The city of Arusha in the east African country of Tanzania will host the continent’s first-ever game of college American football at the 15,000-capacity Sheik Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium. Organizer Global Football has brought together Drake University and their CONADEIP opponents for a spectacular event that also includes youth clinics, a service project to benefit the orphanages, and features both teams also climbing the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro. Full details are available at www.KiliBowl.com.
LeMonnier will add Africa to the already impressive list of countries where he has taken charge of international American football games. He refereed two Global Challenge Bowl games organized in Tokyo by Global Football and has regularly been called upon by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) to officiate games in Australia, Japan, Mexico and Panama and has held officiating clinics in Europe.
A veteran of 14 college football bowl games, including seven BCS games, LeMonnier took charge of the BCS National Championship Game on January 10 in Glendale, AZ, as Auburn defeated Oregon 22-19.
“I am excited and honored to be adding Tanzania to the list of countries where I have officiated and more importantly am pleased to be a part of continued efforts by Global Football to spread the appeal of American football around the world,” said LeMonnier.
“We have put together an experienced group of officials to take charge of this unique game and look forward to taking the field alongside the Drake University Bulldogs and CONADEIP All-Stars in Arusha. It will be a very special experience for everyone involved and of course a great spectacle for the local people of Tanzania who come along to watch.”
Working alongside LeMonnier will be Back Judge MARIO MATOS from Mexico, who is an official in the Mexican Collegiate Conference and officiated at the USA vs. The World game in Austin, TX, in February.
Four PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) certified officials, who have worked the annual Penn State Fantasy Football Camp organized by Global Football, will make the trip from Pennsylvania to Tanzania to complete the crew.
Umpire CHRIS FIVEK is an Instructor at Penn State University and has state playoff experience, including officiating in the state semi finals. Head Lineman TODD DESMOND is a high school administrator and teacher with state playoff experience and is a local association rules interpreter. Line Judge MARK ARMSTRONG is a Doctor of Medicine and a surgeon, while Side Judge JEFF HOLTER is a special needs educator and has state playoff experience, including officiating in the state semi finals.
Global Football President Patrick Steenberge noted, “I worked with Bill Lemonnier in Tokyo and have always been impressed by his work and attitude. Chris Fivek has been our lead official at Penn State for many years, handling the Fantasy Camp game there along with other high level events, and it is special that the group of men from my original home state are joining us in Tanzania to make history.”
Officials for the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl:
| Referee | Bill LeMonnier |
| Umpire | Chris Fivek |
| Head Linesman | Todd Desmond |
| Line Judge | Mark Armstrong |
| Side Judge | Jeff Holter |
| Back Judge | Mario Matos |
ҬTo receive information via email contact Patrick@GlobalFootball.com or call Patrick Steenberge on 817-219-7274. Full tour packages will be posted on the www.globalfootball.com website.
ҬSign up today for the exotic Tanzania tour please contact Anita Freeman with Anthony Travel: (866) 913-7169 or AnitaFreeman@AnthonyTravel.com or visit www.anthonytravel.com/globalfootball/kilibowl for details.
About Global Football: Headed by President Patrick Steenberge, a former Notre Dame quarterback and high school All-American at Erie Cathedral Prep. During the past 14 years, Global Football has produced football games in 18 nations in North and Central American, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Working partners include NFL, Super Bowl Host Committees, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Notre Dame, Penn State, Pop Warner, USA Football, and numerous Division III colleges as well as National Football Federations worldwide. www.globalfootball.com.