A new era of football in Tecumseh begins at the end of the month with the Indians’ new varsity football coach, Greg Dolson, introducing his style of play to the youth of the community.
Dolson has scheduled his first youth football camp at Tecumseh High School’s (THS) Indian Stadium for June 28-30 from 6-8 p.m. all three days and is hoping many of the participants also sign up for the Tecumseh Youth Football program, which begins August 22.
Age groups are incoming third through sixth graders.
Registration for the football program will take place during camp and also from July 11-13 from 6-8 p.m. at Indian Stadium.
The youth football program exists in conjunction with the Wolverine League to provide competitive contact football during the fall season. Registration takes place the same days as the camp.
Equipment needed for the camp includes a T-shirt, shorts and cleats. The cost of the camp is $45 and includes a T-shirt that allows entrance to all home athletic events, according to Dolson.
In addition to coach Dolson and his high school assistant football coaches, a few of Tecumseh’s former standout athletes will help instruct the youth, including Preston Pelham (Wayne State University). Dolson is trying to bridge the past with the future by introducing athletes and coaches that area youth can look up to.
“It’s a neat little way to kind of introduce ourselves to the community. Parents can see what we are about,” said Dolson, stating that the public is welcome to attend and watch the activities.
Hopes are having the workouts take place in the evening will make it easier on the participants. “We wanted to make sure our young kids are safe so we wanted to go in the evening when it’s a little cooler,” said Dolson. “Plus, really, we wanted it to be an introduction. We want the parents to be able to come and see our teaching. We want everybody to understand what we are doing and understand the game of football is safe.”
Each day of the camp will be a mix of offense and defense. The last day will include special teams activities and there will be competitions between teams.
“They’re going to get rewards for the perfect pass, perfect punt, perfect kick and things like that. Medals will be given out at the end of the day,” said Dolson. “It will be a nice introduction to the new era of Tecumseh football.”
The new Indians’ coach would love to see the Tecumseh Youth Football Program grow so he has a lot of players to pull from when they reach the varsity level. “We’ve really reached out to the elementary schools and to the lower levels about getting kids playing youth football. We’ve got to get those numbers up,” said Dolson.
The participating youth will be featured during a varsity football game at Indian Stadium when Tecumseh faces Adrian.
“Our little league will form the tunnel for us when we run onto the field,” said Dolson. “And then they will be introduced at halftime as well as youth campers and as the youth football league.”
The youth football coaches have been instructed that they are now Tecumseh Indians’ football staff members. “They are going to be speaking and teaching everything that we are,” said Dolson. “So really, it’s a third-through-twelve grade program that we are going to incorporate here.”
Dolson said he has approximately 18 staff members including the middle school coaches.
“I’ve made it a point of emphasis to get as many high-quality high-character guys as we could. So we have former military guys, we have former police officers, we have teachers, we have guys who have played at college and we have guys who have coached at college. So, I really think our staff is as good as any in the area, if not better. No disrespect to the others, but I really feel good about our staff and what we are going to do.”
Something that he wants to be sure the kids learn is that football can be fun. He said he wants them to know it’s not just a grind. “It is a lot of work but I also want them out there having fun,” said Dolson. “Because at the end of the day they’re kids. They are not college or professional athletes. They are there to play the game and have a good time and we want to make sure that we’re doing that for them.”
The cost to participate in the youth football program is $125 and includes a game jersey and equipment rental. All players must have a sports physical on file with Tecumseh Youth Football Program.
“We think that football is an experience it’s not just about the game,” said Dolson. “We want kids exposed to that experience because we really feel like football relates to life in a great way. The lessons you learn in football you can help take those lessons and become a better person. And that’s what we try to focus on.”
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 12:38pm
