RAMS COMMITTED TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

As part of the St. Louis Rams commitment to youth football, the club once again partnered with the National Football League to host the 2011 High School Player Development Camp. HSPD serves as a free resource for both high school players and coaches. The week long program emphasized safety and concussion awareness, character development and life skills, along with football fundamentals. Camp features included classroom sessions, on-field techniques, motivational speakers, skill development and time management instruction. In addition, each participant received a NFL HSPD student planner, NCAA initial eligibility requirements and SAT/ACT information.

Paul was privileged to be the opening session speaker during which he presented his signature program, “A Hero Within—Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders” to approximately 150 student-athletes gathered at Christian Brothers College High School.

St. Louis Rams Fan Development Coordinator Kyle Eversgerd & Paul

During Paul’s presentation, he urged the athletes to dream with courage, establish a positive course of action, be resilient when needed and unite a common bond on and off the field. Rams Special Teams Quality Control Coach Derius Swinton was the featured speaker on day two followed by members of the National Guard on day three.

Presented by the National Guard and managed by Kyle Eversgerd, Fan Development Coordinator for the Rams, the camp is open each year to anyone entering grades 9 through 12 and is free to participate.

Participants Preparing for Drills

With the assistance of staff from the Elite Football Academy, athletes ran offensive drills, defensive drills and focused on 7-on-7 plays during the on-field portion of the camp.

“Working with Kyle and the St. Louis Rams to bring character development training alongside the honing of their on-field techniques to student-athletes in the St. Louis area has been a real pleasure,” said Paul shortly after delivering his message. “Seeing the determination and focus in these young men’s eyes to improve their skill sets is a reminder not only of the benefit of the HSPD camp, but of the important work the Rams are doing within their community.”

The Rams will be hosting a second High School Player Development Camp at Belleville West High School June 20-24. From these two camps, the Rams will select 12 participants to represent their team at the NFL National High School Player Development 7-on-7 tournament later this summer in Cleveland, Ohio.

Student Athletes in Action

Spotlight

NFL HSPD

The NFL High School Player Development program addresses challenges facing high school football programs across the country focusing primarily on underserved communities.

The NFL's National 7-on-7 Tournament provides high school football players that have completed the HSPD program a platform to compete in non-contact 7-on-7 play against other top players from around the country. As an extension of the HSPD program, the four day event includes character development sessions as well.

This year's tournament will feature 24 teams from around the league and will be hosted by the Cleveland Browns.

For more information about the NFL's HSPD program visit NFLHSPD.com!

Expand Your Vocabulary

Cadence
kay-dents

1. The beat, time or measure of rhythmical motion or activity
2. A falling inflection of the voice
3. The modulated and rhythmic recurrence of a sound, especially in nature

Coach Markham observed the quarterback's cadence and stance as he went through several practice plays.

Pass It On

“To get what we want, we have to do more than what’s easy or convenient.”

Phil Ginsburg

“Standing up for my beliefs, no matter what, is one more way I define being a person of integrity.”

Kurt Warner

“I can't do it all alone, no one can. Whether it's sports, helping others, or life in general, it takes everyone working together as a team."

Reggie White

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FEAR NO CAREER

The Western Arkansas Education Service Cooperative Carl Perkins Consortia recently sponsored “Fear No Career,” a career awareness activity designed to increase awareness of non-traditional career opportunities in new and expanding occupations.

"Fear No Career" Students & Paul

In an effort to educate students on pay differentials, provide information on salaries, benefits, opportunities to advance and education requirements, and provide Career Orientation instructors information on preparing students for non-traditional careers, the main event featured Paul as the guest presenter during an outdoor career fair held at Paris High School. The event involved approximately seventy-five business & industry representatives and was attended by over 1600 eighth grade students from schools across the Western Arkansas area.

Paul Addresses a Packed Stadium

According to Jane Phillips, the Career and Technical Education Coordinator for the Co-Op, “I am excited and feel this has been a wonderful educational and informative opportunity for area students and teachers.” Echoing her sentiment, Paul said “It was a true honor to be a part of this dynamic event. These students will definitely have a jump-start on what to expect and how to search for opportunities as they begin making career choices.”

ENTHUSIASM FOR CTE

Education Service Center Region 12’s Third Annual Connect 3 Regional Career and Technical Education Conference was held recently in Waco, Texas. Connecting college, certification and careers, this premier professional learning experience assisted teachers, counselors and administrators to enhance their skills and continue building partnerships with stakeholders in the education of our future workforce.

According to ESC Region 12, “CTE is at the forefront of educational reform and is leading dynamic change that will positively impact students across the nation for the next decade and beyond.” Paul noted the dedication and desire of the conference attendees “to positively impact the students in their charge. It was a privilege to be a part of this cutting edge conference.”

Christine Holecek & Paul

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