The Green Bay Packers' Punt, Pass and Kick representatives, headed by Jack Noffke with a first-place finish, performed well at the national finals Sunday, Jan. 13, prior to the NFC Divisional playoff game in Atlanta.
In addition to Noffke (who competed in the 12- to 13-year-old boys division), from New London, Wis.; Ava Reuter(6- to 7-year-old girls), Chippewa Falls, Wis.; and Alayna Suprenand(8- to 9-year-old girls), Fond du Lac, Wis.; placed high, both with second-place finishes in their respective divisions.
"The Packers congratulate Jack, Ava and Alayna on their excellent performances at the Punt, Pass and Kick finals," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "We're proud of their accomplishments in going against the top competitors from around the country. They represented their communities very well."
Finalists competed separately in five age divisions at the Falcons' team facility with the top scorer in each group crowned national champion. All participants launched two punts, two passes and two kicks with scores based on distance and accuracy (in feet). The best score from each activity was tabulated to determine the athlete's total.
Noffke's final score of 385.9 feet earned him the top spot in the nation for his age group and the title of Punt Pass and Kick national champion. Noffke beat the competition in his age group by a staggering 92.1 feet. Other scores in the 12- to 13-year-old boy's age group were: second place, 293.8 feet; third place, 266.9 feet; and fourth place 264.9 feet.
Reuter's final score was 111 feet and Suprenand's was 204.6 feet. For a complete list of scores, visit http://www.nflppk.com/articles/nationalevents/2012nationalchampionships/65.
All three national finalists advanced after winning their age divisions in the Packers' team championship competition, Dec. 9, in the Don Hutson Center. The participants and their guest were provided airfare, hotel accommodations and tickets to the game.
More than 3 million youngsters nationwide took part in this year's program. The Wisconsin Jaycees facilitated many of the competitions across the state. More information on the NFL's youth football programs can be found online at www.nflyouthfootball.com.
