New Du Quoin football coach hosts summer camp for kids

DU QUOIN - The calendar only shows June, but there was a hint of fall in the air Tuesday as about 50 youngsters turned out for Day 2 of a football camp at Van Metre Field.

New Indians head coach Derek Beard was working with quarterbacks on how to field a snap from center.

Moments later, each camper was back in pass formation looking for an intended receiver. Some passes spiraled, others wobbled, but it was all part of the fun on this day.

There were also drills for running backs in which they had to run over pylons and then get hit (ever so softly) by two high schoolers holding pads, simulating the contact a runner would face in a game of tackle.

There were also receiving drills and lineman drills - something that matched kids of all sizes and athleticism.

"I think 50 kids (Kindergarten through fourth grade) is a pretty good turnout. This is the first kids camp we've had in a few years," Beard said.

"Next year, we will get the word out before the end of school and I'm sure we will have even more numbers."

Beard said he would not be hosting a summer camp for older kids this year.