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Several well-known Bergen County football stars, most of them from Hackensack, will provide special skills training at individual positions for youngsters in grades 6 through 12.
Offensive and defensive linemen begin Monday. The following week (July 17) it's quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends and defensive backs. Then it's running backs and linebackers (July 24).
The camp is hosted by Lyndhurst-based Ascension Sports Performance, an athletic development company with a specialization in football founded by three Hackensack alumni and led by former Penn State All American Joseph Dawkins.
“Hackensack is a unique city,” Dawkins said. “We have a legacy and tradition here that is rare.
“When I remember the things that were accomplished on this field, it brings a smile to my face,” he said. “It’s our turn to give back.
“We are going to do everything we can to enhance the city and support the future superstars that walk the same halls I once did.”
Coaches include:
- Cedric Brown, LB/RB, Hackensack High, Rutgers Univeristy
- Kaliym Hazel, RB, Hackensack High, Eastern Michigan University
- Peter Donnelly, OL, Hackensack High, Rutgers University
- Ausar Walcott, LB, Hackensack High, University of Virginia, Cleveland Browns
- Cooper Rego, RB, St. Joseph Montvale, West Virginia.
A special closing clinic will feature Coach Greg Toal (River Dell, Hackensack, Don Bosco), who in 34 years accumulated an unfathomable 305-55-2 record and 16 state championships – five of them with Hackensack from 1992-96, including an undefeated season in 1994.
The free closing clinic will be open to coaches, players, parents and the general public throughout North Jersey at Hackensack High's Tommy DellaTorre football field at 1 p.m. July 29.
“Coach [Toal] took no excuses and made us champions,” Dawkins said. “He guided me as a player and a man, and I will never forget the lessons I learned from him.
“I’ll know I made a difference if I can positively affect the growth of just one player,” Dawkins added. “That’s what makes it all worth it.”
The clinics run from 1-3 p.m. beginning Monday:
- July 10-14: Offensive and defensive linemen
- July 17-21: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, defensive backs
- July 24-28: Running backs, linebackers
COST: $50 early bird special / $100 on-site
WHERE: Hackensack High School, 135 1st St., Hackensack, NJ 07601
CALL: Coach Joseph Dawkins at (201) 870-8487
EMAIL: ascensionspnj@gmail.com
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