Participants in Free State and Lawrence High Schools' football camp run defensive drills on June 26. The camp ran from June 26-29.

About 10 years ago, having 25 kids at the Lawrence High School and Free State High School football camp was considered a good turnout. But each year, the camp continues to grow in popularity.

Last week, head coaches Bob Lisher and Dirk Wedd greeted 140 participants.

“The camp is focused on giving a good introduction to football,” Wedd said. “The kids can even pick a different position every day if they want.”

The camp for third- through ninth-graders ran Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Camp for third- and fourth-graders ended at 10:30 a.m.

Players were all divided by their position, whether it was quarterback or wide receiver. There were four stations for offense and four for defense with each session ran 15 minutes. Then as the morning progressed, on Monday and Tuesday, they worked on special teams and on Wednesday and Thursday, they played speed football and were able to get some games in.

“We want them to get better for the fall and teach them the fundamentals of the sport,” Lisher said. “The camp gets them thinking about football while they improve in their position.”

Wedd agreed, and said kids seem to have more opportunities to play other sports such as basketball and baseball, but not necessarily football.

“They’ve seen it, but for some this is the first time to be coached at it,” Wedd said.

The camp coaching staff included LHS and Free State coaches as well as some former players. Brett Lisher and Philip Weinmaster from Free State helped out, and Scott Penny and Devin McAnderson helped from LHS.

Participants in Free State and Lawrence High Schools' football camp run defensive drills on June 26. The camp ran from June 26-29.

Having the camp in the morning helped with the summer heat. And regular water breaks were taken as well to make sure the kids weren’t getting overheated.

Despite the hot temperatures, the football camp continues to give players a good idea of what football is all about, which makes participants keep coming back year after year.

“Giving these kids a taste of football is the most important thing,” Wedd said.