JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The 19 dealerships that comprise the Tennessee Toyota Dealers will once again serve as the title sponsor of the 3rd Annual Toyota East vs. West Tennessee All-Star Classic. This clash of blue-chip football talent takes place this Saturday, December 12, at Burke-Tarr Stadium, on the campus of Carson-Newman College, Jefferson City.
The game kicks off at 12 p.m. EST and features approximately 90 of Tennessee's top high school football seniors, divided into East and West squads. The game is organized by the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association (TACA), who selects the players and coaches for the all-star battle. The game will be broadcast live throughout the state on select television and radio stations.
The Tennessee Toyota Dealers have served as the title sponsor of this contest since the inaugural game in 2007. As part of this year's sponsorship, Toyota's dealers will help transport, feed and accommodate the student-athletes during an intense four-day schedule. The dealers will also play a role in promoting the game and its players in their respective local communities.
"Our Tennessee Toyota Dealers and the TACA have started something very special in the Volunteer state," said Scott Neiheisel, Regional Marketing Manager at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.'s Cincinnati sales offices. "Many college football experts consider Tennessee a hotbed of gridiron talent and this showcase has allowed many players the opportunity to shine in front of family, friends and college scouts."
According to event organizers, 17 players in the 2008 Classic earned college scholarships as a direct result of playing in this all-star contest.
"While the game serves as an encore for some of the state's top-rated players, it also allows some players, with limited fanfare, the chance to shine and perhaps take their talents to the next level," said Bill Marbet, Executive Director of the TACA. "We truly appreciate the support of the Tennessee Toyota Dealers in helping us continue this tradition, and enabling many young men to realize their gridiron dreams."
About Toyota
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs nearly 34,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2008. For more information about Toyota, visit http://www.toyota.com/, http://www.lexus.com/, http://www.scion.com/ or http://www.toyotanewsroom.com/.
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
CONTACT: Curt McAllister, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. - Detroit,
+1-313-259-4598, curt_mcallister@toyota.com
Web Site: http://www.toyota.com/
