Camp gridiron
Coach Kelly of Hardin explains techniques for passing to Rielly Weinbrenner, from Plains. Directly below, University of Montana Western Head Football Coach Rich Ferris hands off the ball to a Ronan player.
By Andrew Fish / Leader Staff
St. Ignatius High School's playing field was filled with "hups," grunts and the slap of pigskin in hands last Wednesday during the second annual Mission High-University of Montana Western Bulldogs' football camp.
The camp gives football players from area schools a chance to learn football from college coaches and players. Players showed up from St. Ignatius, Ronan, Polson, Charlo, Plains and Hot Springs.
The camp had three age groups — third through fifth grades, sixth through eighth grades and ninth through twelfth grades. This year about 65 young men from all age groups paid the fee to participate in the camp. According to one of the event organizers, Steve Woll, this is nearly twice the number that turned out at last year's event.
All the college players were originally from area schools, with four hailing from Charlo, two from Polson and one from Mission. Bo Herak, now in his third year as a corner with UMW was originally from Charlo and really enjoys coming back to his home area to help the players. "It's great to meet the kids and coach them up," said Herak.
One of the college players, Alex "Big Al" Morigeau, got his opportunity to play college ball because of last years football camp. UMW head coach Rich Ferris explained that in addition to drilling the young men in football skills, the camp gives the college coaches a chance to look at prospective players. "It is a way for us to get up here and do something," said Ferris. "It's a great opportunity for us to see kids that we might not otherwise see."
UMW defensive coordinator Travis Domser ran players through defensive drills, using descriptive metaphors to help them understand the concepts he was teaching them.
Like head coach Ferris, he appreciates the opportunity to teach the young men and see talent. Domser is also impressed with the camp overall. "Coach Woll has done a good job. He really spearheaded this thing," said Domser. "It's good for the kids."
Andrew Fish is a reporter for the Lake County Leader. Reach him at reporter3@leaderadvertiser.com