FHS football camp attracts record numbers
Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/wrvn/Sports/4099/
Fayetteville football has set more than its share of records in 2007. The first state football title in school history along with multiple statistical records on offense are just a few of the Purple Dogs ’ feats this year.
Fayetteville football set another mark June 30-July 3 when it attracted a record 161 participants to its annual Bulldog Football Camp. The camp was conducted for kids grades fourth through ninth and was held at Harmon Field, home of the Purple Dogs. It was the secondstraight year the camp had set an attendance record.
One of those record-setting Purple Dogs, quarterback Blake McDonald, spoke to the campers about how a strong work ethic and dedication can lead to championships.
“ Blake talked to them about perseverance and not giving up, ” Fayetteville coach Daryl Patton said. “ We asked the kids who felt like maybe they didn’t get to play as much as they thought they should have and several raised their hands.
“ Blake’s a great example of a kid who didn’t play much in junior high, didn’t play much as a sophomore or junior, but didn’t quit. He could’ve easily given up but he didn’t and look how it paid off.
“ He threw for more yards than anyone else in Arkansas’ largest classification and he walked away with a state title. I think that really hit home with a lot of the kids. ”
Campers also got the chance to view the Purple Dog highlight reel from 2007 as well as the state championship trophy.
“ It was a great way for us to establish relationships with these kids and get them excited about playing football at Fayetteville High, ” Patton said. “ Once you get to know the kids, it’s hard for them to quit because we’ve made that connection and they’re excited about being a Bulldog. ”
The camp featured a strength and conditioning segment, which provided a chance for kids to learn the proper and safe techniques of weightlifting. The camp also stressed flexibility, plyometrics and nutrition. Stretching, agility and proper warm-up techniques were also addressed.
The campers broke into offensive and defensive groupings, where they focused on their respective positions.
The camp also highlighted the recreational aspect of football. The staff conducted a class on fast-break football and the campers competed against each other.
“ We worked with them on offensive and defensive fundamentals and we played a lot of fast-break football, ” Patton said. “ The kids showed great attitudes and we had great attendance. They had fun and it was a great way to spread the Bulldog spirit. ”
Campers also received free Tshirts compliments of the camp’s sponsor, the Penzo Group.
“ We want to thank all the kids who came out and the Penzo Group for making it such a successful camp, ” Patton said.