CASSOPOLIS — As the Southwest 10 Conference wraps up Patriot Games on Friday night, the Cassopolis Rangers and host Eau Claire Beavers will be sporting special uniforms to honor military members.

The entire week of games in the newly-formed conference has seen the soccer, volleyball and cross country teams wear special patriot-themed uniforms as Cassopolis, Decatur, Hartford, Eau Claire, Mendon, White Pigeon, Bangor, Bloomingdale, Centreville, and Marcellus competed against each other.

The original idea was to play a military game between the Rangers and Mendon, but the rest of the conference and teams wanted to be a part of the special week of competition according to Cassopolis athletic directory Matt Brawley.

“This means a lot to our community,” Brawley said. “We have had a great response and many of our community members have served in the military.

“I would like to thank the Southwest 10 Conference for all of the hard work it has taken to make this happen,” added Brawley. “Glen Sampson from Mendon and Shane Lausch from Eau Claire have been a huge help. Addix has also been extremely helpful with the jersey and guidance with Patriot Games.”

There was a total of 17 events this past week, culminating with the football games Friday night.

All varsity athletes will honor military personnel and veterans by having their names on the back of the special jerseys.

Families were able to sponsor football players for $75 and the other sports for $50. All funds raised will be donated to an organization chosen by each school. In Cassopolis, those funds will go to the V.F.W. post.

As players are announced prior to the start of competition, the names of the military personnel and veterans, along with the branch of the service they served, will be announced as well.