GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers hosted eight Wisconsin high school football teams for Nike's 11-On Initiative, which included a 7-on-7 tournament and lineman challenge at the Don Hutson Center on Friday.
The Appleton North Lightning were excited to return to the competition after placing second in the 2019 event.
"Oh yeah, it's really cool knowing all the greats that have played and practiced here," quarterback Matthew Scheckelman said. "Seeing all the memorabilia on the walls is a really cool feeling to know they've been here and you're going through it, too."
In addition to a full day of game play, the players were treated to a special tour of Lambeau Field.
"It's been fun. I mean, they took us on a whole tour around the stadium. Got to see the hall of fame," defensive lineman Wesley King said. "That was awesome. Just seeing everything. I took it once, but that was a long, long time ago, so it was good to be back here and see everything."
Much of the Lightning felt like today's events signaled a return to normalcy in sports after the pandemic.
"Honestly, it's recharged my batteries quite a bit," head coach Rob Salm said. "We played spring football this season, and it was a struggle. The whole thing was a struggle. Coming off all of the mitigation strategies, social distancing and all of those things; to be able to be here with the kids, maskless, being able to just have those relationships and normal communication that you normally do, it's just been amazing."
Former Packers WR Antonio Freeman stopped by the event luncheon.
