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Participants at the Ray High School NFL Football Camp.
On Saturday, June 14, kids ranging in ages from six to 18 were treated to the first annual Reagan Maui’a football camp, hosted by Ray High School. Former Arizona Cardinal Maui’a, along with his team of coaches, put more than 70 campers from area schools through exercises, drills, and scrimmages.
Reagan Maui’a was born in American Samoa and moved to California when he was in junior high. He attended junior college before transferring to the University of Hawaii where he played football. He was drafted in 2007 by the Miami Dolphins. He went to play for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008. He then moved to Arizona and played with the Cardinals from 2010-2012.
Camp started with a speech from the coaches and an opening prayer. Then the campers moved into warm ups. After the campers were stretched and ready to go they divided into groups where they were taught proper throwing and catching techniques. They were also taught blocking and footwork. The campers all participated in scrimmage games throughout the day. Scrimmages included a tough game in the 6-8 division between Team Mac ‘N Cheese and Team Waffles. It also included a tough match between upcoming freshman quarterback Cole Yocum and veteran senior quarterback Destry Yocum.
Closing remarks were a very inspirational talk from Reagan stressing the importance of prayer, belief in one’s self, and the importance of obeying your parents. He also discussed how important school is with all of the football players. Camp concluded the same way that it opened, with a prayer.
Throughout the day there was nothing but smiling faces from the campers and coaches despite the 108 degree temperature. The kids were treated to a snack at break time that was provided by Copper Basin Railroad. Lunch was generously provided by Asarco Hayden Smelter Complex. Smithco provided the Gatorades for all of the campers. Copper Net Systems and Sparklettes donated water and Nics Pics and Ace Pipe Cleaning also helped sponsor the camp.
Thank you to the following coaches who donated their time to the camp: Reagan Maui’a, Billy Avelar, Brad Walker, Chuy Garcia, Willie Jordan, Jay Wernett, Fred Cruz, Michael Hing, Jimmy Fessenden, Jordan Cruz, and Dominic Bravo. Also, a big thank you to the Avelar Family, who were instrumental in bringing the camp to the Copper Basin.
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