Penn State Football Fantasy Camp

28 players from ten states took part in the five-day event in State College

STATE COLLEGE, PA – June 16, 2009 – As the fifth annual Penn State Football Fantasy Camp concluded, 28 PSU college football fanatics returned home after successfully living out their dreams of being a Nittany Lions player on the hallowed field at Beaver Stadium.

This year’s camp was held from June 9-13 as campers aged 37 to 67 received hands-on instruction on the field from coaches Jay Paterno, Larry Johnson, Bill Kenney, Kermit Buggs, Mike McQueary and Galen Hall.

The popular series of college football fantasy camps offers Nittany Lions fans a chance to experience football where legends have gone before them – in the locker room, on the practice fields and on the hallowed field of Beaver Stadium.

“It was great to meet so many guys with the same passion for Penn State Football,” said freshman camper Rob Farr. “It was a privilege to wear the black shoes with the nameless jersey and play in Beaver Stadium. I will treasure the memories of last week for as long as I live.”

During the camp’s highlight – a contact flag football game played at Beaver Stadium - the Blue team pulled out a 16-12 victory in a contest that saw four lead changes. Adding to the authentic PSU football experience the players enjoyed use of the varsity locker room and training room use, saw their names on the stadium video message board, heard plays called by a public address announcer and were cheered on by a crowd of family and friends.

When players came off the field following the pre-game warm-up, legendary Penn State Coach Joe Paterno was waiting in the locker room to offer some word of advice as kickoff approached. He posed for individual photos, signed autographs, and told the men to “be careful out there, and have a great time.”

The five-day event was action packed as the players enjoyed a behind the scenes look into their beloved university. On the opening night, a kickoff dinner was held in the coveted Letterman’s Club with guest speeches by Nittany Lions defensive back coach Kermit Buggs and Student Athlete Academic Advisor Todd Kulka.

Also speaking at the dinner was former PSU player Bob White who was a member of the 1986 National Championship team and is currently in charge of hospitality and suite sales at Beaver Stadium.

The campers took part in four practices – two days of double sessions – where they were treated like true Nittany Lions athletes using the locker rooms before and after as they were taught every aspect of football from defense and offense schemes, game situations, and special teams.

At the conclusion of the second day, the group made their way to the Mount Nittany Club in Beaver Stadium for a reception and the all-important Blue/White team draft picks.

Penn State athletic director Tim Curley also spoke to the group, giving updates on what is planned at Penn State in regards to stadium renovations and the football program in general.

Former PSU players Keith Colin, Matt Rice, and Daryll Clark shared their favorite Penn State football and Joe-Pa memories with the camp attendees. The group also toured the All-Sports Museum, attended a Penn State Recruiting presentation, and toured the Lasch Football Building.

The night before the big game a dinner was held at the Nittany Lion Inn as Coach Larry Johnson gave an inspirational speech, preparing the men and expressing the magnitude of what they would experience on the field of Beaver Stadium.

Director of Football Branding and Marketing Guido D’Elia also gave an informative and in-depth talk where on how game day operations are staged with blending in music, lights, the large screen video and the Blue Band.

Following the game an Awards Banquet was held in the Beaver Stadium President’s Suite, where coach Jay Paterno gave the final post-game talk, complimenting the players on their dedication to Penn State and for their drive to stay young.

Former PSU player Rick Sayles also spoke to the group discussing his involvement with helping inner city youth through an urban garden project across the state of Pennsylvania.

All the freshmen received an authentic Penn State helmet, while sophomores were awarded camp letter blankets, the juniors were given camp rings and the seniors received letterman jackets. Game balls were awarded to EG Hamill and Ronald Hoch and everyone took home a team photo and game DVD.

On Sunday, following the wrap-up brunch, each man returned home with a duffel bag full of real Nittany Lions uniforms and apparel, and a lifetime of memories of playing for Penn State.

“The time together and the thrill of the game make life better for me,” said sophomore camper Dave Dell. “Thank you for the fun and for sweating together. I will relive the dream with the DVD and start thinking about next year!”

Alongside the successful men’s camp, Global Football organized the first-ever Penn State Football Ladies X’s & O’s Camp which sold out with 52 women participating in the inaugural one-day event on June 11.

Football fanatics interested in attending the 2011 Penn State Football Fantasy Camp or Ladies X’s & O’s Camp should contact Global Football president Patrick Steenberge:
Patrick@GlobalFootball.com / 817-219-7274.