“Challenging Yourself is the Only Way to get Better…” was the slogan that adorned the back of the t-shirts worn by camp participants. Tim Burris is the founder of IronWill Football and generally holds his camps in Red Deer. With the assistance of West Central Rebels player Jesse Cooling and his mom Tammy, Coach Burris agreed to hold a pilot camp in Rocky June 19th-20th. Coach Burris is currently the defensive coordinator for the Red Deer Bucaneers. He was also a freshman starter on the 2002 Vanier Cup Championship Team. Joining him as coaches were Erik Glabic, CIS Athlete of the Year and current Quarterback of the University of Calgary Dinos; Atnas Maeko former player for the BC Lions and Hamilton Tiger Cats; and, Jon Braddock who played at St. Mary’s University in Halifax. The camp focused on the fundamental skills of football through sessions which included position specific skills development, drills, boot camps, and game play. Coaches took the time to get to know each of the players by name and built self esteem through praise and encouragement. Game play brought home the message of strong team work and the importance of communication between players.
“I am very impressed with the willingness of these athletes to learn and improve their skills. There is so much talent here,” commented Coach Burris, “some of the boys didn’t realize how talented they are.”
Coach Burris went on to say he noticed an improvement in the players over the two days and players showed “lots of concentration on the details of what they are being taught.”
Parents also expressed enthusiasm about the camp. “It’s awesome because they are learning so much about skill development and footwork,” said Kim Philips whose son Cody plays on the Rocky Bantam team. “I like the age group,” commented Brent Allen, whose 10 and 15 year old boys were camp participants. “It’s nice to have the one on one instruction from the coaches,” added Penny Allen. The camp was open to ages 8 to 18. Jennifer and Bill McLean came with their son Brent from Sylvan Lake. “Brent is learning all the basics and techniques that he needs to know,” said Jennifer, “I like how they encourage teamwork.” Christian Norrad who plays in Caroline said the camp “taught me a lot.” He added how sore he was after the boot camp. (A feeling shared by other players)
“Hard work but an awesome camp; learned a lot,” commented West Central Rebels player Chris Lubinkhof.
His fellow teammate Zac Siltala agreed adding “good skills, good people – memorable.” The camp proved successful in its’ intent as relayed by Rebels player Warren Allen, “Really hopeful; going to better our season.”
The next camp is full contact in Red Deer July 24th-25th. Players will be required to be in full gear. IronWill Football is planning a full contact camp in Rocky August 7th-8th. For further information visit their website at www.ironwillfootball.ca. For information about the Rocky camp, contact Tammy Shevalier at 403-844-4868.
