Nearly 400 aspiring young football players punted, passed, “juked,” blocked sleds, tackled “dummies,” and ran practice plays from scrimmage under the expert and careful guidance of coaches and players hailing from the college and professional ranks during Morning Star’s Third Annual All-Star Football Skills Camp on Saturday, June 17.

In addition to lasting memories, the grinning and tired youth also went home with camp footballs and T-shirts loaded with autographs of the likes of San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Cody Pickett, new College Hall of Fame member Steve Emtman, Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien, NFL veteran George Yarno, former NFL quarterback John Friesz, Gonzaga Prep grad and now New Orleans Saint linebacker Steve Gleason…. and a host of other well-known football heroes.

During the day’s “half time” (also known as lunch), players and coaches were swarmed with autograph seeking boys – and many parents as well. Longhorn Barbecue fed the entire camp and beverages were provided by Coca Cola – two generous donations to the event which was held at Ferris High School on Spokane’s south side.

Washington State University head coach Bill Doba kicked off the day with an inspirational talk. His sentiments about hard work, a love of football, and doing one’s best were echoed throughout the event by other speakers and in the instruction stations as well.