Kids learn football, life skills at camp
By Brian McInnis
Advertiser Staff Writer
The NFL is showing a strong interest in Hawai'i youth these days.
Photos by Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser
The league's Junior Player Development camp at Moanalua High School concluded yesterday, showcasing the type of up-and-coming athletes that have put the state in the NFL's crosshairs in recent years.
Moanalua High coach Arnold Martinez, standing at left, is appreciative of the NFL for funding the Junior Player Development camp.
Last year, the NFL granted Hawai'i three fully funded camps — normally reserved for cities with pro football franchises, according to Moanalua head coach and camp coordinator Arnold Martinez — on a trial basis.
Consider this year's six camps at various O'ahu high schools a ringing endorsement. Yesterday's camp wrapped up the first of the six, designed primarily for kids ages 12 to 14.
"We want to do this as long as we can do it, for as long as the NFL funds it," Martinez said. "It's free for the kids. I keep telling them and our staff, 'Man, I wish I had this when I was a kid.' "
The volunteer staff is made up of Moanalua's coaches, Pop Warner coaches from several districts, and 12 Moanalua football players. Most helped run the camp last year.
The 130 participants were divided into six groups and sorted by weight class for the duration of the six-day program. While Pop Warner restricts kids of more than 300 pounds, weight is not a factor in the NFL camps.
Each camper had the opportunity to try every position, learning aspects and fundamentals of the game that they might have never known.
The Junior Player Development camp, which drew 130 participants, ended with a spirited scrimmage.
"(The coaches) help you with whatever you need to do, and help you (keep) up with other things," said Joshua Murayama, 15, who will be a freshman at Moanalua in the fall. He added that he preferred defensive drills.
Parents watched and applauded their children whenever they made a big hit, catch, interception, or sack in the drills, which encompassed all positions.
"The coaches are doing exactly what I would want them to do, if I were out there playing," said Larry Robinson, of Fort Shafter, whose 14-year-old son, Micah Blackwell, had never been to a football camp before. "They really seem to take an interest in the kids and try to get to know them a bit."
Wayne Wills, whose sons Shayne, 13, and Hayden, 11, were camp participants, liked that their knowledge of the game would expand.
"It gives them exposure to the different facets of football," Wills said. "I'm very appreciative that they've both been able to attend this camp."
The best part of the package was saved for last: a full-contact scrimmage between groups of kids similar in size and weight.
"(The kids) get fired up," Martinez said. "It was sort of like the crescendo for them."
Some of the players were getting so intense that coaches had to calm them down — when the coaches weren't busy cheering on their group's campers.
Sportsmanship was the theme of the day — previous themes during the week included self-control, responsibility and teamwork — so players congratulated each other after the scrimmage.
Kainoa Terukina, 15, of Waipahu works on his receiving skills. Players had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of all the positions.
"The best part is getting to know new people, and improving yourself as a person," said Jesse Victor, 13, who will be a freshman at Moanalua.
To help get across the message, coaches cited players at the end of each day in categories such as, "Most Improved" and "Best Attitude." Martinez said he wanted to improve his campers as people, students, and athletes "in that order."
Each camper received an NFL jersey, ball, and duffel bag at the end of the camp.
"The passion is here for football; we want to extend it," Martinez said. "(The NFL) realizes the benefits."
Castle, 'Aiea, Waialua, Waipahu, and Campbell high schools will host the remaining camps this summer.
Reach Brian McInnis at bmciniis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8040.
