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Mini-football and junior high coaches will get a chance to get a early jump on the season in May at the inaugural Skills & Drills Football Coaches Seminar at Wilkes University’s Marts Center.
The clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, and is being organized by Greg Myers, head coach at Crestwood High School and a two-year letterwinner at Virginia Tech.
“We are excited about the first annual Skills & Drills clinic designed for mini and junior high coaching staffs,” Myers said in a press release. “I feel there needs to be more fundamental skills taught at that level, especially tackling and blocking, and the staff we have has the experience and success to properly teach the coaches these fundamentals.”
Myers will speak about practice structure and organization. Six other local high school head coaches are scheduled to be speakers, including recent hires Rich Mannello of Dallas and Mike McCree of Hanover Area.
Mannello, who was the head coach at King’s College for 19 years, will focus on offensive line fundamentals and drive blocking progressions. McCree, a former standout linebacker at Wilkes, will discuss correct tackling fundamentals.
Hazleton Area head coach Mike Brennan, who coached Mount Carmel to a state championships in 2000 and 2002, will also speak on offensive line fundamentals. Scranton Prep’s Nick Donato (quarterback drills) and North Pocono’s Greg Dolhan (running back drills) will also be on hand.
Crestwood assistant Don Flynn, who was a head coach at now-closed Bishop Hoban, will address wide receiver fundamentals and Wyoming Valley West assistant John Sharkus will speak on defensive line fundamentals.
“What’s different about this type of seminar is each speaker will also bring their own players,” Myers said, “so the coaches in attendance can see the skill or drill demonstrated instead of your traditional clinic where they only learn off the board or film.”
Injury prevention and care will also be part of the seminar. Dr. William R. Prebola, of John Heinz Rehab, will discuss assessing on-the-field injuries. Keith Klahold, Wilkes University’s strength & conditioning coach, will talk about proper warm-up and stretching techniques.
Cost for the seminar is $60 per coach. Organizations with eight or more coaches attending will be charged $50 each. The clinic includes coffee and pastries, lunch and soft drinks.
For more information, contact Myers at [email protected].