Fall camp begins at, in WCHS
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Electing to spend their camp at home this year rather than traveling to another site — as has been the practice in past seasons — coach Chris Madewell’s squad will spend Sunday night through Wednesday on campus at WCHS, spending their nights in the gym and going through all-day practice sessions beginning Monday morning and wrapping up on Wednesday afternoon.
Madewell, who is beginning his second full season as the team’s head coach, said there are many benefits to holding camp here at home.
“For one thing, it’s less expensive for the players,” he explained. “Going off somewhere to camp can get very expensive, and usually costs around $200 per player. This year our camp will cost each player just $20, with the booster parents helping by providing our meals. So that saves a lot.
“And another reason for staying here at home is sometimes when you go off to a camp — especially when you’re there with other teams, you start to focus on what other teams are doing, instead of on yourself. So by staying here together, we can focus just on what we need to be doing, and on making ourselves better.
The camp officially begins tonight, with “Pledge Night,” where players and coaches will discuss their goals for the upcoming campaign, and what is expected of each member of the program.
“Basically, there is a list of things they agree to do, on the field and off, and some general rules that kind of cover everything,” Madewell said. “They’ll sign it that night, and it’s going to be posted in the locker room to help them remember why we’re out there.”
Beginning Monday, the Pioneers will go through three practices each day, beginning with 2 to 2-1/2 hours of full-gear offensive practice each morning. Around midday they’ll return to the field for special teams drills, and they’ll return to full gear in the evenings for defensive practice.
After the work on the field is done each day, Madewell said the Pioneers will participate in nightly activities to help further establish their bond as a team, including inspirational talks from several guest speakers.
Camp is scheduled to end Thursday evening, and the Pioneers will hit the road on Thursday, traveling to Murfreesboro for a full day of work at Siegel High School. Warren County’s players will go through a joint practice session with the Stars Thursday morning, and Davidson Academy will join the mix in the afternoon for a three-way scrimmage.
The 2005 Pioneer football season begins Aug. 19, with a home game against Bradley Central.