By Kathie Scanlon
It may be only the first days of summer but football is in the air around town. The Lawrence Brigati Field at Haldane will fill with participants of the Philipstown Youth Football Camp June 23 through 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
For the first time, Philipstown Recreation is offering fourth through seventh graders an opportunity to improve their skills or to explore their interest in football if they have not previously played. Coached by Ryan McConville, interim varsity football coach and social studies teacher at Haldane, all campers will play all positions on defense and offense and complete each session with a 7v7 flag game.
Coach McConville, who was a linebacker for St. Lawrence University, explains that football is often called the ultimate team sport. It requires commitment, determination, self-discipline and self-sacrifice while also providing a sense of belonging. The five-day camp also provides a taste of the sport for parents who may have reservations about their child’s participation in football. Registration is still open; contact 845-424-4618 or philipstownrecreation.com.
Another opportunity for young football enthusiasts is the Philipstown Hawks, which is fielding four teams this year. Age and weight brackets and registration forms can be found at eteamz.com/philipstownhawks.
On Saturday, June 14, a 7v7 passing scrimmage was held at Carmel High School. Blue Devil starting and upcoming quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs hit the turf against six local high schools.
“It was good experience for us,” McConville said. “We did well this first time out facing live, high quality competition. We always can play better but it was fun to get out there.”
Scholar athletes
Blue Devil boosters have another reason to cheer Haldane athletes. All five of the spring season teams — Varsity Softball, Baseball, Golf, and Boys’ and Girls’ Track — earned the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Scholar Athlete Award. This award is given to teams who achieve a 90 percent average during the season’s marking period. Sixteen varsity teams for the 2013-2014 school year earned this award.
Photo courtesy Philipstown Hawks
