Going seven years strong, the annual Mike Gottman Youth Football Camp is bigger than it's ever been.
Durant High School's summer skills and drills camp, held June 5 through 8 at the high school's practice field, had 64 kids come through to learn everything they'd need to know about the game from Gottman and his coaching staff. Whether third-graders or incoming high school freshmen, they ran drills for every position and got to compete for awards in flag football.
“As much talk's going around about decreases in participation (in football), this is enlightening to see,” Gottman says. “It's a good group coming in, not only incoming ninth graders but little guys coming out and trying to learn the game of football. With all the worries about concussions and athletic injuries and stuff, this is a good sign.”
To ease concerns about player safety and help prevent as many injuries as possible, Gottman and the staff go beyond the X's and O's.
“We work real hard on strength and conditioning,” Gottman says. “Strengthening the neck muscles. Everything is on a safety basis.”
The head coach says campers learn about the benefits of proper hydration, training and choosing the safest equipment available. Gottman particularly focuses on the benefits of having the proper helmet, as he is a fan of Riddell's SpeedFlex model — the helmet with the impact-cushioning “flap” that is becoming ubiquitous in the college and professional ranks.
Campers also learn things that can serve them off the field and prepare them for a high school football career — whether that be at Durant or elsewhere.
“The camaraderie, the work ethic, the character, all the things that go into building young adults,” Gottman says, “it's what we incorporate in the camp … they're learning the game, but they're learning a lot of the things that we look for at the high school level. Character, going to class, doing the little things the right way and coming prepared.”