"Spiritville" Contest Gives High Schools a Chance to Win $10,000

"Spiritville," presented by Johnsonville, encourages high schools to show their team spirit, for a chance to win $10,000 for their athletic department!

News provided by

Johnsonville Sausage, LLC

Aug 23, 2011, 09:00 ET

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis., Aug. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnsonville Sausage today announced the launch of "Spiritville," an online contest that gives high schools across the country a chance to win $10,000 for their athletic department and also have a cookout with the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill.

Through the contest, students, parents and others nationwide are invited to nominate their schools by uploading photos, videos and a description of their high school's pre-game traditions. Nominations will be accepted at www.johnsonville.com/spiritville between Aug. 22, 2011, and Oct. 9, 2011.

"Johnsonville and pre-game tailgating go hand-in-hand," said Bruce Johnson, Johnsonville senior brand manager. "However, we also know each school and group has their own, unique set of traditions. We're looking forward to helping schools across the country celebrate those traditions, while also helping provide funds to help one school's athletic department take their game to the next level."

Each week during the seven-week nomination period, one school will be selected by a panel of judges and will automatically become a finalist school. In addition to becoming a finalist, the selected weekly winner will receive Johnsonville product and a grocery gift card, a total value of $500, for a cookout to celebrate their school's tradition, which could be used as a fundraiser to help raise money for their athletic department.

Three additional schools, selected by a panel of judges, will also become finalists in the contest. All ten finalist schools will participate in a video, produced by Athlon Sports and sponsored by Johnsonville, showcasing their school's tradition.

Beginning Oct. 17, 2011 and continuing until Oct. 28, 2011, fans across the country will have the chance to vote for their favorite finalist school. Those votes, combined with the school's scores from the nomination round and finalist video, will determine the winner of the $10,000 grand prize and a cookout with the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill.

"Whether it's new uniforms, travel expenses, tournament fees or something else, we know costs can add up for high school sports teams," said Johnson. "That's why we're thrilled to be able to help one school off-set those costs this year, as well as celebrate with the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill at the ultimate high school tailgate."

For more information, official rules and to nominate a school, visit www.johnsonville.com/spiritville. For tailgating tips, recipes and more, visit www.johnsonville.com.

About Johnsonville Sausage, LLC

Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links. Johnsonville employs approximately 1,300 members. Each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Flavor" of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today. www.johnsonville.com.

About Athlon Sports

Founded in 1967, Athlon Sports Communications, Inc., is a Nashville-based media company with two major areas of expertise: Publishing and Sports Marketing. Athlon Sports publishes preseason, single-title sports annuals, covering professional and college athletics, available on newsstands across the country. The company's newest venture, Athlon Sports, is a monthly publication that launched in October 2010. Athlon Sports Monthly is the nation's largest sports magazine with a circulation of nine million, via distribution in daily and community newspapers nationwide. Athlon Sports has offices in Nashville, New York, Chicago, Cincinnati and Atlanta. www.athlonsports.com.