Friday, March 29, 2024

RES First Grader Finishes Second In PPK Championship

UPDATE: Carter Lind finished second overall in the Punt, Pass and Kick National Finals for the 6-7 age group. He also set the new record for passing distance for his age group.

Rockenbaugh Elementary first grader Carter Lind has become a celebrity in his class this week.

The seven-year-old is headed for the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick National Final held Sunday during the Denver Broncos playoff game. Forty athletes from across the c0untry will compete in the event. Lind is one of four competitors in the 6-7 age group. Lind has been drawing attention this week from friends and staff at RES once the news spread of his accomplishment.

“Class is getting pretty crazy,” said Lind, who plays quarterback and receiver on his flag football team. “My classmates are wishing me good luck and everyone is excited.”

All participants launch two punts, two passes and two kicks with scores based on distance and accuracy (in feet). The best score from each activity is tabulated to determine the athlete’s total. All youngsters advanced to the national finals through local, sectional and team championship competitions held throughout the NFL regular season. The top four scorers in each age group from across the country qualified as national finalists.

Lind says the best of the three for him is his punting. He will represent the Dallas Cowboys, wearing the colors of his hometown team. All participants and their guests are provided airfare, hotel accommodations and tickets to the AFC Divisional Playoff Game between the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers.

An image of a family bowling and dining

Photo of a solar eclipse