The 34th annual Don Raabe Big 30 Charities Classic will be
dedicated to the memory of Sergeant Jason C. Denfrund, who gave his
life on Christmas Day 2006 defending the United States of America
in Iraq.
This was his third tour in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
Denfrund, who was a graduate of Cattaraugus Central School, was
an offensive tackle for the New York All-Stars in the 27th Big 30
Game in August 2000.
His dedication to his teammates, from midget league football to
his leadership of Bravo Team, 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, never
wavered.
Denfrund’s passion was football and he took great pride in his
achievements on the gridiron.
After playing four years at Cattaraugus and participating in the
Big 30 Classic he went on to play at the State University of New
York Brockport before enlisting in the Army.
A number of activities honoring Denfrund’s sacrifice are being
planned. The art teachers and students at Cattaraugus-Little Valley
Central School are designing the cover for the game program and the
original artwork will be framed and presented to Diane and Randy
Wienk, Jason’s parents, at the players’ banquet.
Denfrund’s Jersey number 90 will be retired and a replica jersey
will be presented to Mr. and Mrs. Wienk at halftime.
A color guard from the 10th Mountain Division of Fort Drum,
N.Y., Denfrund’s unit, will present the colors at the parade on the
day of the game and be the official color guard at the halftime
ceremony.
Mr. and Mrs. Wienk will also be the parade marshals.
Additionally, the U.S. Air Force and other military units will take
part in the parade and other pre-game activities.
All American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars Posts in the
entire Big 30 area have been invited to participate.
“The Big 30 family mourns the loss of one of its own and takes
pride in his many achievements,” the Raabe Classic said in a
statement. “Jason Denfrund typifies the character and dedication
that is so evident in the many young men and women who have made
the sacrifice over the last 33 years for the Big 30 cause.”
