Cheerleading priest raises spirit at high school football games

Published: 2003-10-27

FOLEY, Minn. (CNS) -- The hardest working fan at the Foley High School football game was trying to be a regular Joe. Never mind that the guy leading cheers, organizing a cartwheel contest and then actually doing four cartwheels was wearing a Roman collar under his blue sweatshirt and black coat. Meet Father Greg Paffel, pastor of St. John Church in Foley and the unofficial head cheerleader for Foley High School athletics. "I have come to love the people of Foley, and Foley has come to love their priest -- at least for the most part -- in a big way because I'm willing to be out in the public, doing things that they like to do," Father Paffel said during the fourth quarter of the Falcons' recent game against Tartan High School. It was hard not to notice Father Paffel at the game, won by Tartan, 21-20. He led students in spelling out "F-O-L-E-Y." He organized a cartwheel contest and introduced the five contestants. And when the students completed their cartwheels, Father Paffel took off his coat and did four cartwheels.

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