WHARTON, N.J. - Three of the finest high school football players in the nation were announced today as the first official selections to the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Wide Receiver Shakim Phillips from DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J., was announced as the first member of the East team; with defensive lineman Ronald Powell from Rancho Verde High School in Moreno Valley, Calif. and running back Lache Seastrunk from Temple High School in Temple, Texas, named as the first members of the West team. The remaining athletes making up the East and West teams will be announced at selection tour stops throughout the fall. 

“These selection tour events allow the Army to honor these outstanding young athletes for their many achievements,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, Commanding General U.S. Army Accessions Command. “Football players mirror the mental, emotional and physical strengths in Army Strong Soldiers. We are proud to honor all of our U.S. Army All-American Bowl 10th Anniversary players on their selection.”

Each of the 90 U.S. Army All-American Bowl players will be teamed with an Army Soldier Hero. Army Soldier Heroes are Bronze Star, Silver Star or Purple Heart recipients and have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom.

Players selected for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl will participate in the 10th Anniversary game on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The game will be televised live on NBC at 1 p.m. EST. These athletes will also be joined by the nation’s top high school musicians who will perform as the third annual U.S. Army All-American Marching Band during the half-time show at the game. 

For 10 years, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school football game, serving as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and Terrelle Pryor all made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans.

For more information on the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and its related events visit www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com & www.goarmy.com/events/aab.

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