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May 1997 Newsletter Article

Title: Summer Campers: Get your moneys worth this summer!

Author: Ray Lauenstein

Get Your Money’s Worth and More This Summer.

• Attend all practices, lectures and meetings.
• Ask a million questions.
• Keep a log and write down things you can use after camp, such as drills, technique etc.
• Introduce yourself to every coach at the camp. Ask them their name and what school they coach at. Write this information down and file it safely away for future use.
• Be yourself. It is natural to want to make a great impression in front of peers and coaches, but many times you will end up pressing and playing poorly. Do not try to be something you are not.
• Give 100% at all times.
• Sit in the front row at all meetings. Coaches notice this. It says you are a take charge person. A winner!
• Have fun but do not cause trouble. Asking you parents to pick you up two days early from camp is no fun!
• Get your rest. Camps can be exhausting and after 3 or 4 days you are susceptible to injury. 2 hours of sleep is not enough!
• Train hard for at least 2 weeks prior to camp. Taper a little and then be ready to pick it up at camp.  The pace at camps can be rough. You will get more out of it if you are in shape and not so sore that you can’t walk to the dining hall.
• Bring mole skin and Vaseline to treat hot spots immediately. Missing camp because of blisters really stinks
• Pack healthy snacks such as energy bars, raisins, dried fruit and crackers to eat at night. You won’t sleep well if you’re hungry.

Luckily their are not that many rules to look out for on your part. Most of the possible violations can occur from the coaches in attendance. Note however that you cannot have your camp fee paid for or reduced, unless it is a program or plan all campers are entitled to as well. 

Any senior football prospect (time from beginning of senior year to enrollment in college) is not allowed to attend a college summer camp, regardless of your intentions of enrolling with that school.

No coach is allowed to hold a separate tryout or pull you aside during drills to test you independently. As always do not accept money, calling cards or gifts from anyone. Do not sign any papers or forms without first discussing the contents with a parent or guardian.