Football Camp in the Cape

A dozen Cape St. Claire veteran football coaches, some very special guest coaches and 130 boys ages 6-14 turned out for two days of intensive football training at the 2011 Cougars Youth Football Camp held last week at Bayhead Park.

The camp offered training for the first time players all the way up to the seasoned veterans. The campers were placed into small groups based on age as well as ability and each coach kept their group busy running drills, practicing plays and learning how to play both offensive and defensive positions.

The camp opened with a moment of silence for beloved coach Mike Bullock who was a friend and mentor to nearly everyone, young and old, on the football field that morning. Bullock, who passed away this month, had been very involved with the camp in past years.

The kids and coaches then were on the fields learning the specifics of football, and because of the low player-to-coach ratio, each player was able to get individual attention and instruction tailored to his needs as well as the needs of the group.

Jamar Chew was on the sidelines watching his six-year-old son, Amarian, practice throwing the football.

“Amarian couldn’t wait for camp, and he’s having fun but wants to learn how to win,” said Chew.

Ken Niumatalolo, Head Coach for Navy Football, and four of his players came out to teach the campers just what it takes to be a winner on the field. For two hours, the Navy players ran drills and provided maneuvers to practice.

This was Bianca Sell’s eight-year-old son Aiden’s first year playing football.

“There are a lot of very good coaches out here and they are really making them work,” she observed.

Another special guest coach was Wade Harman from the Baltimore Ravens. His lesson for the campers was more about character building according to coach Rob Donatello, who has been with the Cape football program for 15 years.

“Harman stressed the importance of school. He said that schoolwork should always be #1 and they should take every opportunity that comes their way to make themselves better,” said Donatello.

From former Governor Robert Ehrlich to Stan Gelbaugh, retired NFL player, each coach, whether visiting or with Cape St. Claire Recreation Council, had something unique to offer the group.

“They learned how to be better players, how to work as a team and how to pick themselves up when they get knocked down,” said Coach Danatello.