Cape football teaches little Vikings proper way to play

Legends Stadium was full of potential legends June 24-28, as Cape football hosted a camp for third- through eighth-graders who hope to one day make the varsity team.

“I chose to come out here because I eventually want to get a scholarship for this if I can,” said Ondra Massey-Schizza. “I really want to advance my football career.”

Massey-Schizza currently plays middle linebacker and running back for her Pop Warner team. She is hoping to play at the middle school level next year. She said she prefers defense because it involves more hitting, a skill she was able to fine-tune during the camp.

“I learned to make sure to have my head on the correct side when tackling to make sure I don’t injure my neck or injure any other part of my body,” Massey-Schizza said.

Director of Player Development Dwight Tingle has witnessed firsthand how advancements in safety have resulted in growth, with nearly 50 kids coming out for his freshmen team the past two years.

“The National Football Association as well as different Pop Warner levels are doing a great job of teaching the correct way to tackle,” Tingle said. “We're heads-up certified, and we do our best to make sure we're teaching it the right way and enhancing what they've already began. It's just become a safer game – more people are wanting to play.”

In addition to proper tackling and safety within the game, campers learned the different drills required for each position. Brayden Whitten is headed into eighth grade next year and hopes to play for his middle school team. He prefers wide receiver, and he experienced what it takes to be successful at the one-on-one position.

“I did like running routes, learning how to run the different ones like Wawa and Alaska,” Whitten said.

The campers were not only learning from varsity coaches, but were also led by the varsity players they watch on Friday nights in fall. 

“It's very important for us to do this, because it's a chance for us to meet the young kids, get back to them, show them a little bit of fun around some football and give them good memories around football,” said coach Ben Ashby.

Adam Dayak said he enjoyed everything about the camp, including the drills.

“I picked wide receiver, and we did footwork and catching,” Dayak said.

Tingle suggests every kid aspiring to play varsity for Cape should try to come to the camp, establish a connection with the coaches, learn the ins and outs, and fall in love with the game at a young age. It also allows the coaches a chance to scout.

“It lets me know what's coming down the pike, because the majority of these kids are local kids, so I get to see what's coming,” Tingle said. “They get to see me and meet me early in another setting, without me yelling or fussing during the season.”