The Kansas City Star
July 7, 1994
Edition: METROPOLITAN
Section: ZONE/MIDTOWN
Page: 6

Football all-stars know the feeling Metro Dream classic players begin practicing Tuesday in 90-plus heat.
Author: DOUG CHEATHAM; Special to The Star

There was a homecoming feeling Tuesday when the Missouri squad began practicing for the Fourth Annual Metro Dream Classic High School All-Star Football Game.

With the summer sun beating down on the players at the New Mark Middle School football field north of the river, the heat generated preseason practice memories for the 30-plus participants. The temperature reached the upper 90s around 6 p.m. when the Missouri players began practice.

However the feeling of being scorched did not bother the all-stars, who will meet the Kansas all-stars July 14 at Blue Valley District Activities Complex. A year ago, these 1993 graduates were preparing to start two-a-day practices for their respective high schools.

"The heat we are experiencing is just what all of us went through during our four years of high school football in two-a-days, so it is not going to bother me that much," said Chris Bray, former Blue Springs wide receiver and a 1993 Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters All-State selection.

The squad practiced in shoulder pads and helmets but would not begin full contact until tonight's workout.

This is the fourth year the game has been held, and Oak Park Coach Keith Ross takes over as head coach of the Missouri team.

Blue Springs Coach Wayne McGinnis led the team last year, when the squad suffered a 17-2 loss to the Kansas all-stars. Missouri is looking to gain its first victory in the event.

"This is a fun game. It gives me a chance to work with other players and other coaches," Ross said. "We want to do the best we can but have some fun at the same time. " Ross also said he hopes many of his athletes have been working out in their spare time this summer, so that the heat factor won't hamper practices or the game.
Not only will this be an opportunity for Ross to direct the Missouri all-stars, but it will allow him to coach three of his former players one last time. Among the Missouri all-stars will be Oak Park graduates Matt Ament, who was an all-state second-team selection at defensive back last year but will be playing quarterback in the Metro Dream Classic; and running backs Caleb Barber and Scott Cooper.

Unlike previous years, this year's Metro Dream Classic will not be played at Arrowhead Stadium because of the installation of grass. Ament, who will attend Central Missouri State University this fall in Warrensburg, Mo., said not playing at Arrowhead Stadium does not take away from the game.

"I was looking forward to playing at Arrowhead, but I was even more excited to play in the game," he said. "It doesn't really matter where we play. " Former Lee's Summit linebacker Matt Gahner is the Tigers' lone representative in the Metro Dream Classic, giving him a feeling of honor.

"I'm proud to be playing and representing my school in such a game," Gahner said.

Running back Ryan Jordan, a graduate of Southwest High School, said playing in the all-star game will give him a chance to prove himself and bring attention to his school.

"This is a great feeling to be here," Jordan said. "It proves to all of us that we are the best football players in the Kansas City area. I hope to do good and represent my school to the best of my ability. There are a lot of guys who get overlooked at Southwest. "

Copyright 1994, 1996 The Kansas City Star Co.