3RD ANNUAL Elk County Catholic High School vs. St Marys Area High School Alumni Football game will be played at Dutch Country Stadium.   This event is the result of a rivalry between two Elk County High Schools which began over forty years ago.  The Elk County Crusaders and the St Marys Flying Dutchmen have played every year but four since 1964.  The contest is considered one of the hardest fought anywhere.  St. Marys leads the very close series 20-17-3.

As a result of this rivalry, The Annual ECC-SMA Alumni Football game was born.  2008 will be the third annual game with the ECC "Crusaders" on top with the first ever game in 2006 ending in a very exciting Triple overtime win, with a score of 21-13 and the SMA "Flying Dutchmen" winning a defensive battle in 2007, with a score of 6-0.  

Approximately 100 alumni consisting of football players and cheerleaders have participated in each of the first two games. A similarly roster has been compiled again for the "Rubber Match."  Many of the Alumni will have participated in all three contests.

The Alumni Game is a fund raising project and a collaborative effort between both school booster organizations.  ECC Athletic Association and SMA Quarterback Club..  With costs relating to athletics increasing, the two athletic organizations formed one committee to come up with a plan to accomplish two main goals:  1.  to raise money for athletics and 2.  to provide an evening of fun and great memories for the participants and spectators.

This year's contest will once again be help on ARMED FORCES DAY.  As in the previous games, The St Marys Serviceman's Detail will honor past and current members of the United States Armed Forces.  Members of the Letters from Home Program, a nationwide 501c3 nonprofit program started in 2003 for the troops right here in our own county will be participating in this year's even by running the concession stand and will include a "tailgating booth" in the parking lot starting at 5pm.  There will be military men/women on the grounds to help with the program.  Show them your support and come out and tailgate with the troops.

Tickets for the game will be sold at both schools starting May 5, 2008.  They will also be sold at the gate the night of the contest.   Adults $10 and students $5.  KICKOFF TIME IS 7PM.

QUESTIONS: PLEASE CONTACT US AT 781-1982 or

814 335 5579 . Ms.Christine Jovenitti, director of www.lettersfromhomeprogram.org