!CHARLOTTE - They come from across the Carolinas and from far away as Michigan with names like the Cross-Eyed Crickets, ManBearPig and Oh Snap!
They showed up in a dazzling array of uniforms with game plans to match for the Carolina Panthers' eighth annual Miller Lite Weekend Warrior Flag Football Tournament.
A full field of 128 adult flag football teams descended on Bank of America Stadium and the Panthers' practice fields on April 2-3 for the one-of-kind, NFL-style flag football tournament. With spring-like temperatures throughout the weekend, the fun, camaraderie and competition were in full force. After 251 games, it was settled.
"This year's tournament was arguably the best one to date," said Riley Fields, the Carolina Panthers director of community relations Riley Fields. "Starting out with Friday's captain's party at the Dilworth Neighborhood Grill, it was great to see so many familiar folks who play in the event each year. The competition has always been terrific, but the level of competition was really elevated in all divisions this year."
| WEEKEND WARRIOR VIII CHAMPIONS | ||||
| DIVISION | CHAMPION | |||
| Matt & Ramona Co-Ed | Over the Line | |||
| 35 & Over | Royal Transport | |||
| Couch Potato Black | Jace II | |||
| Couch Potato Blue | Bulldogs | |||
| Weekend Warrior | Jazz Handz | |||
Immediately following the championship games, players from each winning team met with officials from Jostens to get sized for their custom-made championship rings. The winning teams will receive their rings during an on-field ceremony prior to a Panthers preseason game.
The event, which was also sponsored in part by FOX Charlotte and 107.9 the Link, raised $36,000 for Youth Homes, Inc.'s Courage House program as well as the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Western North Carolina.
Teams interested in participating in the 2012 Miller Lite Weekend Warrior tournament can check www.panthers.com in late December for complete registration information and details.
