WS Chronicle

During the Chris Hairston Football camp last week, the campers participated in 7 on 7 passing drills. Photos by Timothy Ramsey

Last weekend, Carver alum Chris Hairston held his first football camp at Carver High School. With dark clouds threatening rain and the unexpected hiccups that sometimes pop up during a first year event, the camp ran rather smoothly, officials said.

Hairston

“I think the camp turned out great. We had kids from all over the community come out and I feel it was a great success,” Hairston said. “This year, I wanted to keep the atmosphere really relaxed. I didn’t want too many sponsors. I just wanted us out here playing football.”

During the camp, the kids were introduced to fundamental training techniques that were geared to enhance motor skills. The campers were shown footwork drills, how to catch the ball and how to warm up properly.
Seven-on-seven passing games were also a part of the camp to give the kids a chance to run routes and catch touchdowns.

Throughout the two-day camp, more than 150 kids attended the first Chris Hairston foundation camp. Photos by Timothy Ramsey

In total, over 150 kids attended the two-day camp. Hairston said he plans to add more for the kids to enjoy.

Hairston and the fellow counselors gave the campers solid advice on the importance of school. He explained to them his journey to Clemson University and how he was recruited for his athletic ability but also because his grade point average was really high. He told them that because of his grades the Clemson coaches knew academics would not be a problem and they could focus on getting him better at his craft.

Fellow Carver grad and Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Denzel Rice joined Hairston for the camp to show kids the importance of working hard. After leaving Carver, Rice went to Coastal Carolina and joined the Eagles as an undrafted rookie in 2015.

“I wanted to come out here and tell the kids to work hard. It’s not about self because this is a team sport and you have to pick one another up,” Rice said. “I want them to just win. By getting good grades in the classroom is a win. By making your parents proud is a win. Coming out to the field and competing is a win and if you do that, you can’t fail.”

Rice wanted to let the kids know that they have to be smart in all of the decisions they make going forward. He said that any wrong decision can lead you down the wrong path and put you in a bad situation. He said for those who have aspirations of making it to the NFL level, the biggest tip is to continue to work on your craft and trust the process.

After the camp concluded, Hairston gave out signed footballs to campers who showed skill, listened to the counselors and exhibited great sportsmanship. Jason Wall was one of the winners of the signed footballs. His father was very happy for him.

Jason Wall and his father David Covington after receiving a signed ball from Chris Hairston for his performance and sportsmanship.

“I am just proud of him because he is growing and maturing and doing the right things,” said Wall’s father, David Covington. “I think this stems from learning and being more into sports; he knows academics come first and sports come second. Discipline is the main thing I hope he took from this camp. Listening to your coaches and following directions is what it’s all about.”

Hairston plans to bring more NFL players in the following years along with motivational speakers. He wanted the campers to know that the road to the NFL is not all “glitz and glamour” and it’s very hard work to make it.
His advice to them was to understand that it becomes very lonely sometimes to make it to that level because it’s just you working to get better, and it’s all about what you do when no one is watching.