COD Football Honors Military at Inaugural Armed Forces Bowl Sept. 24

The College of DuPage Chaparrals will celebrate the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces during its inaugural Armed Forces Bowl, the first of three special recognition games planned as part of the team's 2016-2017 season. Please click here for a video about the Armed Forces Bowl.

The game, which pits the 2-0 Chaparrals against the Georgia Military Academy Bulldogs, is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Bjarne Ullsvik Stadium at the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd.

The day's events include the presentation of colors by the East Aurora High School NJROTC and a half-time performance by the East Aurora drill team and the Navy Band Great Lakes. Additionally, members of the Army National Guard will fire a howitzer throughout the game.

For Head Coach Matt Foster, the Armed Forces Bowl is an opportunity for the players and the College to show respect for those who have served their country.

"We always tell our players that they serve as role models in the community, but this is our way of showing our appreciation for those men and women who have defended our country and serve as national role models," he said.

The Chaparrals are wasting no time establishing themselves on the field after soundly defeating the University of Wisconsin - Osh Kosh JV squad 48-0 Sept. 4.

COD's strong performance on the road includes 249 rushing and 329 passing yards and two sacks from Chaparral defensive tackle Tyler LaBarbera and defensive end Jamal Williams.

The Sept. 24 game is the first of three special recognition games planned as part of the Chaparrals 2016-2017 season. Additional special games throughout the season include recognitions of WSDRA athletes (Oct. 8) and first responders (Oct. 24). COD players and members of their opponent's team will also complete community service projects in conjunction with the College's inaugural Red Grange Bowl on Dec. 3.

In addition, the Chaparrals will host 2016 Homecoming festivities on Oct. 1.

For more information on COD Chaparral Football, click here.

College of DuPage is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV and North Central Community College Conference (N4C). The College's Athletics program offers eight men's and seven women's sports teams each year, including track and field, cross country, football, volleyball, golf, basketball, tennis, baseball, softball and soccer. All home games are played on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., and are free and open to the public.