Carroll, Sioux Falls soak up Southern charm

ROME, Ga. – The Fighting Saints of Carroll College and the Cougars of the University of Sioux Falls, happy to get away from the wintry weather of their home states, are enjoying Georgia hospitality while preparing to meet on the football field.

The teams will play Saturday in the 53rd annual Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship here.

On Thursday, after a day of events around town and an afternoon on the practice field, the teams were treated to steak-and-potato dinners.

First Baptist Church played host to the Carroll College team from Montana, while First Presbyterian Church hosted the South Dakota contingent.

The teams’ travel plans were delayed by heavy snow in their home states, and the NAIA guests say the green grass and warmer temps in Georgia are a nice change.

Cheering and shouting, church members, NAIA committee members and volunteers welcomed Carroll players and team at First Baptist, while the Sioux players and team were greeted at First Presbyterian.

“We’ve been here for less than 24 hours and everyone has been great,” Carroll College coach Mike Van Diest said.

Carroll punter Zach Thiry said it was his first time in Georgia, and he’s traveled to the South twice for football. “We’ve had good hospitality and it’s been a great feeling to get away and have people put a lot of hard work into things for us,” he said.

“This is the furthest South I’ve been and it’s very warm and humid compared to Montana,” Carroll linebacker Chanler Buck said. “Everyone has been friendly, but sometimes I can’t understand people with Southern accent.”

Colorful banners, team logos and balloons were displayed inside each church.

“We have just loved being able to walk around in T-shirts,” Sioux Falls coach Kalen DeBoer said.

“The weather’s a lot warmer and it took us by surprise,” SFU linebacker Tyler Newman said. “The hospitality has been outstanding and it’s a big change for us.”

Saturday’s championship game is a rematch of the 2007 NAIA championship in which Carroll claimed a 17-9 victory. Carroll, of Helena, has won five national championships since 2002. Sioux Falls claimed the NAIA title in 2006.

Carroll’s roster is dotted with several local players, with Gonzaga Prep and Coeur d’Alene schools well represented.