Football camp is not for the faint of heart, mind or body

Although the day was extremely warm, it was not hot enough to stop the pint-sized gladiators of Marco's summer football camp.

Like their giant professional counterparts, the 6-to-13-year-olds, in full football gear chanted, "We got to get better," as the clashed at Winterberry Park on June 9.

Chris Metzger, Lely football coach, his staff, and players, were completing the first of a two-week football camp that ends Friday, June 16.

Metzger was pleased with the 36 kids, nearly half as many more than a year ago. he made sure there were numerous water breaks as the kids worked through 90-minute conditioning drills and a two-hour football practice.

"The kids are doing an awesome job," Metzger said. "The kids from last year are snapping it up and the younger kids look up to the older players."

Metzger, his staff and varsity football players, called out the young players' names as they ran drills, encouraging them and urging them at times to step it up. There were no helmets off, no walking when they were to be running.

"This isn't patty cake," Metzger said when he talked about running a drill.

Some real hitting took place and it was amazing how well the younger players blocked and made tackles.

Sammy Rigaud, who will play tight end next fall for Lely, marveled at the young players.

"They're excited about learning, it is fun to coach them," he said.

Metzger said his players were getting a chance to talk about leadership, to mentor the players, learning about what their coaches do for them.

"They know the kids look up to them," he said. "It is not easy to pass along information about the game and teach skills they've learned. They are enjoying the challenge of helping young men get better."

At that moment two of his players were walking to their teaching locations. Metzger began jogging with the youngsters and told his players to do the same, saying, "They will model us."

It doesn't hurt Metzger's program to be visible on Marco Island.

"Mike Snyder and the Eagles coaches do a great job in teaching Lely's system," he said. "We are trying to instill leadership, strong work ethics and how to work with each other, that will help them now and when they advance to Lely in a few years."

Then he turned to his young gladiators, asking, "Do we all need to get better?"

"Yes sir," they said in unison.

The participants were wearing the Marco Eagles football uniforms and equipment. Many of the participants are getting ready to play for the Eagles teams in the Miami Xtreme Youth Football League, with games beginning in late July.

The Marco Island Eagles will have five teams again this year, for ages six to 15. Cheerleaders are also needed. Contact Mike Snyder at 285-6677 or 389-0006 for more information.