Frogs Make Mark With Keller Youth
6/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
June 19, 2009
KELLER, Texas -- On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit with kids at the second-annual Keller Youth Association Football Camp on their "Competition Day."
I was joined by teammates Jerry Hughes, Jake Kirkpatrick, and Tejay Johnson. We were able to teach the kids the proper way to block, tackle, and catch. We even timed them in the 40-yard dash. And to be honest, we were all pretty impressed by the times that the five to 12-year-olds were churning out. I think we have some future Frogs in the making.
Before we started the competition, we warmed-up with the kids and were introduced. Each of us players told the kids how long we've been playing football and what's our favorite part of the game. I was almost as shocked as some of the kids when I told them that I've been playing football for over 10 years. It's hard to believe that I started exactly where they are now.
After a couple hours of intense competition and some amazing displays of athleticism, trophies were awarded to a few kids that stood out at the different stations. I made sure to tell the youngster that won the trophy for "Most Hustle" to keep it up because working hard goes a long way.
When all the trophies were handed out, a throwing competition was set up between Jerry and Jake. With hundreds of kids and their parents watching closely, pride was definitely on the line for the two linemen. Jerry might be a consensus All-American but that didn't help him against Jake's cannon of an arm. Despite Jake winning in dominant fashion, Jerry was obviously the crowd favorite as chants of his name echoed throughout the Keller Sports Complex.
Next, we all sat down and signed autographs for the children. We signed posters, shirts, and even a few arms for good measure. Personally, that was my favorite part because we were able to joke around and interact with kids while they weren't competing. It's flattering to see how a simple signature brings a smile to their faces.
When we were getting our stuff together and about to head back to Fort Worth, a sister of one of the boys put a gymnastic show on display. Being the acrobat that he is, TeJay did a back handspring into a back flip that wowed everyone who was still there, only to be outdone by the little girl again. In disbelief, TeJay threw in the towel and the night ended on that note.
It's hard to say who had a better time, the little kids or us big kids. We had a great time teaching the kids fundamentals of the game and sportsmanship that will hopefully stay with them for as long as they're on the gridiron. We received many "thank yous" for coming out but the privilege was all ours. Thank you Keller Youth Association for having us out and good luck next season.
Go Frogs!
Curtis Clay will be in his junior year at wide receiver for TCU this fall. He is a broadcast journalism major and intern in the Horned Frog athletics media relations office.
