SPRING 2009

NAIA game a splashy success

Photos by Aimee Madden and Alan Storey

Shorter, Rome and Floyd County made a big splash as hosts of the 2008 Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship. The Dec. 20 game, broadcast live on CBS College Sports, brought significant attention to the college and local community along with an estimated $1.545 million economic impact, according to the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau. Much of that impact came from individuals who traveled from Montana and South Dakota to watch the Cougars of the University of Sioux Falls (below) defeat the Fighting Saints of Carroll College (Mont.) 23-7. Among those on hand for the game was Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (shown below, splashing off the field after pre-game festivities).

Quarterback Lorenzo Brown (below) led the Cougars to victory and claimed the Offensive Player of the Game title. Leading the defensive effort at linebacker Kyle Cummings (shown below making a sack); he was named Defensive Player of the Game.

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer splashing off the field after pre-game festivities.

University of Siouz Falls Quarterback Lorenzo Brown, Offensive Player of the Game

University of Sioux Falls Linebacker Kyle Cummings, Defensive Player of the Game

See more about the game on the official website at
www.NAIANationalChampionship.com.