At least 12 former Minnesota Vikings are expected to take part in a charity golf event to benefit local high school athletes on Saturday at Lakeview National Golf Course in Two Harbors.
Among those expected to participate are former NFL quarterback Joe Kapp, former All-Pro safety Joey Browner, Northland native Doug Sutherland and NFL ironman Jim Marshall.
Marshall and Mark Pearson are operators of Viking Legends Sports Bar & Grill in Two Harbors, and this weekend's fundraiser was part of their promise to give back to the community, with a goal to raise $25,000. There will be a meet-and-greet session from 5-9 p.m. today at Viking Legends, with a $25 donation getting two autographs from each of the players.
"When I went to high school, you paid like five bucks and could play all the sports you wanted," Pearson said. "Now they need like $175 for the fee just to play football, and then they need more money for the equipment. Jim happened to be here and heard that and said, 'How much was that?' He goes, 'If I had to pay that kind of money, I'd still be living in Kentucky. I would never have gone to Ohio State and would never have gone to the Vikings.' We don't want kids being turned away from a sport because they can't afford it. We think there is a great need for this, not just at Two Harbors, but towns across the country."
The former Vikings will fill out foursomes comprised of anyone who pays $100 to play a round at Lakeview National. The golf scramble begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and includes a VIP autograph session, silent auction and dinner. Players will gather at Viking Legends later that night to watch the Vikings' preseason game against the Cowboys.
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Four former players of the Minnesota Kicks professional soccer team, including National Soccer Hall of Famer Alan Willey, are also expected to participate. The Vikings organization has signed on as a major sponsor and is reportedly sending up a mystery foursome from the Twin Cities.
For more information, call Viking Legends at (218) 834-7000.
