Polson High sophomore launches football camp

Case Cox is not your average incoming sophomore. The up-and-coming football player is quickly becoming a voice for the Pirates as an underclassman, and with this past weekend's football camp it’s not hard to see why. 

Kids of all ages and from all over western Montana attended the first ever MTAG camp, but Cox was the sole participant who could say he was responsible for helping to start the whole thing. 

“I'm proud of him. I think it's all growth,” said Case’s father, Devon Cox, who is an assistant coach with the Pirates. Devon noted that his son is already working on how to make the camp better in the future.

The camp was aided by sponsors, the Polson football staff, and special guests who helped with drills. These included Sammy Akem, a standout wide receiver of the University of Montana, and former Southeastern Conference coach of the year Jim McElwain, along with many other impressive coaches and players.

“I've been so impressed in his focus about giving back to the community,” said McElwain about Case. “No matter what he does as a player, as a person, this guy's going to be successful in life.”

The camp was split into multiple sessions over two days with sessions for grades 3-8 and high schoolers. The camp combined a good mix of teaching through drills and competitions like tug of war, which clearly got everyone excited.  

While Polson made its presence clear, athletes from Ronan, Charlo, Thompson Falls, Whitefish and Noxon also attended.

The inaugural camp served the community in multiple ways, giving opportunities to learn the game of football in a fun, safe, competitive and encouraging environment. In addition, proceeds from the camp go to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a volunteer organization that serves kids who have experienced abuse and neglect.

Case described the opportunity as “awesome” and expressed his gratitude for the many volunteers who gave their time for the camp, including his family members.

“I had my 7-year-old pressing t-shirts, and we were just all in our little attic together doing all of it,” said Case’s mom, Lizzy Cox. "I love it.”  She also hopes her son’s passion for community will set a great example for his five younger siblings.

With a good cause, a dedicated group of volunteers, and the smiles on the faces of the campers as they ran around, it’s clear Case has done a good thing here that truly reflects the leader he will be in this community for years to come. 

    Standouts at the MTAG Football Camp were given extra prizes like water bottles and lanyards to go with their shirts. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

 Case Cox not only helped create the MTAG Football Camp but also participated in the High School Sessions. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)
  

    Former Pirate and current Montana Grizzly Braunson Henriksen shows a camper how to get in a stance at the MTAG Football Camp. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)  

    Incoming sophomore Case Cox helps get the tug of war ready during a competition portion of the MTAG Football Camp. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)