MARQUETTE---The highlight of day three for the U.P. All-Star football players Wednesday was the Skills Challenge.  Events included the Fastest Man (40 yard dash), the Strongest Man (Bench Press), Quarterback Challenge, Receiver Challenge, Punting and Field Goal Kicking.  Jake Rajala, Houghton, broke the All-Time Record for Fastest Lineman by running a blistering 5.652 sec electronically timed 40 yard dash, and was also the fastest overall in the entire group, including non-lineman.

For some of the challenges, the players were split into two divisions, lineman and non-lineman.  Having two divisions gives those challenges a unique atmosphere, as there are several competitions taking place within each event.  The three events that are split are: Fastest Man, Strongest Man and Receiver Challenge.

Results for the Players Challenge are as follows:

Fastest Man (Lineman): Jake Rajala, Houghton, 40 yard dash = 4.652 seconds (elec timed) New All-Time Record

Fastest Man (Non-Lineman): Ethan Burke, 40 yard dash=4.665 seconds (elec timed)

Strongest Man (Lineman): Eddie Plumley, Kingsford, Bench Press = 225 pounds, 17 reps

Strongest Man (Non-Lineman): Logan Carroll, Escanaba, Bench Press = 225 lbs, 12 reps

Quarterback Challenge: Peter Ropiak, Forest Park, Distance Thrown = 54 yards

Receiver Challenge (Non-Lineman): Jeff Rahilly, Newberry

Receiver Challenge (Lineman): Johnny Schlenvogt, Escanaba

Punting: Scout Bigger, Engadine, 50 yards

Field Goal Kicking: Zach Robarge, Forest Park, 45 yards
 

The Skills Challenge gave the players a much-needed rest from the grind of two practices per day.
 

Each event which was performed had a gallery of players watching.  Everyone was gathered around the competitors, cheering them on while they competed. 

There were some friendly rivalries within each competition, but the atmosphere was casual and all the players enjoyed the events.  In addition to some local television and radio media in attendance, there were also some parents and fans that came by to watch the skills challenges.
 

They were able to get on the field and take some pictures up close of their favorite players while they competed.  Both squads have the rest of the afternoon off to relax and let their bodies recover from the physical stress of practice.
 

The players will next travel to Bay Cliff Health Camp Thursday afternoon, and the All-Star Banquet is set for Friday at the University Center, 6 PM.