Above: Jackson Meyer bounces over tackling dummies in a running drill.
First the heat index kept the Clippers’ annual football camp inside.
Then it was the air quality.
But by Friday the high temperatures subsided, the imported smoke from Canada dissipated, and the 45 athletes from grades 7-12 who attended the four-day camp finally got out of the gym and onto the field.
“In past years this would have meant camp was a failure,” said head coach Erik Hermanson. “But thanks to our new, large gym we were able to have full camp every night, and this year’s summer camp has been a great success.”
During the camp, which was held from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, the football players worked on proper techniques for blocking and tackling as well as good footwork and mechanics and ball handling skills, Hermanson said.
“Our goal is to teach our athletes the correct techniques and practice habits that will allow them to have success as they go through our program and also to help provide a love and appreciation of the game that they will have for the rest of their lives.”
In past camps the Clipper coaches worked with the younger kids during a different time slot and separate from the varsity. To foster team building from top to bottom, they changed that this year.
“We decided to meet all together and have the older kids learn to be mentors to kids coming up in the program,” Hermanson said.
Besides Hermanson, varsity coaches Kyle Atherton and Matt Miller operated the camp. They were helped by Adam Kunkel (CHS 2017 and GAC), Carter Kopet (CHS 2018 and GAC), Cade Olson (CHS 2018 and UW Stout), Tray Jones (a former Mankato West player and Cleveland paraprofessional) and parent Larry Walechka, who played Division II college ball at St. Cloud State.
Going into this week, many players had also been working out throughout the spring and summer, and the bulk up was noticeable.
“The team has had a great attitude and work ethic towards lifting ever since our new weight room and locker room have become available,” Hermanson said. “We have seen great progress from a number of players as far as strength and speed.”
Hindered because of players who couldn’t be on the field, the Clippers had a 2-4 record last season. They beat WEM and JWP.
This season, the Clippers will need to back fill key positions. Gone to graduation are eight seniors, all starters. They include quarterback Alex McCabe, running back Blake McVenes, receivers Isaac Mueller and Tyce Shook, linemen Cameron Seely and Jackson Gibbs and ends Eric Rohlfing and Ben Holden.
With the exception of St. Clair/Loyola, which is now 2A, the Clippers play all the same teams in the same venues as they did during last year’s truncated season. In addition, they take on host Wabasha-Kellogg in the opener on September 2, travel to Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop and host Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons.
Considering the arid summer, the field is in good shape with a little work needed on the edges. Walechka has been working hard to get it ready for the season.
The first practice is August 16th starting at 7 AM. Until then, the coaches expect all players to continue conditioning and lifting as well as work as a group.
“They will have multiple captains’ practices every week to stay together and to keep building our skills, our team unity and spirit,” Hermanson said.
Larry Walechka works with players on a blocking drill in the gym on Thursday. Running through is Cade Kriha.
Head coach Erik Hermanson hands off to back Tommy Kennedy during a running drill.
Henry Strobel dodges a defender during a play in the gym.
Adam Kunkel helps a younger player practice long snaps.
Jackson Meyer inherits the quarterback role this year.
A “younger guy” works his way through the running drill.
“Do some conditioning before August 16, or August 16th is going to kick you right in the shin,” said assistant coach Kyle Atherton as he debriefed players at the end of the last day of camp on Friday.