Junior Broncos Invade WMU Football
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The 13th annual Junior Bronco Day Camp was a big success with young campers learning the basic fundamentals and basic skills at each position.
Campers were able to interact with assistant coaches from all the various positions being taught. Though there was much catching, throwing, tackling and kicking going on, the main goal was to teach and have fun!
"We're teaching them how much fun the game is," said Rich Nagy, defensive coordinator. "It's nice to see the enjoyment on their faces."
Enjoyment was spread all-around the camp as all of the coaches were happy and excited teaching the game they love.
"It's great," said Tim McGarigle, linebacker coach. "Anytime you can get these young kids in and around WMU football, it's a benefit for both them and the coaches."
But the coaches had to realize that with fun and excitement can also bring the inability to listen as well. With kids aging from 8-13, the coaches learned that coaching takes a lot more than just skill and basic knowledge of the game.
"It's good that the kids are engaging with each other in another culture rather than just play video games," said Ryan Cubit, quarterback coach.
While the young campers are learning how to tackle right, throw the ball with a perfect spiral and kick the ball through the up rights, the coaches are also learning and adjusting as well.
"It helps me develop a way to communicate towards my players better," said Thad Ward, wide receivers coach. "If you can find a way to communicate with young children, and have them understand, then a collegiate player should too."
And when all is said and done sometimes the collegiate athlete, has a little kid in him too.
"Sometimes these older kids, can act like these young kids," said Cubit.
The junior camp starts the unofficial camp season for the Broncos. WMU holds eight different one-day camps over the next week and a half, with the last camp being held on June 28. Campers have to be within the ages of 13-18 who have not started the 12th grade yet. Camps are $35 if paid online and $40 by mail.
The camps will offer one-on-one instruction for every skill position along with the fundamentals of the game. Each camps start time is from 1-3:30 p.m. With camp season underway, the coaches are not only excite but ready for the experiences the campers will get.
"It's always important to give back to the community," said Lou Esposito, defensive line coach. "We want to give the kids the opportunity to become die-hard Bronco fans."
This is something the coaches want and love to see.
"We want them to be Bronco fans forever!" said McGarigle.
For more information about signing up for WMU football camps, visit www.wmubroncos.com/camps.
