The Chicago Bears announced today that they will hold their first-ever Crucial Catch event at a high school football game when they head to Springfield, Ill., on Friday, Sept. 21, for the ninth annual Leonard Bowl. The game between Sacred Heart-Griffin High School and Rochester High School will be held at the Sacred Heart-Griffin West Campus (1601 W. Washington St., Springfield) at 7 p.m.
The Leonard Bowl is a rivalry matchup between Ken Leonard, who is the head coach of Sacred Heart-Griffin, and his son Derek Leonard, who is the head coach of Rochester High School. Both teams are Central State Eight Conference schools. Last December, Ken and Derek lost their wife/mother to breast cancer. In honor of Liz Leonard, the Bears will hand out pink rally towels and pins, host a Mini Monster Clinic brought to you by Advocate Health Care, have appearances by Staley Da Bear and the Chicago Bears Drumline and offer a variety of other activities.
"The Chicago Bears are excited to be a part of a great rivalry game between Sacred Heart-Griffin and Rochester this coming Friday night," said Bears Director of Community & Alumni Relations Matt Simeone. "We have had the pleasure of getting to know Ken and Derek Leonard and are glad we have the opportunity to join them in remembering their wife/mother, Liz Leonard."
Please click here for a brief video on the background of the Leonard Bowl (credit: USA Football).
