Football hosts Kids Clinic to provide interaction and education
Prior to the annual Central Michigan football spring game on Saturday, the Chippewas held their yearly Kids Clinic, allowing numerous kids to meet the team and participate in drills inside Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
“It’s one of our ways to give back to the community,” said Head Coach John Bonamego. “I think it’s awesome any time our student athletes get to interact with young kids.”
The event which started with an autograph signing and a locker room tour, gave kids eighth grade and lower a chance to get up close and personal with the team.
Aside from allowing kids to meet the team, Bonamego said this was an opportunity for his players to encourage the youth.
“We’re representatives of the university and we expect our kids to be role models,” he said. “This is a great chance for anybody from the community to come out and interact with our players.”
Bill Crane brought his son Mason and his two nephews, Austin and Caleb, to the clinic. He said he was pleased with the way players took them under their wings.
“The best part for me is the players’ interaction with the kids, and just watching them teach the game and have fun,” Crane said.
Crane said it was interesting to see a side of the football players that isn’t always available.
“You’re used to seeing them all intense on Saturday’s, but seeing them being relaxed and having fun with the kids is the best part for me,” he said.
Kids from all ages were able to step onto the field and show off their skills. There were several stations led by the CMU football players teaching kids how to tackle, catch passes and even show off their touchdown dance moves.
“It’s great for the kids to get the experience and see how our facilities are and get to interact with us,” said senior offensive lineman Kenny Rogers.
Rogers said the event reminded him of his younger days. He wanted to provide that same experience for the kids participating.
“It just shows them another role model for them to look up to,” he said. “When I was a kid, I really loved to be able to see a college football player. They were like my heroes.”
With increased scrutiny of football over the past few years due to concussions and the long lasting side effects, Bonamego said the clinic also provides free education for parents on how to better protect players.
“I think it’s definitely a concern in our sport,” he said. “We’ve come a long way in our sport and we’re continually improving in those areas. It really starts with parent and player education.”
Bonamego said with the help of scientific findings and increased education, he believes the game will be a safer experience for players at all stages.
“It wasn’t long ago when we played through those things and now since so much information has come to life, we realized what a serious issue it is,” he said. “We’ve put safe guards in place so we don’t unnecessarily expose any of our athletes and I think that’s just as important at the lower levels as it is at the college and professional level.”
