June 9, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Whether they are college players at the top of their game, or middle-aged football fanatics with a dream to play at Beaver Stadium - excitement always builds during the build up to game day.
On Wednesday, June 11, a group of 30 Nittany Lions devotees who are never too old to enjoy themselves on the football field will kick off the 2008 Penn State Football Fantasy Camp.
And they are excited.
"My son and I are really looking forward to the camp," said Roger Apple, a 56-year-old from Mechanicsburg, Pa., who along with his son Brandon (aged 26) will attend the camp as freshmen.
"I did have lofty dreams of losing 10 to 15 pounds before camp but that never happened," added Apple. "So I hope everyone will not be too hard on an old timer. It should be great just getting to see how PSU football works from the inside."
Someone who knows exactly how things tick within the Nittany Lions fraternity is Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson, who will serve as one of the guest coaches in State College this week.
"One of the great things about the Fantasy Football Camp that is breathless to watch, is how involved the campers' families are," said Johnson. "To see the eye of the kids when the Dad runs out the tunnel for the first time, it is really special.
"The game and camp is great, but the life relationship and friendships that develop are priceless. It is just a game but the passion for the game is special. I love it."
Joining Johnson as Fantasy Camp coaches will be fellow Penn State coaches Jay Paterno, Bill Kenney and Kermit Buggs and former players Kenny Jackson and Blair Thomas. Offensive coordinator Galen Hall will discuss Penn State football and offensive strategies, while assistant coach Mike McQueary will give a talk on recruiting.
For the third consecutive year, the eclectic group of young at heart football enthusiasts, whose ages range from 24 to 72, will put themselves through four days of practices and meetings before playing a competitive 60-minute flag football game in Beaver Stadium. The field where they faithfully watch the stars of college football excel during the fall will become the platform for a unique moment of football glory of their own.
From June 11-15, the campers will interact with some of the legends of Penn State Football, and dress in official team apparel for four practices. They will have daily use of the varsity locker room in Beaver Stadium, and will eat, sleep and breathe, just as the Nittany Lions football stars do during their season.
For some, the lure to play at Penn State is so strong that in the case of Eric Ratner, a 50-year-old third-year returning camper from Blue Bell, Pa., even hospitalization can not keep him away.
"I've had a slight set back and am having surgery to retrieve kidney stones," he explained. "But I should be one hundred percent by Wednesday or Thursday."
And for those who can not - or prefer not to - set foot on the field, the opportunity to see Dad, brother, son or even grandfather pull on a Nittany Lions jersey and live out the fantasy of being a Penn State football player for a week, there is satisfaction in watching from the sidelines.
"My wife, oldest daughter, brother and sister-in-law are coming to tailgate and watch me damage myself," said Jim Conroy, 56, who hails from Newton, Pa. "The glory days have returned."
The oldest participant will be freshman Doug Baxter from Bethel Park, Pa., who signs in at 65 years young, and is one of eight Pennsylvania residents attending.
"You are never too old to put on a jersey and become a football player again," said organizer Patrick Steenberge, who is himself a former college quarterback, having played at Notre Dame from 1970-71. "I never tire of seeing the look of excitement on the campers' faces when they see their names above a locker, or tread where Penn State legends have gone before them."
The unique Penn State Football Fantasy Camp experience is the ideal gift for that father, son or husband who has everything else! For more information, go to: www.PennStateFantasyCamp.com.