Insight Bowl players are expected to continue their once-a-year training at Corona del Sol High School as a result of negotiations under way for a new four-year contract.
Big Ten and Big 12 college football teams come to Arizona once a year to compete in the Insight Bowl, with players utilizing Corona’s fields and other athletic resources for a few days prior to the competition.
In return for the loan of Corona’s facilities, Insight Bowl awards a pair of scholarships to two deserving students, this year graduating seniors Trever Allen and Julie Van de Berg. Bowl funds also pay for upkeep of the Corona field that may be needed as a result of the added use.
“The rental fee (for the fields) goes directly to the district, so we think it’s a good idea to set aside money for Corona students, as well,” said Steve Horrell, a member of the Fiesta Bowl and Insight Bowl board of directors.
“We give Corona $1,000 to reward students,” Horrell said. “The faculty decides who will receive those scholarships.”
Horrell said the contract currently being negotiated will allow Insight to continue the relationship it has maintained with Corona for another four years.
“They (Corona’s faculty) do a great job of getting the fields ready for our teams each December,” said Horrell.
Insight Bowl teams train at Corona three to four days each year, resulting in the CdS soccer team having to train and play games elsewhere. The team also is relocated while the fields are reseeded and manicured in preparation for the Insight practice sessions.
In both situations, Corona teams utilize fields at Tempe Sports Complex just a couple miles from campus, through an agreement with the city of Tempe. Corona coaches say this prevents any scheduling problems with student sports.
According to Athletic Director Dan Nero, final details have not yet been worked out on where the school’s soccer team will practice in the coming season or how long any required relocation will be necessary.
“Corona’s fields have been great for training – they do a great job preparing for us,” Horrell said. The teams also use Corona’s weight rooms and other campus athletic resources, which Horrell says represents yet another extension of the school’s commitment.
Insight Bowl teams train at four locations throughout the Valley, including the Corona site.
Big Ten and Big 12 teams face off during Arizona’s annual Insight Bowl at the end of December.
