Pine River-Backus athletes, fans inspire one another

Pine River-Backus High School athletes had a good reason to be proud Friday, Sept. 28, as students in kindergarten through sixth grade stood in line for their autographs.

Student athletes represented sports from all over the spectrum, including rodeo, cross country, volleyball, fishing and football. Royalty from last week's homecoming court were also present to dish out autographs to their adoring fans.

Pine River-Backus Community Asset Developer Tina Hanneken said the event was great for both the athletes and the elementary students. The young children had an opportunity to meet role model athletes from their home teams, and all of the athletes present got a chance to feel like stars as the children clamored for their autographs.

The event was just one part of homecoming festivities last week.

1/3: Spectators line up along the fence to watch the Pine River - Backus homecoming football game Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. Fans arriving later needed to stand on the side because the bleachers had already filled by gametime.

2/3: Football player Connor Tulenchik was sure to call over his cousin, Henry Tulenchik for an autograph and high five at the Friday, Sept. 28 PR-B Homecoming autograph session. Travis Grimler / Echo Journal

3/3: Cross Country runner Kaleb Travis offered a high five or fist bump to Alivia Zwart and all the other students who sought his autograph Friday, Sept. 28. Travis Grimler / Echo Journal