The basketball program had a youth camp in March. Baseball hosted one in April.
This summer, it’s football’s turn, and some 30 kids in grades K-6 (above) are attending the three-day camp. Sponsored by Community Education and held on the Dave Krenik Field, the second day of the workout was today (Sunday, July 9).
“We’re trying to learn the basics, like how to get a handoff, how to fake a handoff…doing things correctly,” said Derek Gibbs, who along with son Blake Gibbs, was coaching the first and second graders. “We’re also doing little bit of play calling, learning positions, getting them used to the game.”
Overall, the young athletes worked on passing and running skills, formations, game play and more as well as did stretching and conditioning exercises.
Coaching third and fourth graders were Matt Thompson, Ethan Rutz and Dan Pearson. Coaching kids going into grades fifth, sixth and seventh were Chris Roemhildt, Dan Schmidt and Todd Karels.
This fall, each grade from Cleveland, K-6 can have its own team in the Caswell Sports Youth Football League, which has its games at Caswell Park in North Mankato. The younger teams play flag football while third graders and older play tackle games.
The camp’s last day is Sunday, July 23.
Matt Thompson huddles up with part of his group.
Third and fourth graders square off for a play.
Third and fourth graders
Dan Schmidt instructs the older group.
On his namesake field, Dave Krenik gives his grandson, Blake Adams, some advice.
Second and third graders run through a tackling drill.
Conditioning was part of the camp.