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| Seventh grader Hunter Kimmel learns the importance of firing off the line of scrimmage. |
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July 21, 2010 - COVINGTON
Covington senior quarterback Jake Bitner hit the nail on the head when explaining what it means to be a Covington Buccaneer football player to the 60-plus youngsters at the conclusion of the annual youth football camp held at the Covington practice fields this week.
"It goes by so fast," Bitner told the kids. "Before you know it you'll be up here (in high school) talking to little kids about Covington football. Hopefully you tell them it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, because it really is. It's awesome going out there under the lights on Friday nights with your buddies and playing in front of a big crowd. There's nothing like it."
Bitner and his teammates know first hand how fast time goes by. It wasn't long ago they were learning the basics of the game as grade school kids at football camp. As a matter of fact, Bitner and the rest of his senior class were going into fifth grade when the camp was started eight years ago by former Buccaneer coach Kevin Finfrock.
"Playing football at Covington is awesome," agreed senior and four-year starter Josh Boehringer. "There's nothing like the tradition, playing for all the guys who played before you."
Covington has sixty-three years of tradition, where both Boehringer's and Bitner's fathers and grandfathers played at Covington.
"You may not know it, but many of your fathers, grandfathers, uncles, cousins or brothers played football at Covington," coach Miller explained to the kids. "The tradition here goes back sixth-three years (since 1947). It's a special thing to be a part of and someday I hope each and every one you you can experience what these high school kids are experiencing right now."
Sophomore Kyler Deeter's older brother (Zack Deeter), father (Kelly Deeter) and grandfathers (Tom Kimmel and Lou Deeter) all played football at Covington. Deeter, who started at safety last season as a freshman agreed.
"It means a lot to me to be a part of the tradition (at Covington)," Deeter said to the kids. "To wear the back and white and carry on the winning tradition means a lot to all of us (the current players). We don't want to let anyone down."
If athletic ability and the desire to compete is any indication, the winning tradition at Covington will continue for a long time as evident by the performance of the youngsters in each grade.
Through the three-day camp the youngsters went through drills to learn the basics of each position on the field - from lineman drills to skill position drills.
And throughout the three-day camp, the campers left a positive impression on the Buccaneer head coach.
"Your effort and enthusiasm stood out," Coach Miller said to the kids. "It doesn't matter what sport you play, whether it's baseball, basketball, wrestling or football, you always win with effort and hustle. You may lose to an opponent that's just better than you, but you'll never beat better teams without giving maximum effort. It's a proven fact that you get further in life by giving your best effort, so it's a good habit to get into while you are young."
Effort, enthusiasm and hustle was stressed from the outset and even the first and second grade kids picked up on it. The little guys were the loudest, most enthusiastic group - ignoring the heat and humidity and running full speed from one drill to the next.
"They (the first and second graders) are oblivious to the heat," chuckled Miller. "It's kind of funny. The older they get they start thinking about how hot it is, but these little guys could care less. Don't get me wrong, the other kids are doing great, but the little guys don't know any other way. All they want to do is play and have fun."
Which is what the youth football camp is all about, playing football and having fun - AND dreaming of the day when they become Covington Buccaneers.
