Great turnout for Stamps Camp 2014

Stampeders and Mustangs
C. Davis photo

Jenaya Launstein with Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Drew Tate, Rob Cote, Charleston Hughes, and Keon Raymond of the Calgary Stampeders  hosted Stamps Camp at St. Michael's School's Dale Wentz Memorial Gymnasium last Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3.  Athletes came from as far away as Fernie to attend.

Player backgrounds

Drew Tate  is starting Quarterback for the Stampeders. His 68% completion ration is the best ever in Stampeders history. Born in Baytown Texas, Tate established Texas High School records for completions, attempts, yards, and touchdowns.  He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes.  Tate joined the Stampeders in 2009. Calgarian Rob Cote played for the CJFL Victoria Rebels before joining the Stampeders in 2007.  He played his 100th CFL game on July 26, 2013. He's a Running Back and Special Teams player known for his outstanding blocking abilities. He won the President's Ring this year, as voted on by his fellow players.  Linebacker Charleston Hughes, originally from Saginaw Michigan, joined the Stampeders in 2008.  Last season he led the CFL with 18 sacks, just one shy from the franchise record.  Defensive back Keon Rayond earned the Presidents' Ring award in 2011 and 2012.  He's one of only 10 players with three career interception-return touchdowns as a member of the Stampeders.  He joined the Stamps in 2010.  He was a CFL West Division all-star in 2011 and 2012.

Charleston Hughes demonstrates a drill
C. Davis photo

Stamps Camp

The four Stampeders ran our players through several different drills and exercises. One drill, in particular, that seemed to be a favourite: two players would be defenders, and one player would have to carry the ball past the defenders to get a touchdown without getting tapped out. I noticed several players of ours had some serious skill in this area! Liam Nazarek of Pincher Creek got the whole crowd (and the Stampeders) cheering, by making a great play against the defenders. He took the ball, started to run left, and then narrowly avoided the first defender by swiftly jumping to the right. One down, one to go. He ran straight for the next defender, but once again escaped by making another unexpected deke. The crowd cheered, but it was the smile on the Stampeders faces that was priceless.

 

C. Davis photo

All of the kids looked like they were having a genuinely good time with the pro football players, which was really nice to see.

 

Rob Cote runs through a drill to show the Pincher Creek players what they need to do
Jenaya Launstein photo

I had the chance to speak with Drew Tate and Charleston Hughes about the camp. Here’s what they had to say.

“When you were this age, did you have any of the football players you idolized come do this kind of thing with you?” I asked.  “I didn’t have one of my idols,” Tate answered, “but we had some other players that did come. I looked up to them a lot, and listened to what they said and tried to show off for them.”

“Have you ever been to Pincher Creek before?” I asked.  “No, I’ve been through Lethbridge once, but never through Pincher Creek.” responded Tate,  adding he was disappointed that the snowy weather kept the visiting players from getting a better sense of all we have to offer in the area. Hughes hadn’t been here before either, but told me it was obvious that Pincher Creek residents have a lot of passion for their sports, and said he would love to return and be part of Stamps Camp here next year.

“How do you think this camp went?” I asked.  “I think it went great! It got better from yesterday to today. There was a lot of energy in here, and I think the kids had a lot of fun and really benefited from it,” stated Tate.  Hughes agreed, saying “It’s going pretty good! I can tell that the kids have learned a lot. We’ve taught a lot of defensive linemen and we’ve taught a lot of players how to play special teams and the importance of it. I think they learned a lot.”

I asked both of them if there was anything else they wanted to say before they left. Hughes said that they have a good thing going, but he hopes that even more kids come next year, and Tate added, “Go Mustangs!”

Stamps Camp concluded with dinner provided by Boston Pizza.  

The Mustangs appreciate long-time club President Faith Zachar
C. Davis photo

In an interview prior to Stamps Camp Mustangs Booster Club President Faith Zachar said the enrollment numbers look good for the upcoming Mustangs season. "We went to the mass registration event and we got nine at that point, and most of them are new. New PeeWees, new Bantams, new Seniors."  "Are you still looking for new athletes?" she was asked.  "Oh yes! Always!"

Stamps Camp is an important enrollment tool for the Mustangs teams. "It really is the first thing that we've done that's brought in new players," said Zachar. The ones who come are really impressed with the Stampeder players and learn a lot, and that's how we've been getting new players. We've probably been doing this for 12 years now, and we've gotten new players every year because of it."

Perks of the job: Drew Tate and Jenaya Launstein

 Spring Football Camp

Monday and Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m.

Starting May 5 and ending on May 21

Cost: FREE

Open to all students grades 4-8

Previous playing experience is not required so tell as many kids as possible about this and lets introduce some kids to the great sport of football. This is a no pads/no contact skills camp that emphasizes FUN.

For more information call:

Faith 403-627-7751

Wayne 403-432-0456

Lisa  403-627-2244

Charleston Hughes jersey raffle

The Mustangs are raffling off a signed Charleston Hughes jersey, to be drawn for at the first Senior Mustangs home game, scheduled for September 12.  Contact any Mustangs coach or representative to buy tickets.