West Salem students enjoy tailgate stop by Packers players visiting La Crosse area

The Packers tailgate tour through the La Crosse area made a stop in West Salem on Friday, with team president Mark Murphy bringing past and present Packer players to the school gym to greet students and faculty.

Murphy emceed the school assembly, talking about how the football club works to give back to the community, and raise money for good causes. Current players Tucker Kraft and Lukas Van Ness received many of the questions from the audience, being asked about their families or whether they have girlfriends.

Kraft told reporters that he enjoys being with the Packers, being based at Lambeau and meeting with fans. He said his favorite part of the public appearances is being able to meet with fans in smaller groups, and talk with them one-on-one.

During the assembly session, players also were asked about their favorite moments with Green Bay. They responded by citing playoff and Super Bowl wins, and speaking about being drafted into the NFL. The Packers encouraged students to focus on school, and find their college major, as well as treating others they way you would like to be treated. They finished the assembly by tossing footballs into the crowd.

Students described the Packers event as “awesome,” but also named other players who they wish had been at the West Salem stop.