Furr tries to make his way ‘down under’

Published 6:18 pm Friday, March 5, 2010

Kyle Furr had never heard of the Down Under Bowl. But he has now.

In fact, the CCA rising junior has been selected by Coach Tom Posey of Kentucky to participate in the annual football event being played this summer in Australia.

“They sent me a letter in the mail, and my mom has talked to the coach,” Furr said. “You go and play in Australia during the summer, and it should be fun.”

Email newsletter signup

There is only one problems standing in the way, and that is money.

Furr is trying to raise the necessary funds (about $5,000), in order to allow him to participate in the event.

“To be chosen by Coach Posey to be a regional representative in the Down Under Bowl is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, my school, and my family,” Furr said.

“Kyle’s selection to participate in the Down Under Bowl draws positive regional attention to the already successful CCA football program, and his participation can only help those who follow him through our program,” CCA Coach Roland Jones added. “I think this will be good for Kyle.”

The Down Under Bowl is sponsored by International Sports Specialists, Inc., is played on the Gold Coast of Queensland Australia in July, and brings together high school football players from America, Australia and New Zealand. Past participants include NFL stars Jake Plummer and Rob Morris.

Furr and his family are in the process of organizing fundraisers and accepting donations. “International Sports Specialist have informed us that any contributions to Kyle’s participation are tax deductible,” noted Kyle’s mother, Linda Kay Smith.

“Each contributor will receive a ‘Thank You’ raffle ticket which could win that person an all expense paid trip to Australia,” added Kyle’s father, Keith Furr.

Donations can be sent to Coach Roland Jones at CCA or to Al Snellgrove at State Farm Insurance.