November 06, 2015
Photo courtesy of Santander Bank/Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader Michelle Morris, Philadelphia Eagles Kicker Cody Parkey, Tom Voelker of Sinking Spring, PA, Angela Moultrie, Santander VP and Regional President for New Jersey Central and Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader Janel Petrovich.
That's the question Santander Bank, official bank of the Philadelphia Eagles, posed to a group of lucky fans Thursday night at the NovaCare Complex as they tried to pick a finalist for the Santander Field Goal Challenge.
Recently, they held a sample competition for media members following an Eagles practice, with the winner earning a $2,500 donation to the school of his or her choice. Naturally, our own Jimmy Kempski took home the title...
Big congrats to @thephillyvoice's @JimmyKempski, who sported gold cleats to win the #FGC for St. Joan of Arc. pic.twitter.com/u9W0hgu4rs
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 9, 2015
But this time, the stakes were a little higher.
Not only was kicker Cody Parkey, as well as some Eagles cheerleaders, on hand Thursday to offer pointers -- he was also at the media event, but spent more time trash talking than trying to help the helpless writers -- but the winner earned the right to move on to the final round of the competition and try his or her luck from 30 yards out at halftime of the Eagles-Bucs game on November 22. Those competing for this once-in-a-lifetime chance won entry by correctly answering daily trivia questions about Eagles alumni as part of Santander’s online contest to help narrow the field.
The grand prize, assuming you make the final kick at Lincoln Financial Field? A $10,000 donation to the school of his or her choice, PLUS an additional $10,000 to keep.
The format was simple. All 20-plus participants began at the 15-yard line. A successful attempt, and you remain in the competition; a miss, and you're eliminated. After each round, the spot was moved back until only one contestant remained.
The winner was Sinking Spring, PA native Tom Voelker, who was the only person able to convert from the 30-yard line (a 40-yard FG). He clearly has the distance needed to make the 30-yard kick for all the cash, but this one was indoors. During halftime of the Tampa game, he'll have to deal with the elements ... and the pressure of kicking in front of a stadium full of people.
As someone who missed the first attempt during the media contest, trust me when I tell you it's a hell of a lot harder than it looks.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @matt_mullin
