CWS Sports DeskJuly 27, 2012
Stevens Point–The 2012 football season is just around the corner, and the SPASH coaching staff geared up by hosting their annual football camp at Goerke park in Stevens Point. The camp was held this week Monday through Friday from 2:30-4:30 for upcoming 3rd through 8th graders.
Head SPASH coach Pete McAdams, returning after a one year break from the helm, looks to be all engines go as he greeted the participants the first day.
“It is exciting to be back, and I couldn’t be more ready for the season.”
The camp was designed to have different themes each day. Monday focused on ball skills, Tuesday focused on blocking and tackling, Wednesday was devoted to speed and quickness and Thursday was building the team player.
“The number one thing we want these players taking away from this camp is for this to be a positive experience for the kids,” said McAdams, “This is usually their first taste of football for the year and that is so important to learn skills and have fun.”
Hustle was always expected and players did not disappoint– even in the hot weather– as they ran back and forth to get a drink of water almost all with smiles on their faces. The desire to be the ‘Player of the Day’ was plenty of motivation. Coach Chris Haka awarded four of these each day after practice. Coaches looked for hustle, enthusiasm and team play. Bennett Ksicinski, going into third grade, was awarded the player of the day on Wednesday.
“I worked hard and tried to keep everyone involved, it was a great honor to win,” Ksicinski said. You could tell Bennett was deserving simply by the sweat on his face and his great attitude.
Sitting in the stands, it was clearly evident that not only were these kids learning and working hard they were having fun. The coaches did an excellent job at creating an exciting environment that the kids can take with them into the upcoming football season. McAdams also noted that there were several dads that have been watching practices throughout taking information with them that they will use as coaches in the upcoming Youth Area Football (YAF) league. Some of the dads felt they were at a coaches clinic for themselves. Learning great no pad drills for things such as tackling and blocking. As the players left for the day, you could feel the excitement and buzz as they looked forward to becoming a SPASH Panther in the near future.
