GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – As the Packers got some much needed rest at halftime in their eventual 34-13 win Sunday, Wisconsin high schoolers took the field at Lambeau Field.
High school girls were racing to the end zone, eager for a Lambeau Leap.
Four flag football teams were in the spotlight at halftime as two games were played.
Players like Maddy Lange were still trying to process the once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Once we got to the tunnel, oh my gosh. Seeing the players, hearing the atmosphere, it was so crazy to think about, like the heart was pumping,” said Lange, who attends Black Hawk High School.
Flag football, which has been approved as a sport for the 2028 summer Olympic games, is growing in popularity nationwide.
According to USA football, research shows more than 1.6Mkids ages 6 to 17 played flag football last year.
Among just girls in that age range in 2023, there were more than 230,000 playing flag football.
“Women can do everything a man can and I think this is proving that. And I’m really glad that it’s taking a bigger step in women’s sports to show that we are serious and we can make a difference,” said Tiernee Arndt, with Kickapoo High School.
“They’ve picked up on it really well and now they’re, I think it’s starting to get them to buy into the sport a little bit more. They’re starting to watch it. They’re starting to pick up on stuff. They’re starting to watch, even our boys playing back at home, they’re starting to pick up on their Friday night games,” said Kickapoo girls flag football coach, Dustin Clements.
For these girls, they hope to see even more growth for future generations to enjoy the sport.
Comments