Conference high school players in Class AA or A, and demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and citizenship.

The Shodair Soccer Classic Committee also gathers a talented coaching staff from around the state to guide the teams. Many have winning records in state tournaments, and their skills assure top-level competition. Coaches for the men's teams include: Jay Anderson of Missoula and Carl Straub from Helena. Assistant coaches are Glen Wall and Robin Farrell, both from Helena. Women's team coaches are Mike Meloy of Helena and Laurie Sterger. Assistant coaches are Megan Parish of Billings, Erika Cannon of Bozeman, Hunter Terry of Great Falls, and Alex Tuttle of Helena.

The Soccer Classic is a benefit for Shodair Children's Hospital and the important work it does for Montana's families. Shodair provides comprehensive medical genetics services for people of all ages and psychiatric services for children and adolescents from communities throughout the state. These are critically-needed services, and Shodair helps families access them without having to go out of state. Last year, the hospital provided more than $4 million dollars in uncompensated care for at-risk children and youth. Support generated from events like the Soccer Classic and the Children's Miracle Network Telethon help assure that these services remain available for young Montanans in need of help.

Tickets will be on sale at the Nelson Stadium gate. Admission is $5 for adults; no admission charge for children under 10. Refreshments will be available, and video of the games will be available for purchase. For banquet reservations or to register for the free kids soccer clinic, call (406) 444-7548 or email tjacobson@shodair.org.