It has been a summer tradition for the Boise state football team prior to the beginning of fall camp.
The Summer Classic which pits the offense versus defense in a softball game and a home run derby at Memorial Stadium.
The festivities will kick off next month. Your captains for this year's game are quarterback Brett Rypien of the offense and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch for the defense.
Last year the offense won 12 to 4. Also, the defense had a spark at the plate with Joe Martarano who is playing for the Eugene Emeralds.
This season the defense will have another ringer with Mason Smith who has joined the team as a walk-on.
"Last year they thought they had Joey Martarano and they were talking all this crap and everything. I've looked at their roster it's going to be rough once you get out of the middle of the order. Mason is probably going to hit three home runs but you gotta have guys on base," said, Quarterback Brett Rypien.
"It's just fun getting out there with all the guys on offense and defense and competing with something different other than football," said, Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.
One the game is done fans will have the chance to have photos and autographs with the Boise State football team in the outfield.
Along with the Summer Classic, the team has also taken part in summer workouts with player-run practices.
Depth at the linebacker position is going to be young and with less experienced players.
With that said though Riggins Idaho native Leighton Vander Esch has made his case known to lead that group this fall on the field.
"He is definitely going to be a breakout guy for us. He's a freak athletic talent I don't think he has gotten to showcase all that he can do. That guy is our best player on the team right now. He works and not only is he our best player I think he is the hardest worker as well, in the weight room and just everything he does. He is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the next couple of years," said, Rypien.
