Frogs Lead Clinic In Cleburne
7/25/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 25, 2009
CLEBURNE, Texas -- On July 19, three TCU football student-athletes were given the opportunity to instruct some of Cleburne's youth football players on the finer points of football, while having a lot of fun in the process.Along for the experience were my teammates Andy Dalton and Jerry Hughes. After we were introduced, we were given the reigns to the camp's drills, which proved to be overwhelming at first. We were quick on our feet, though, and used whatever equipment the gracious parent volunteers provided us.
Andy, TCU's starting quarterback, led his groups through various passing and receiving drills, while Jerry, TCU's starting left defensive end, and I, TCU's starting left tackle, taught the kids the fun and importance of playing in the trenches. I was surprised with how well the improvised drills involved the kids and kept them interested. We may have a future in coaching.
Footballs, cones, ladders, and blocking dummies were the tools of the day. It was a nostalgic feeling to watch how much hurling their bodies into soft dummies brought joy to the young men. It's a humbling feeling remembering where you came from and knowing not too long ago, you were idolizing older college and NFL players and hoping to one day be just like them.
When the day began to wrap up, the kids in my group and Jerry's still seemed eager to perform. I got the bright idea to bring out some competitive spirit in them by having two groups run a relay, with the losers doing 10 pushups.
We lined them up at the 25-yard line and had them carry a football to the goal post and back, handing it off to the next man when he returned. It was a blast watching and cheering as the kids gave everything they had to win.
Jerry's group won and, with much reluctance, my group and I assumed the pushup position and counted out all ten. I reminded them that you will fail eventually, but learning from your failure is more important than the failure itself.
After resting for a bit, Andy challenged Jerry and me to a long ball contest. The kids encouraged it as well, even though we were both linemen. We warmed up for a minute and began. The kids began loudly chanting each of our names as we stepped up to the opposite 20-yard line to throw. Andy was first and, as expected, launched his youth-sized football 80 yards. Jerry followed with an inspired throw, but fell short by 15 yards. My throw was well short of both and warranted laughs from the on-looking parents and staff. I think it's safe to say I'm a lineman for a reason.
The coaches gathered the kids at the near goal post as they took knees. We talked to the kids about our love of football, but impressed upon them the importance of keeping their schoolwork a priority.
They set up two tables for us with pens and posters, and lined the kids up who were more than eager to get autographs and pictures. We signed posters, cards, footballs, shirts, and hats for the kids and their parents. We insisted upon pictures as well because we knew how much it would mean to the community.
The generous Cleburne volunteers made our experience one to remember and we appreciate them dearly for letting us come out and help their kids. We wish them all the best this upcoming season, and hope to have their support as we go into our season.
Go Frogs!
Rising senior Marshall Newhouse is a preseason All-America offensive tackle for the TCU football team. He is pursuing degrees in advertising and public relations with a minor in art.
