Dippel to compete for Team USA tonight
June 27, 2009 | Football
University of Wisconsin football recruit Tyler Dippel is set to open play at the 2009 International Federation of American Football Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio. Dippel is a member of USA Football's 2009 Junior National Team and has been lining up at defensive end for the squad. The 6-4, 250-pounder from Slinger, Wis., is one of 45 graduating high school seniors soon to enter 32 college football programs who will play on America's first national team in the sport comprised of players aged 19 and under.
USA Football, an independent non-profit and the sport's national governing body on youth and amateur levels, has built America's first Junior National Team in the sport to compete in the eight-nation, four-continent tournament. National football teams from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Sweden have qualified to join the United States to pursue the sport's first world championship on the international junior level (19 and under).
Team USA begins play tonight against France at 7 p.m. (CT). USA will then play against either Mexico or Sweden on Wednesday, July 1. The bronze medal, fifth-place and seventh-place games will all take place on Saturday, July 4, while the gold medal game will be played at 12 p.m. (CT) on Sunday, July 5.
USA Football's Junior National Team is led by Chuck Kyle, head coach of Cleveland St. Ignatius High School, who has led his Wildcats to 10 of Ohio's past 21 state titles, including two USA Today 'national championships.'
'This is a new adventure for USA Football and we are very excited to have Tyler represent not only his country, but also the University of Wisconsin and Hartford High School,' Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema said. 'I can't think of a better individual to represent us than Tyler. His passion for the game and tremendous work ethic will make him a valuable member of Team USA.'
A fullback and linebacker in high school, Dippel is ranked as the No. 64 defensive end in the country by Rivals.com. The first-team all-state selection and team captain at Hartford totaled 202 tackles, 12.0 sacks and four forced fumbles in his junior and senior seasons combined.
Live stats of USA's game against France can be found here while more information about the tournament can be found here .
Countdown to kickoff (Sept. 5)
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