WILD-ER WEEKEND: EX-NFL STARS VISIT SIKESTON

SIKESTON -- All systems are go for the first annual James Wilder Celebrity Sports Weekend.

The event, which will raise money through donations for several Sikeston youth-related organizations, including the YMCA, the Higher Education Foundation and the James Wilder Foundation, is the brainchild of the former Sikeston High all-star running back who later went on to a standout career with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Featuring a number of former NFL players, the James Wilder Celebrity Sports Weekend will officially get under way tonight as Wilder, Ron Springs and Hugh Green will appear at halftime of the Sikeston-Charleston football game at Public School Stadium.

There will be a celebrity basketball game Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Sikeston High Field House, followed by a party at Jeremiah's in Sikeston.

Among the noted ex-NFL players scheduled to take part in Saturday's activities are Wilder, Springs, Green, Tony Dorsett, Everson Walls, Roy Green, Billy Sims, George Rogers, Drew Pearson, Archie Griffin, Pat Tilley, Mike Singletary, Jackie Smith, Ottis Anderson and Steve Owens.

The big weekend event will wrap up Monday with a golf tournament beginning at 9 a.m. at the Bootheel Golf Club in Sikeston, followed by a gathering for Monday night football at the Sikeston Ramada Inn.

"It's going to be a fun weekend," said Wilder.