Penn State Football Fantasy Camp

STATE COLLEGE, PA – Friday, June 11, 2010 – A group of 52 Lady Nittany Lion enthusiasts arrived at Beaver Stadium for an 8am registration on Friday, June 11 eager to begin the first-ever Penn State Football Ladies X’s & O’s Camp.

The camp was led by current PSU wide receivers coach Mike McQueary with the help off the Graduate assistants Elijah Robinson, Travis Rundell, and equipment manager Brad ‘Spider’ Caldwell.

McQueary is in his seventh season on the PSU staff and also serves as recruiting coordinator. His work with the wideouts has produced a significant increase in big plays, unit development and record-setting performances.

“I had no idea what to expect or what to think coming into this camp,” said coach McQueary. “I was so nervous! But I have been delighted. These women have been great – they really pay attention and are eager to learn football.”

“What these women learned and executed in one day was awesome and unbelievable!”

The event was organized by Texas-based Global Football president Patrick Steenberge who also established the annual Penn State Football Fantasy Camp which is in its fifth year. This year the camp features 28 men from 10 states and will play in the Blue-White Fantasy flag football game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, June 12 at 1:30pm.

After the day’s worth of hands on instruction in the classroom, on-field drills and a inspirational talk from legendary PSU coach Joe Paterno, the women put their skills to the test in a Blue-White flag football game which was split with the Blue team on offense in the first half and the White team during the second each drive starting on the 40 yard-line.

On the first series, the Blue quarterback showcased some speed running the ball on 3rd and eight, as she got the first down and then some. The team continued to move the ball after with a shuffle pass to the running back gaining 15 yards.

But the white team tightened up the defense pressuring the quarterback for a loss of yards ultimately ending the drive on downs.

The white team continued their suffocating defense on the next drive forcing and recovering a fumble for the first turnover of the game.

With the game still scoreless, the Blue team got the ball again which would ultimately be their last possession of the game. The first play of the drive did not look promising as all the receivers were covered, but then the quarterback took off running for ten yards and a first down. After a couple of broken plays – Blue set up a running play on third and ten for their quick running back who ran for 20 yards and only had one defender to beat, but was stopped on the 20-yard line.

With time running out, Blue gave the ball back to the speedy Casey Brownyard who dodged players left and right scoring on a 20-yard run with time expiring in the first half as Blue went up 6-0.

White took over the ball in the second half, with their first drive having some close calls as Blue’s defense showed get reactions almost picking the ball twice. On 4th and 5, thed defense came out blitzing ending the opening drive of the half.

The White team got some momentum on the next drive, gaining 5 yards on the run and moved the chains on an impressive 12-yard completion. After three broken plays, White had the ball on the 25-yard line as Blue showed blitz but with a quick shuffle pass to Nikki Pekarsaki, she took the ball outside and cut in to find the end zone tying the game a 6.

In a fitting nature, the game ended in a tie as the women’s relentless enthusiasm and excitement throughout the day truly made them all winners in the first annual Penn State Football Ladies X’s & O’s White-Blue game.

Photos & player blogs will be posted on www.facebook.com/PSUFantasyCamp.com.

For information please contact Patrick Steenberge: 817-219-7274 /
Patrick@GlobalFootball.com.