Head Coach Will Young and Athletic Director and football defensive coordinator Travis Perry provided supervision of the camp. The camp is in partnership with the Greer City Parks and Recreation Department. The recreation coaches had their own camp later in the day.
The children were divided into different groups according to their grade rotated through a stations led by the players.
The children’s faces illustrated their awe of practicing with the Greer football players. Station to station the expressions on the children’s faces showed their inspiration. As the players embraced the role of the coach, the children became the students. The children absorbed the information like sponges. They would lock eyes with the players and listen intently to each word, soaking in every drop of knowledge. Oohs and aahs were heard frequently during instruction.
Malik Johnson (No. 17), a rising junior, connected with the kids. He appeared to bond with almost every child at the camp, regardless of age. Johnson appeared to be comfortable with teaching the kids while keeping their attention. “I think this camp is really good for the kids and I think they will get a lot out of it, not only by working with us but being able to come out here and just have fun,” Johnson said. He said camps like today’s was not available when he grew up but thought they would have been beneficial.
Reese Hannon, last year’s Greer quarterback and headed to Furman University, spoke to the youth at the end of the camp. As Hannon spoke the children were silent and captivated with his presentation. Hannon touched on subjects such as having fun while playing the sport. However, he emphasized the importance of respecting all elders. He told the campers to “clean your room; do whatever your parents or teachers ask you to do.” Hannon’s talk appeared to be motivational to many.
The camp gave the players and coaches an opportunity to send a positive message about morals and respect. In years to come, these children will be counted on to deliver the same message to the community’s youth.