LEARN FROM THE BEST
It’s no secret how proud Fort Wayne is of the University of St. Francis’ championship football team.
Each fall as never-to-be raked leaves pile up on the front lawn, the Cougar’s run roughshod through its MSFA Mideast League and streaks into the NAIA “Final Four” playoffs. The Cougars high-step through the tournament field, raking up dozens of points and hundreds of yards per game, swatting away opponents like a swarm of St. Mary’s River mosquitoes.
Nine times they have brought home the gold ball signifying the MSFA Mideast League championship. Then advancing to the NAIA “Final Four,” in six of the last eight years.
With won-loss record of 111-15 (.880), the best in Indiana, who better to instruct a future high school, college or maybe even pro football player than the founding father of USF’s Football program, Head Coach Kevin Donley.
“To Be the Best, Learn from the Best,” is the motto at Kevin Donley’s Football Camp. Participants were welcomed from area schools: St. Charles, St. John’s, Maple Creek, just to name a few.
Football season starts in late August and lasts through November.
But just like the higher levels of football, young players are getting chances to hone their skill year round. And in recent years, more than ever, players have a multitude of training options just minutes away from home.
“I gave my twelve year old son, Parker, the option of attending a football camp either at Notre Dame or at USF. He chose St. Francis,” said Scott Rudolph. “And so did his friends.”
The Kevin Donley Football Camp brought in players entering grades 4-8. Individual instruction and playing experience took place on the state-of-the-art Sporturf field in the Bishop John M. D’Arcy Stadium-home of the University of St. Francis’ Cougar Football. The three-day camp was held June 21-23 from 9am to noon.
USF Assistant Coach Patrick Donley (son of head coach Kevin Donley) and Assistant Coach Trevor Miller led the three days of instructions.
“We have kept our camp somewhat on a small scale so that we can give each participant the personal attention needed,” said Assistant Coach Patrick Donley. “They won’t get lost in the crowd here at our camp.”
Once on the field, learning the basic X’s and O’s and age-appropriate drills was just a start. The Donley coaching staff challenged participants to improve their fundamentals and endurance as well.
“When the kids go to these camps, it just reinforces what their high school coaches are teaching them,” said Donley. “Less basics to cover.”
Donley went on to explain, “Attendees learn about how missed blocks and route-running can make the difference between a sack and a touchdown.”
“The staff here is wonderful! They (Donley’s coaching staff) are great with these kids,” added Parker’s dad.
“And the boys want to come back, year after year. This is my son’s second year and his friends, too. This year I think there are five kids from Maple Creek here.”
Playing in shorts and T-shirts and without pads or tackling, each day the camp ended with a skills competition, one of which was called Cougar Ball. Catch the ball, take 3 steps, throw!
Understanding that the life lessons you teach athletes carry beyond the playing field, Donley said, “Really our goal is to take three days and get some general football in, but also, we want to make it fun for the kids.”
On the final day, there was an autograph session in which all campers had the opportunity to receive autographs from Head Coach Donley, assistant coaches and key members of the 2009 Cougar football team.
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