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In preparation for homecoming weekend, “Red Raider” fans had some very special guests at a pep rally held Oct. 22 at Kaiserslautern High School in Vogelweh.
Members of the Frankfurt Universe football team joined more than 700 students, cheerleaders and faculty staff to support their teams.
Five footballs were donated on behalf of the 7th Civil Support Command and signed by the German players. The footballs were given away as prizes to students who correctly answered school-related trivia questions.
This event between the German football team, the 7th CSC and KHS was made possible by Lt. Col. Vincent E. Buggs, the deputy commander of the 7th Warrior Training Brigade, 7th CSC, stationed in Grafenwöhr, Germany.
“This is a bilateral event to expand German-American relationships and we are coordinating with the school (and) families and supporting the communities,” said Colonel Buggs, who was an assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at KHS from June ’93 to November ’95.
“As I was a first lieutenant back in the early ’90s, our unit was really engaged in German American Partnerships,” he said. “I learned a lot about the host nation support during my time … and building bridges starts with a community.”
Ricardo Ambulo, a fullback and offensive lineman for the Frankfurt Universe, who participated in the pep rally, had the opportunity to give back to his former community high school. Mr. Ambulo played for KHS while Colonel Buggs coached the seasons in ’94 and ’95. Now Colonel Buggs and Mr. Ambulo are once again on the same team at the 7th WTB.
It felt really good to come back to this community and see how much it had changed, Mr. Ambulo said. It was great to see some of the old teachers who continue to serve this community.
Along with Mr. Ambulo, four other players of the Frankfurt Universe participated in the pep rally: Kay Schulmeyer, wide receiver; Patrick Haehnel, running back; Michael Alster, offensive line; Johannes Ruebsamen, wide receiver; and Markus Grahn, head coach.
“Sports have always been a big connection between people and it’s also a big connection for countries too,” Grahn said. “This is just another way to give something back to the Americans.”
A lot of American Soldiers come from bases outside of Frankfurt, so this will be something to help renew the Frankfurt Universe’s fan base, Grahn said.
Grahn had the opportunity to speak to Tom Burris, the head coach of the Red Raiders varsity football team about the possibilities of future sports activities with KHS.
“I think it’s a great opportunity. I think it has inspired our athletes to see that their skills can be helpful beyond the high school sports program.” Burris said.
As the pep rally came to a close, the Red Raider fans and many of the young athletes and cheerleaders prepared for a homecoming victory.
“It is great that they came to support us … and take an interest in our program,” said Natalie Porter, a junior varsity cheerleader at KHS. “We will most certainly win tomorrow.”
