Annual youth camp nears with full roster of collegiate, pro players and coaches

BOGALUSA - One is a three-time Pro Bowl running back with a penchant for tying defensive players into knots on Sunday afternoons.

One is a bruising running back who has been punishing defenses in the NFL for five seasons.

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Another is a local star, a home-grown player who has taken his talents to the top of his profession.

Still another was a member on perhaps the greatest team of the Super Bowl era.

Plenty of common links can be found between Warrick Dunn, T.J. Duckett, Ronald Fields, and Dennis Gentry. All have played in the NFL, and all started from humble beginnings.

Another common link is their willingness to give back.

And from that willingness comes this year's Bogalusa All-Pro football camp.

The camp is an incredible opportunity for youngsters across Washington Parish to stand toe-to-toe with some of the brightest stars and coaches in the NFL and college ranks.

According to event co-organizer Bruce Plummer, a 1983 graduate of Bogalusa High School who went on to a great career in the NFL for Denver, Miami, and Philadelphia before taking his current duties as a scout with the Atlanta Falcons, the chance to bring football luminaries to Bogalusa is a privilege.

"We're just trying to show kids that they can make it," Plummer remarked recently. "These players have all been kids before and they made it. They will be able to share life experiences with kids at this camp, as well as top-notch football instruction. This is a chance to be on the field with some great NFL players, we just want kids to come out and have fun while learning a thing or two about the game of football."

In its fourth year, the camp has grown with each incarnation. More of that development is expected this year, as players from the NFL have signed on to offer premium instruction.

One of the camp's main drwaing points in its $40 cost, a paltry sum compared to similar camps in other areas.

"Where else can you hang out and learn from NFL players for $40?" Plummer asked. "This is a great opportunity for kids in Bogalusa."

The camp is open to youth in first grade through 12th grade, with camp attire being t-shirts, gym shorts and gym shoes.

The camp will have two divisions, splitting the campers up into grades 1-6 and 7-12.

Perhaps the main attraction to this year's camp will be three-time Pro Bowler Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons, a Baton Rouge native.

Dunn, who rushed for 1,000 yards this season for the third year in a row, should serve as the highlight to an ever-growing list of football dignitaries that will make the trip to Bogalusa.

"Warrick is excited about it," Plummer said. "He is from Louisiana and he loves to give back to the area."

Along with Dunn and the quintet of players from Bogalusa, other NFL greats who have signed up include: Sam Pettito, former recruiting coordinator for Grambling State University and current assistant at North Carolina; John Carter, graduate of Varnado High School and former fourth round pick of the New York Giants; Curtis Taylor, LSU safety and Franklinton graduate; and Frank Harry, who graduated from Varnado and plays at Southern University..

"We are just trying to get kids out to this event," Plummer added. "It really is a tremendous opportunity to come out and learn from some of the best players and coaches in the world."

Echoing Plummer's statements, event co-organizer Robert Smith, a BHS graduate in 1980 who recently returned to Grand Rapids, Mich., as director of player personnel for the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League, agreed that this camp serves as a unique opportunity for youth across Washington Parish.

"This is a chance for kids all over the parish to come out and enjoy time with these athletes. It's not just about Bogalusa, its not about skin color, it's about the future," Smith stated recently. "This camp allows us the opportunity to bring years of football experience right to the youth of Washington Parish, which in turn helps us to give more in the long run."

In the past, proceeds from the All-Pro Football camp have been used to supply weights and supplies to Bogalusa High School, Mt. Hermon, Bowling Green, and others across the parish.

"Kids need goals in life," Smith commented. "They need someone to identify with. We are proud of where we come from. I am extremely proud of Bogalusa. We are going to find the next Kendrick Allen or the next Ronald Fields at one of these camps."

For more information regarding this year's camp, which takes place in late June, contact Ken Martin at 750-2343, Michael Melacon at 732-3661, or Janola Walker, Jr., at 516-3433.