CAMPS

4 Love of the Game has formed a partnership with the 14 Foundation and “Day of Champions” to offer a very invaluable experience for our Native American student/athletes. “Day of Champions” has assembled an all-star staff of former and current college/ NFL players and coaches, such as Josh Huepel, Rufus Alexander, Ken Heupel, Mark Rozen and D.J. Mathis to direct a highly skilled, motivational, and instructional performance, football and softball camp.

All three day camps focus on teaching the principles of successful leadership by setting the discipline, then establishing respect, trust and hard work. The results from these camps have been outstanding and the attendance continues to grow each year. Former Oklahoma Sooner All-American quarterback Josh Heupel and his father Ken had a vision to bring their “Day of Champions” football camp to the Native American youth in Oklahoma. Through a partnership with 4 Love of the Game organization, that vision became a reality with activities and events year around.

Our Native American student/athletes are just as talented as other student/athletes. However, there remains one area that has set them apart from our kids, specialized training. Specialized training that is not available in their area or is just too expensive. With the caliber of staff “Day of Champions” assembled, these camps would cost an average of $350 to $400 per person (excluding food and refreshments).

At the end of each camp the staff holds an autograph signing and photograph session for all the participants and their families. A new investment in the future of our Native American Youth we began this year was the Performance Camp. The strength and conditioning camp was led by Mark Rozen, a former professional athlete who is now a certified personal trainer that has advanced the careers of several college and professional athletes. In addition to the camp, athletes were able to stay in contact with Rozen throughout the summer by way of e-mail. The program is incentive based and plans are being made to take those who excelled and completed the “Day of Champions” challenge to an OKC Thunder basketball game.

The results of the eight-week program were exceptional and rarely do you see this level of improvement. For example: the average increase of flexibility was 1.6 inches; medicine ball throw to gauge upper body strength had an average increase of two feet; vertical jump to gauge lower body strength had an average increase of 1.7 inches; 40 yard dash had an average decrease in time of .46 seconds; and pacer test (cardiovascular conditioning) had an average increase of 6.2 lengths or 407 feet.

Our ultimate goal is to create a database of our Native American student/athletes and utilize it as a recruiting tool. If they commit to the program, we will commit to getting them a scholarship. Providing an opportunity for our youth to receive a college education is our goal!