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Former Redskin players coach, inspire a new generation of players

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About 120 kids attend summer football camp

Watching your favorite football team and for that matter, your favorite player on television is always exciting. Kids dreams about becoming just like them, and any chances of getting there enhances their self-esteem.

Well that chance was made available to about 120 kids from the Gallup area June 14-16, and it was free.

The Washington Redskins Original Foundation Youth Summer Football Camp, in part with, Riddell Protect and Perform, the National Football League Foundation, USA Football, Footballs National Governing Body, and National Native American Law Enforcement Association, held its first ever football camp at Miyamura High School.

Eager high school and mid-school kids came out to learn drills, helmet safety, 26 shoulder tackling skills, and attend workshops, along with three former Washington Redskins players: Richard “Ricky” Ervins, Mark Moseley, and Ravin Caldwell.

Miyamura Athletic Director Linda Anderson said they were approached by the WROAF to see if the school would be interested in holding this first ever football camp at Miyamura High School.

“When I got the call, I was happy so I talked to all the GMCS athletic directors/coaches and all agreed this would be a fantastic opportunity for the area kids,” Anderson said, “The district helped in busing the kids from the surrounding area. This chance happening gets the kids more involved, and the parents. We hope to have better football programs like this for GMCS.”

Riddell Southwest Regional Manager Chris Houdmann, who taught helmet safety features, said he was surprised at the great turnout.

“Had a great turnout you know,” he said. “I’m surprise to see that many kids out here. It’s my first time out in this part of the New Mexico area, and I’m pleased to see this many student athletes participating.”

Often camps like these are held in bigger cities like Phoenix or Albuquerque, making it challenging for rural kids to attend. Washington Redskins Special Programs Manager Kendra Brown lobbied to hold the camp in smaller communities, such as Gallup.

“I had to explain to some of our organizers that if they could start holding them in smaller cities, the kids would come out and the fruit of their effort would show,” she said. “We have been embraced by the community and by the GMCS district … to us that is a success and we’re very happy.”

Mark Moseley, a Redskin’s kicker, from 1974-1987, also saw the need and knows it’s every kid’s dream to meet an actual player.

“A lot of the kids never had the chance to meet a real NFL player, so that’s why I’m here, and I know there’s a need,” he said.

On hand also, was former Redskins running back Richard “Ricky” Ervins, who stands at 5’7.” He said a positive attitude matters more than size. Having played with the Redskins from 1991-1994, he owes his success to his high school coach, who told him once that his size is no failure and for him to pass that story onto others.

“Once they see my stature, I tell them they can do it because they have crazy heart and then they really want to do it,” Ervins said, “That’s my story, and I want these kids to have their own story and to make it happen.”

He said he wishes he could reach more youth with his message, but if he just reaches one, it’s worth it.

“So why not come out and give my expertise to these kids? They have heart, they got soul, and all they need is teaching,” he said.

Another football camp is set for June 20, 21, and 22, in Fort Defiance, Ariz., with the Arizona Cardinals joining in.

For more information visit the website www.wroaf.org

By Dee Velasco
For the Sun