Thran to host youth camp at Barlow

Football at the Pac-10 level is highly competitive, with the athletes involved devoting year-round attention to their training and team. The summer months are when the responsibility falls on each individual to do his part. Despite the hours preparing for fall camp in the weight room and conditioning, the rest of the time is their own.

For Bo Thran and his fellow northwest players, it's also a time for giving back to the community. On Saturday, July 24th at Barlow High School, Thran and his fellow northwest college football players will lend a helping hand while also sharing their expertise and love of the game.

The 2010 Summertime Skill & Drill Football Camp is more than an opportunity to meet and learn football skills from some of the northwest's best college players. It's also an opportunity to help people in their time of crisis.

University of Oregon starting offensive lineman Bo Thran gave some insights into the purpose of the charity event.

"The goal is to raise as much money possible for the families of the victims of the February 12th shooting at the M&M Lounge in Gresham," explained Thran. "The camp is being designed for kids to come learn basic fundamentals of football from division 1 athletes, which is a rare opportunity for kids in Gresham."

The 2006 Barlow graduate has a personal connection with the families. "I went to school with the some of the victims children (Ashley and Cody Grahn, Thomas and Kelsey Hoffmeister, and Kayla Schulmerich) so I have wanted to do something to give back for a while," Thran said. "I have had the idea to do this camp as a fundraiser for a while, it just took some time to comply to all the bylaws that the NCAA has."

The camp is open to all kids. "I want to get as many kids there as possible," said Thran. "This definitely not just limited to kids that will attend Barlow or Gresham its open to anybody who would like to attend and support a good cause."

The camp is being run by former players Bo Thran, Brady Camp, Malcolm Johnson, Michael Plummer and some current Barlow players and coaches. Numerous other players from Oregon, Oregon State, Boise State and Idaho will be helping with the camp coaching as well.

Aside from football, Thran said it would also be a chance to have some summer fun. "I hope we convey basic fundamentals and techniques that will help make the kids better football players. But the main goal is to just come out and have some fun. The camp will consist of about an hour of drills, an hour of passing league type games, and then finish the day off with two competitions, a punt, pass and kick competition and a contest for the best touchdown celebration. "

Cost of the camp is $25.00 which includes a Camp t-shirt. There will also be a silent auction, which will feature autographed footballs and other items.

Thran emphasized that parents will have the opportunity to observe the action. "We encourage parents to stick around and watch their children (the camp is not just for boys, girls are welcome too). There are bleachers that the parents can sit and watch from or they are more than welcome to stand on the track around the field and take in what is being taught."

What: Summer Time Skill & Drill Football Camp

When: July 24th, 10am to 1pm

Who: Boys and girls entering grades 3-8

Where: Barlow High School Football Field

5105 SE 302nd Ave.

Gresham, Oregon

Pre-registration: RSVP TO PRE-REGISTER YOUR CHILD'S NAME & T-SHIRT SIZE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO SKILLNDRILL10@HOTMAIL.COM.