West Valley hosts youth football camp

Megan McComas

CONDITION: Line by line camp participants take their turn in the calisthenics and conditioning drills.

“It is the right thing to do,” said West Valley High School Football Coach Greg Grandell about hosting the Second Annual Youth Football Camp held July 14 through the 16.

Most camp participants are part of the West Valley Jr. Eagle youth football program. However, coach Grandell said kids from the surrounding communities, including Redding, can participate in the program.

This year’s camp had over 60 participants. Coach Grandell says he plans to continue offering this program as long as he is involved and realizes the need for free or very low cost options especially in this economy. Camp costs are offset by the high school football program, according to Grandell.

Coach Grandell was very aware of the air quality and kept the camp mellow and low key. After a two-week postponement, the air quality and weather cooperated helping to make the camp a big success.

“The weather has been good to us,” said Coach Grandell.

Coaches for the camp included West Valley High School coaches and varsity players. The coaches rotated into the camp around their team practice schedules. Varsity players rearranged their own schedules, arriving early to complete their weight lifting programs and staying late to work the camp.

Camp included basic conditioning drills, quarterback and receiver drills, and O-line, D-line, and D-back drills. The last night of camp also included an agility game with the varsity players that promoted team work and conditioning under the guise of fun and laughter. Camp wrapped up with a barbecue dinner and swimming.

A two-word statement on the back of the camp shirt speaks volumes, Future Eagle. Many of the participants older brothers have played for the West Valley football program and these kids are looking forward to their turn. In the stands at the high school football games you see many West Valley Jr. Eagle jerseys worn with pride. Grandell and his coaching staff recognize these kids as future players thus acknowledging the importance of their involvement in the youth program. This camp provides a medium for enhanced camaraderie between the Eagles and the Jr. Eagles, which strengthen the bond between athletes and coaches, both young and old.