Somerville Baptist Church will host former Florida State University head coach Bobby Bowden at their Tailgate Sunday September 23. The event will take place during the 10 a.m. service, and will also include special recognition of area players, coaches and families.

Ricky Clemons is the youth pastor at Somerville Baptist, and said this will be the fourth year for the event. “During the service we recognize local teams and families for their hard work and for representing the community. We always have a special speaker come in, and we are excited to have Bobby Bowden this year,” Clemons said.

Images courtesy of FSU Sports Information

Bowden will be available for autographs following the service, and there will be  tailgating activities across the street from the church. Clemons said there will be inflatables, face painting, food and more. The players are also invited to come in their jerseys to be recognized. “We do it because we want them to know we care about them and their families,” Clemons said.

Clemons said he is excited to have someone as well known as Bowden come for Tailgate Sunday. “Even though he is a well known coaching legend, he is also very well known for his faith. I think it is important for our young people to know you can be a success, and still be a man of faith with an impact,” Clemons said.

Clemons came up with the idea for the Tailgate Sunday four years ago while at his son’s football practice. “I was at a football practice, and when I looked around there were four different teams. I wondered if there was a way to get all these kids to come to a service,” Clemons said.

Somerville Baptist Church is located at 41 Main Street, Somerville, AL 35670. All local players, coaching staff and families are invited to attend. For additional information, Clemons can be contacted at 256-679-2916.