Top Prospects Inaugural Charity Bowl: learn some football skills and keep it fun

Estin Fichter loves football. He has been a stand-out running back and linebacker on the Hononegah Indians football team during his years at Hononegah Community High School.

Fichter graduated from Hononegah in May 2024, but he won’t be hanging up his cleats anytime soon. Come August, he will be a member of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers football team. He will be playing under Coach Ryan Munz.

Estin looked at several schools, but “Platteville felt like home to me.”

Estin knows the value of training and working hard to improve skills. He is looking forward to combining his love of football with a desire to help others.

When he started four years ago, he was a valued player on the freshman football team. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.

Like most schools, Hononegah was forced to close their doors. Online learning was required and all sports programs were put on hold, from 2019 to 2021.

During this time, Estin also broke his leg and his elbow.

Estin, like many students during those years, became depressed and anxious. A therapist was able to help him through the tough times and focus on positive aspects of his life.

Once schools reopened, Estin was back on the football field ready to make up for lost time. He didn’t disappoint.

His experiences dealing with depression and making the best of situations stayed with him. Estin decided to pursue a career in sports psychology and mental health.

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, Estin will be hosting an Inaugural Charity Bowl from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park in Roscoe, IL. This is a free special event for first grade to incoming high school boys and girls. The Inaugural Charity Bowl will be similar to the actual NFL Pro Bowl, with skilled games, competitions and much more.

As a member of Top Prospects Training Development, Estin will be sharing his knowledge of football as well as encouraging sportsmanship and love of the game.

In addition to Estin, three former Rockton/Roscoe Lions Club and Hononegah football players, Drake Broege (will be playing at UW Whitewater in the fall), Cole Warren, (UW Oshkosh football team,) and Isaiah Houi, (Eastern Illinois University football team) will be on hand to encourage and guide boys and girls through training drills, and obstacle courses, plus a touch football game.

“Kids need to be aware and comfortable playing football. Part of our job will be to help them eliminate pressure and have a good time,” says Estin.

Proceeds from the event will go toward a scholarship fund specifically for graduating high school seniors in northern Illinois who plan to pursue a psychology/mental health degree.

The Inaugural Charity Bowl, sponsored by Bufalo Contracting, will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park in Roscoe. There will be prizes for top performers. “There will be competition, but the focus is to have fun,” Estin promises.

For more information, email topprospecttstraining@gmail.com or visit the website at topprospectstraining.com.

Estin Fichter

Cole Warren

Drake Broege

Isaiah Houi

More News from Roscoe

• SOBOs improve to 4-1 with a 35-14 win A slow start led to a blowout victory for South Beloit 35-14.
• Judge approves Chemtool settlement The class action administrator sent 6,000 notices to residents, but only received 2,300 claims.