Youth train for football in heat of summer; next drill camp is Saturday

    The heat of July soon turns to the cool temperatures of fall and thoughts turn to football.
    The Aroostook Football League and the local area team – the Knights – already have football on the mind. Last Saturday, players, parents and coaches braved the heat and welcomed the new and returning players to the football field. The preseason camp, and ones to follow, are designed to help ready players for the Aroostook Football League’s first kickoff in September.  
INSTRUCTS – Knights’ coach Richard Cleary, left, instructs drills during AFL training camp last Saturday at the Maliseet Field. Next drill camp is Saturday.
    Sixteen players, many parents, volunteers and coaches unofficially opened the Knights’ 2008 season with conditioning exercises, a 40-yard sprint, football drills and skill position tryouts. Coaches, Brian Reynolds and Richard Cleary, instructed the new recruits on a number of techniques and gave advice regarding conditioning.  
    “It is hoped that the players will take the advice to heart and get out there and run and work on conditioning prior to the start of mini-camp in August,” said coach Reynolds. “Sometimes players show up, not having done much over the summer, and think they can get in shape during mini-camp and practices. While that is true, it makes camp a lot harder on them. A little running during the off-season can make a big difference.”
    Overall,  he was pleased with the turnout and with the new players joining the returning players.
    “I can’t wait to suit up and get into a game again,” said returning player Caleb Black, who finished first in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.88 seconds.  
    “We had a really young team last year,” explained coach Cleary. “A lot of freshmen really had to step up and they did.  That’s why we returned to the championship game. This year, those players have grown a bit and have matured. We are looking forward to another great season.”
    Another returning player, Canadian Ryan Pickel said “I learned a lot about football last year and I’m ready to show the coaches and my teammates how much better I’ve become. I can’t wait for our first game.”
    In addition to the drills and other activities, the players were measured for their equipment. Various administrative tasks were completed, including advice on safety, and the code of conduct for coaches and players was handed out.
    The Aroostook Football League has six varsity teams and junior varsity teams. The teams will play throughout Aroostook County and northern Penobscot. The championship game will be held the first Saturday in November.
    The next camp will be held at the Maliseet Field on Saturday at 2 p.m.