Kids Learn 'Determination, Passion' at Football Camp

Summer vacation may mean freedom for area children but added responsibilities and stress for parents looking to keep their kids engaged and involved. If there is one adult who looks forward to this time every year, it is Pat O'Hagan, the head coach of the Wyckoff Raiders Senior Boys Football Program.

Last month, approximately 100 children came to Community Park, excited and ready to play, but few were as excited as O'Hagan himself.

O'Hagan said, "I think it's the passion we bring to it," when asked what separates the Raider camp from other similar programs. "It's a genuine love of the game and teaching. It's not babysitting; we work hard for three hours." 

For the past four summers, O'Hagan has run a weeklong football camp in July that draws a range of aspiring football players from second through eighth grade. Although the camp is comprised mainly of Wyckoff kids, players have hailed from neighboring towns such as Hawthorne, Glen Rockand Ridgewood, as well as West Milford, Butler and River Edge.

As the huddle disperses with a thunderous shout of "pride," O'Hagan's resounding voice can be heard above the rest. A vocal and energetic leader, O'Hagan has little trouble in conducting a camp that is spread out across the three fields of Community Park. He does everything from organizing his counselors before camp begins to encouraging the campers on a tiring day.

Although O'Hagan can certainly be boisterous at times, it would be impossible for him to personally coach each and every kid by himself. He finds help in his two brothers, Mike and Jim. Mike, who coaches for Glen Rock High School, and Jim, who is a triathlete, have both been with the camp since its inception. They each have extensive football experience, making them highly knowledgeable teachers of the game. To be able to work alongside his brothers enhances the enjoyment and pleasure O'Hagan gets from the camp. "For me it's a dream come true. They're my best friends in the world and are very accomplished athletes".

In addition to his two brothers, O'Hagan had a large and enthusiastic group of counselors working alongside of him. These counselors included many of the state championship-winning players from Ramapo High School, as well as some college football players. All of these counselors have one thing in common: they all came up through the Wyckoff rec program. O'Hagan said, "It's great seeing kids that I coached 10 years ago, now being my most trusted counselors. It means the world to me that they come back every year."

Campers received individual and group attention, enabling them to learn new skills. No matter what age, height, or level of athleticism, each camper was given the opportunity to try every position, both offensively (running back, wide receiver and lineman) and defensively (defensive back, linebacker and lineman). Unlike many camps, the children were able to determine which position they felt the most comfortable playing by testing out each one under the instruction of the counselors.

"It is the individual instruction that set us apart. Not to knock other camps, but some of them roll the balls out, and that's about it. There's not that same determination and passion," O'Hagan said.

In establishing a comfort with a particular position, each camper was able to prepare for the upcoming season for his respective town. But O'Hagan believes the camp helps kids prepare for the high school level, too.

"Have we prepared them for the next level at high school? Any kid I've asked that question to says we've prepared them for high school football. At the end of the day, that's important."

Campers were treated to a glimpse of high school football with guest speakers Jim Kurz, the head coach of Glen Rock High School, and Drew Gibbs, the head coach of Ramapo High School. The seventh- and eighth-graders also were given a taste of what it is like to compete in a combine. An added dimension to the camp this year was the trainers of Volt Fitness, who used laser technology to determine precise 40-yard dash times. O'Hagan said, "The combine day and Volt Fitness added a level of professionalism. We try to add something new every year."

In providing a competitive and fun-filled environment, the O'Hagan Football Camp left many children exhausted. O'Hagan said, "Parents love it, kids get home and they're quiet for the rest of the day."