NFL Running Back Brian Leonard to host 2nd Annual Youth Football Camp

Brian Leonard Football Camps set for July 6-9, 2009 in Canton, NY

TOMS RIVER, NJ – (June 11, 2009) – Cincinnati Bengals Running Back Brian Leonard, a native of Gouverneur, NY and star player at Gouverneur High School and Rutgers University, has opened registration for the second Brian Leonard Football Camp. This year he will host a youth football camp near his hometown, in Canton, New York.  Leonard will be at the camp, providing full-time instruction along with a team of coaches.

Leonard was a two-time All State Selection at Gouverneur High School where he finished his scholastic career as New York State’s all-time record holder in points scored (696 points), touchdowns (107), and rushing (5,854 yards). He chose Rutgers University for his college career, where he became a three-time All American and one of the most outstanding players in the history of the Scarlet Knights football program.  He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 2^nd round of the 2007 draft, and he played two seasons with the team. In May 2009, Brian was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Brian understands what it means to play at the elite levels, and he has the ability to translate his playing experiences in Pop Warner, college, and the NFL to benefit the campers,” according to Shawn Kennish, President of Elite Camp Services. “He received excellent reviews from the participants in last year’s New Jersey camp, and we look forward to helping more young players improve their skills and increase their recruitment potential.”

The participants will be taught by top-level college and high school football coaches who will bring their expertise to camp to provide outstanding instruction and an opportunity for the players to demonstrate their ability. The camp will offer non-contact instruction with emphasis on improving each camper’s fundamental skills and an atmosphere that will encourage teamwork and self-motivation. 

The New York camp, for participants entering grades 1 through 12 in the fall of 2009, will open on July 6^th at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, and will close on July 9^th. The day camp will begin at 8:45 am and end at 3:00 pm, and will include instruction, skills drills, and game competition (non-contact). 

The roster of college coaches includes Troy Lassial, Running Backs Coach, St. Lawrence University; Chuck Leierer, Offensive Line Coach, St. Lawrence University; James Simboli, Wide Receivers Coach, St. Lawrence University; Matt Wright, Secondary Coach, Hamilton College; and Jake Dercola, Running Backs Coach, Utica College. The roster of high school coaches includes Sean Devlin, Head Coach, Gouverneur High School; Anthony Diagostino, Head Coach, Massena High School; James Kirka, Head Coach, Potsdam High School; Cory Marsell; Head Coach, Indian River High School; Matt Tessmer, Head Coach, Ogdensburg Free Academy; Austin Weakfall, Head Coach, Canton Central High School; and Justin Rich, Defensive Coordinator, Watertown High School.

Participants are advised to register early for the camp.  The registration fee is $225.00 per participant. Registration is now open and more information is available at www.leonardcamps.com. Telephone registration and information are available by calling Elite Camp Services at (732) 597-3126.  If space is available, walk-up registration will be at 8:00 am on Monday, July 6^th. 

All participants are required to bring a copy of immunization records and a Physical Form signed by their doctor showing they have undergone a physical exam after July 1, 2008. The required paperwork can be found on www.leonardcamps.com. Physicals taken before July 1, 2008 will not be accepted. The $225.00 registration fee must be paid in cash or by money order only; checks will not be accepted for walk-up registration. Participants must also bring a completed registration form to the camp and can download the form at www.leonardcamps.com.

Special transportation arrangements will be available for participants in the New York camp.  Laidlaw Buses will support the Leonard Camp by providing complimentary transportation for campers from Gouverneur High School to the camp site and back each day.  Participants can request more information and sign-up for this service at the time of their camp registration. 

The Brian Leonard Football Camp is owned and operated by Elite Camp Services of Toms River, New Jersey. Elite Camp Services will also run the Shore’s Best Football Camp in June, 2009, and their website is located at www.njfootballcamp.com. Shawn Kennish, President of Elite Camp Services is the Former Director of Football Operations at Rutgers University.

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