Yesterday, I spent the late afternoon at the Niles West Junior Wolves camp at Niles West High School. No, this is not the fall equivalent of my Paper Marlin experience, but I admit I got really excited and actually wanted to join in the activities. Actually, Junior Wolves Director and Coach Bill Pabst invited me to get an insider's look at the Junior Wolves this season.
At camp, Coach Bill Pistorius greeted me upon my arrival and we spoke about the camp and the team (see accompanying video). Coach P is very excited about the camp and is hoping even more youngsters join in the fun (he did not ask about my player eligibility however).
About a dozen eager youngsters took part in the two hour session. It started with simple passing-catching drills to warm up. Coach P, with help from Coach Mike Leakes, then lead the team through some running and agility exercises. Interception plays, running plays and tackling dummy drills followed.
The coaches kept things pretty loose and light, but stressed fundamentals and focus. The players listened and learned, without uttering any complaints.
This fits in perfectly with Coach Pabst's one guarantee for 2013, “Fun. For concerned parents who have not watched youth football, it is nothing like you see in the NFL or major college game. Games and practices are highly controlled, kids play against children their own age and size. Frankly, anyone who watches will quickly see smiles and horseplay are far more common than hard hits.”
Coach Pabst promises fun and last season, the fun included capturing the Central Suburban League crown with a 7-1 record. This was the second championship for this group, who steamrolled through the 2010 season not only undefeated, but barely scored upon, garnering national media attention from ESPN affiliates for its vaunted “streak” offense.
Scott Baum, Head Varsity coach at Niles West added, “It’s great to see these kids out here, being active, learning the sport, making friends and gaining confidence as they learn to compete. We’re very proud of what we are accomplishing with the Junior Wolves program. Each year is better than the last.”
After Monday's session and talking to the coaches, I am already looking forward to my next visit. I hope even more kids get on board, because this is going to be fun and rewarding.
The important dates to remember are:
August 1: Early Registration Ends, no guarantee of being placed on a team after August 1
August 12: Equipment handout begins
August 19: Practices Start
September 8: First Game
I encourage interested parents and kids to check out the Niles West website for more information. I also encourage you to check back here for updates as I experience life with the Junior Wolves.
