Kevin Vaughn and the Springfield football team have endured a long off-season, both in the traditional and non-traditional sense.
The team has been working out three days a week since November, which includes a break every six weeks. However, Vaughn was looking to try something different that would push his players, both physically and mentally.
On the last week of school, Vaughn held a “boot camp,” in which he had sergeants from the U.S. Army come to practice to conduct a workout. Four sergeants came out to work with 50 players.
“Recruiters always come in from the Army,” said Vaughn. “They asked if there was anything they could do to help out at the school. I asked them to come to practice the last week of school. It’s a good way to end the school year before the players get week off at the beginning of summer.”
Midnight Madness was also held the last week of school. It took place in the gymnasium from midnight to 2 a.m. Saturday, June 6, as way to kick off the summer. The focus was on drills, agility and weightlifting. About 35 players turned out for this event.
This was the first time Vaughn has tried both of these programs.
“It was a good challenge for kids and they’re more anxious to participate when something is done differently,” said Vaughn.
Vaughn also has the football team participating in more traditional events, like the usual two-a-day practices throughout the summer months.
During the week of June 15 to 19, Hoban hosted the NFLHSPD (National Football League High School Player Development) camp, with Summit County high school football teams. Held in conjunction with the Cleveland Browns, players are coaches by area high school coaches and the Browns send their rookie players to help with the event.
An all-star game was held at Copley High School on Saturday, June 27. Springfield players invited to play in the game included Dustin Moneypenny, Jerry O’Neil and Johnny MacIntyre.
There are several upcoming events for the team.
A pass and scrimmage will be held at Mogadore on Tuesday, July 7. Participants include Springfield, Mogadore, Tallmadge, and Manchester. On Friday, July 10, The University of Akron will host their annual camp, led by their head football coach, J.D. Brookhart. The team also has three scrimmages scheduled against Timken, Mogadore, and Tuskee Valley.
Springfield’s first game will be against Ellet at home on Friday Aug. 28 at 7:00 p.m., in which they will play for “The Shoe.”
