For Immediate Release: December 13, 2011

Media Contact:  
Dawn Tolbert
NAIA Host Committee/Shorter University
706-233-7215

2011 NAIA Football National Championship offers exciting afternoon of entertainment

Rome, GA (December 13, 2011) – Saturday’s Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship offers an exciting afternoon of football – plus a whole lot more.
 
This year’s pregame festivities will feature a flyover demonstration jump by the Fort Benning Silver Wings, the official Command Exhibition Parachute Demonstration Team from Fort Benning, Ga. The Silver Wings will jump into Historic Barron Stadium prior to kickoff of the game. The parachutists will bring to the field the official game ball and the coin for the coin toss.
 
“We are thrilled to be able to add the Silver Wings appearance to our plans for this year’s NAIA football national championship,” said Jim Williams, who heads the special events subcommittee of the NAIA planning group. “The precision of their jump is really something to see and will be a treat for all of the attendees at the game.”
 
A number of area residents will add to the day’s entertainment value as well, Williams said. Rome-based singer/songwriter Scott Thompson will sing the national anthem prior to the start of the game. In addition, the state championship football teams from Unity Christian School and Calhoun High School will be recognized during the game along with the state champion cheerleading squad from Coosa High School.
 
 "The NAIA championship is a day to celebrate the accomplishments of two outstanding football teams who have earned the right to play for the national title. It is also a great time to celebrate the accomplishments of Northwest Georgians. We are proud of our community and our region and want to share that good news with our guests from across the country,” Williams said.
 
Kickoff for the game is at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Barron Stadium in downtown Rome. The game will feature the Fighting Saints of Carroll College (Mont.) and the Cougars of St. Xavier University (Ill.). Carroll is returning to Rome for the third time in four years, and St. Xavier will be making its first-ever appearance at the national title game.
 
Tickets for the championship game are $25 each and are available for purchase at The Forum by calling 706-291-5281 or 800-858-7601, or by visiting www.forumevents.org.

For more information on the 2011 championship game, visit www.NAIANationalChampionship.com.

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