Fundamentals — Future varsity players had an opportunity to sharpen their skills this week as coaches led the always popular Greyhound Wardog Football Camp. (San Benito News/Ray Quiroga)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
Nearly 200 youth in grades seventh through ninth attended the annual San Benito Wardog Football Camp this week at Bobby Morrow Stadium and the adjacent practice facility.
After each of the four days, Dan Gomez, San Benito Greyhound head football coach and San Benito CISD Athletics Director, throws nothing but positive vibes at the young men as they huddle around him both on the hot stadium turf and the 70,000 square foot athletic practice facility.
Sweaty and still full of energy at the end of a grueling day that lasts two hours from 8-10 a.m., Gomez tells them how impressed he and his coaches are.
“We’ve been at this three days; if you know someone who hasn’t been here yet, tell them to come on our last day. They’re more than welcome to come and join us,” Gomez said.
The summertime camps have been a mainstay since Gomez began in San Benito in 2014.
He said there is sound communication between varsity and middle school coaches when it involves football and the progress it takes to be part of successful programs, not only among themselves, but with youth, even during the summer.
San Benito CISD has three middle schools at Berta Cabaza, Miller Jordan, and Riverside.
“It’s pleasing to see our middle school kids here and so active alongside our freshmen with strength and conditioning,” Gomez said. “If it weren’t for those gentlemen, we wouldn’t have these extraordinary numbers.”
The campers were divided among grades, schools, and positions.
Gomez said he has been heading this camp for so long that past participants have not only gone on to graduate from San Benito High School and college, but some have children of their own.
It’s a community that looks out for its own, and it’s evident, Gomez said.
“There are a few that we coached their brothers, and then others whose fathers we coached,” Gomez said. “The community has entrusted us to continue doing this. We have the best interests of their children in mind.”
Even after Gomez finishes his pep talk at the end of the day, assistants gather their “position players” to share invaluable information.
It’s commonplace to see assistants gather them for a group photo, too.
“They’re passionate about what they do: we’re fortunate to have good men working with our community’s kids,” Gomez said.
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