GRANTS - The Detmer Youth Football League All-Star Weekend was deemed a “success” by Stacey Corley, one of the organizers of the fundraising weekend. The young adoring fans' eyes lighting up at the chance to meet and talk with a professional athlete were a success of itself, said Corley.

Julian Martinez defended his pair of Professional Bull Riding tickets during the silent auction on July 13. World Champion Rider Michael Gaffney gave the young man a bonus for his diligence.BEACON / MARK TESHIMA

All tables were full at the dinner on June 13, and so were the attendees to the fifth annual event, held at the Best Western Inn.

At the dinner, Ruthie Bolton brought her three basketball Olympic gold medals in a display of her brilliant career. After a photo shoot, Bolton allowed the young fans to hold her prized achievements. She played professionally in the Women's National Basketball Association.

During the silent auction, youngster Julian Martinez stood by the pair of Professional Bull Riding tickets being auctioned. Anytime a bidder would up the bid, he was quick (with dad's permission of course) to top the amount.

World Champion PBR Michael Gaffney watched the young man in a cowboy hat diligently guard his prize until the final moments of the auction. Gaffney was so impressed with Martinez that he offered VIP backstage passes to the event.

Later in the evening, a Heisman Trophy Foundation check was presented to the area football league for $3,000.

DYFL highlights throughout the year were shown on the big screen before the auction. The generous donation was one of many Ty Detmer was behind on the evening.

Items in the auction ranged from a David “Big Papi” Ortiz “ used in game” autographed baseball bat to a helmet signed by 15 Heisman trophy winners. Jerseys autographed by their respective player were auctioned off as proceeds went to the league.

Athletes from both Laguna-Acoma and Grants High Schools were presented with honors and were displayed as DYFL “products, from start to finish.”

“I grew up in this town, I remember wearing pads that didn't tie,” said Isaac Gamboa, “now what they have is unbelievable.” Gamboa, a GHS grad, is now assistant coach for the school's football program.

Before Corley, Detmer and many others had worked together to raise needed funds for football equipment, the football league had to make gear last longer than intended purposes. With a $50 entry fee to the league, the cost for new gear was not possible for the city to post for years at a time.

“They've raised a considerable amount of money, I don't think we're going to have to buy any equipment this year,” said Grants Recreation President Dick Griffith.

Since those years, lighting has been installed on the field, grass conditions have improved and newer pads and protective gear are used. Corley said he hopes this year's fundraiser will help purchase extra amenities such as hitting dummies and other practice equipment.

On Sunday morning, a celebrity golf tournament was held for the other members in the community to get to know the professional athletes. Youngsters were allowed to join the groups and enjoyed taking a swing or two on the course.

A baseball and a football clinic were held on the Saturday with athletes attending as far as 50 miles away to be apart of the sensational camp.

“The turnout was phenomenal,” said Corley. “I've been to a lot of camps and these guys put on a good clinic.”

Children were seen laughing and high-fiving with the professional athletes throughout the fun-filled weekend. Thanks to Corley and countless help received from others, the young athletes from around Cibola County were the true all-stars in the weekend.