PeyBack Classic X Photos – PeyBack Classic 1, 2, 4 (photo credit: Sky Caserotti)
The PeyBack Classic kicked off the 2009 Indiana high school football season and also celebrated its Tenth Anniversary on Friday, August 21. In honor of this milestone, the Foundation invited two schools from Indianapolis Public Schools to participate in the Classic and to be the first IPS teams to play in Lucas Oil Stadium. The six high schools that participated in Classic were Arsenal Tech, Arlington, Greenwood, Columbus East, Lebanon and Mooresville.
As tradition with the PeyBack Classic event, high school student athletes at six Indiana schools experienced the thrill and excitement of playing a football game in the home stadium of the Indianapolis Colts. Peyton was on hand for all three ceremonial coin tosses (the first game also included IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene White and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard) and stood on the side lines interacting with the players and fans during the games. The first game Arlington prevailed over Tech, 27-6, the second, Columbus East defeated Greenwood 37-14, and Lebanon outlasted Mooresville 14-7 in the nightcap. The participating schools share in ticket sale revenue with the PeyBack Foundation. Both games were broadcast live on WNDY- TV, Channel 23.
On Behalf of Lebanon High School I would just like to show my appreciation and say thank you to you, Peyton Manning and the Foundation for allowing us to participate in the PeyBack Classic. The players coaches, administration, staff and the Lebanon Community all enjoyed themselves tremendously and had a wonderful time. This was a once in a lifetime experience that we will cherish forever. Our student athletes and coaches are still talking about the event today and I know the stories will continue to grow with time. All of us had several memorable moments but I can honestly say mine was watching Peyton take the time after knowing he played in a game the night before, to walk the sidelines and talk to our players and fans. He was so gracious to honor all autograph and picture request. In my position, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with several professional athletes and we always recognize the outstanding skills and talents they possess on the field but very rarely do we get to see or know the special kind of human being they are off the field. Peyton truly cares about the youth and high school football and for his efforts I thank him again and wish him and the Foundation the very best. Phil Levine - Athletic Director/Assistant Principal - Lebanon High School
The PeyBack Classic originated in 2000 and hosted the Indianapolis Public Schools for the first four years of the event. In 2004, the PeyBack Classic expanded its reach to include numerous high schools throughout Indiana to allow them the opportunity to play a game in a professional NFL stadium including: Terre Haute South, North Central, Lawrence North, Warren Central, Carmel, Roncalli, Chatard, Zionsville, Hamilton Southeastern, Cathedral, Tipton, Sheridan, Lafayette Jefferson, Avon, Fisher, Noblesville, Whiteland and New Palestine. The PeyBack Foundation served as event organizers and a special thanks to Sport Graphics for being the official printer of the PeyBack Foundation, Indiana Sports Corporation for their volunteers and Gatorade for providing product for the evening.