University of the Pacific – Stockton, Ca. – June 19 – 21.  Players from the following schools registered for camp this week:  Central Catholic, Eagle Rock, El Dorado, Foothill-Palo Cedro, Linden, Maxwell and St. Mary’s-Stockton.  Nice to see some returners and a first welcome to Central Catholic, El Dorado and Linden!

California State University – Long Beach – June 24 – 26.  More players from Granite Hills got their registrations in this week bringing their total to 7!  St. Joe’s added some and welcome to new players from Gustine and Santa Ynez!  Coach Rick Stewart at Porterville say’s he is bring a bunch too!

All camp registrations are due on June 1st!

Are you going to be the one to take a Gladius home?  Do you have what it takes to win this sword of triumph?  Only one way to find out… LinemenInc Camps 

So how is it that we are so different and might I add so good?  Let’s put this in interview form using many of the questions posed to us by you.

Q.  How was LinemenInc Camps formed?

A.  When my partner, Dave and I were coaching high school football, we were looking for a camp to take our linemen to where they could improve their skill set.  Not a big man camp with tug-o-war and bench pressing competitions but a true skill and technique camp.  We found nothing in close proximity to California.

Q.  Aren’t their other camps out there that are working with linemen?

A.  Yes, but they don’t do what we do.  I’m not knocking anyone but facts are facts.  First, we average a coach to player ratio of 1 coach per 5-7 players.  That means lots of individual attention.  Attention to detail ensuring players get it done right.  No university camp I’ve ever been a part of can make that statement. 

Q.  Is LinemenInc a full contact camp?

A.  Many camps are just T-shirts and shorts, if you’re truly going to improve you have to mix it up.  LinemenInc is not a full contact camp in that we do not pad up below the waist.  Campers wear shells, helmet, shoulder pads and mouth piece.  However, in that everything a lineman does is above the waist and all of our contact is therefore above the waist, you could say we are a full contact camp. 

Q.  Still, in many respects, LinemenInc doesn’t sound all that different from a lot of other camps.

A.  Well, many of the other camps for linemen are just one day events.  LinemenInc camps are three days and two nights.  Players get seven, two hour practices including the one-on-one, single elimination, Gladiator Championship rounds.  We keep the kids busy from sun-up to sundown.  In the evening our coaching staff from all levels of college football, will speak on subjects like getting into college for an education first and athletics second.  We explain what a core GPA is and how it relates to a SAT or ACT score.  We’ll talk about junior colleges, NAIA, and all NCAA division levels.  Most importantly, we’ll talk about life and life choices, doing the right thing all the time.  LinemenIinc is very “old school” that way.

Q.  What does it mean to be “old school”?

A.  It means that while at a LinemenInc camp it will be, “Yes, coach.” or “No, coach.”  No ah-ha’s or naa-ah’s.  It means you will treat yourself, coaches and fellow athletes with respect.  It means you will be on time for practice, meals and meetings.  It means you will do the work without complaint and make every effort to succeed regardless of the challenge.

LinemenInc is not now nor has it ever been a “meet and greet” the pro type of camp.  We don’t have pro’s standing around to have their picture taken with you.  There is no autograph opportunity and we have no gear to throw at you.  LinemenInc has no product sponsor’s, no sport drink or food partner’s trying to get you to buy their product.  We are a hard working, nose to the grindstone, get it done, get better, get challenged linemen camp.

Q.  What if I’m concerned that you are not teaching linemen what I am teaching my linemen?

A.  First, we are not teaching man or scheme, that is the job of the individual player’s coach based upon what they run at their place.  We are teaching fundamentals: stance, get-off, hand placement, first steps, good form, and finish!  On offense we’re teaching drive block, reach block, down block, pass pro, trapping and pulling.  On defense we’re teaching presnap reads, gap control, pursuit, pass rush, push-pull, rip, club rip and how to defeat the double team.  We’re teaching confidence and self pride through motivational speeches, a ton of repetitions and a level of competition unequaled.

Q.  Is there anything else that sets LinemenInc Camps apart from the rest?

A.  Well, we also run a coaches clinic concurrent with the camp.  This is open to both youth football coaches and high school coaches.  We provide classroom instruction and hands-on field instruction for these coaches.  Just like players, coaches need rep’s too!  Again, it’s all about giving back to the game and improving the level of play either through the player or the coach.  It’s an opportunity to be challenged and to improve.

LinemenInc is a unique opportunity that only comes around once per year.  It is an experience unlike anyother.  Just ask someone who’s been there.  If you are a lineman or a line coach, take that opportunity to joins us this summer and improve!

Just 43 days until the first LinemenInc camp!  Just 24 days to get your registration in. . .

 

Second,  it is being a part of something greater than yourself.  Football, playing or coaching is a special fraternity.  It’s one of those things that bond men together in a common goal and enterprise.  It’s about the hard work and sacrifice made together to improve and be successful. 

Third, it’s gotta be the great looking T-shirts we give them to wear during and after camp!  

Through the years, LinemenInc has and continues to attract some of the best coaches in the game.  2009 is no different…  We are proud to list some of these fine individuals slated to work our camps this summer:

Jim House – University of Nevada, Reno

Gary Bernardi – University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Bill Bedenbaugh – University of Arizona

DeChon Burns – University of Texas, El Paso

Dave Tipton – Former NFL Player/Stanford University (retired after 18 years)

Irv Pankey – Former NFL Player/College of the Sequoias

Jeff Remington – Sacramento State

Micah Nall – University of Central Oklahoma

John Mannino – Texas A&M, Kingsville

Monterio Witherspoon – Langston University

Jon Teuscher – Northern Arizona University

Rob Gatrell – Former NFL & Arena League Player/Santa Rosa College

And there are at least half a dozen more that due to space you’ll just have to view on the other camp web pages.  Two of our former participants are now coaching in the NFL: Jim Michalczik/Oakland Raiders and Kerry Locklin/New York Jets.  In the past coaches from UCLA, Fresno State, San Jose State, Colorado State and South Dakota State have work our camps!

Want to try something different this summer?  Want to really be challenged?  Want to survive the most intense three days of your life to date?  Want to do the very best camp for linemen, the only camp of it’s type west of the Mississippi?  Then get out of the weight room and off the couch this summer and come to a LinemenInc Camp!

Camp Registrations for all LinemenInc Camps are due June 1st.

  

The draft signals the beginning of football once again.  Like spring brinning plants back to life, the draft rejuvenates us fanatics.  While the “Boy’s of Summer” are under way and cut through three other sport seasons while they run in circles around the base pads, we know football is coming.  Could the Super Bowl have been three months ago already?  Is it really almost May?

One of the things I like most about the draft is all the speculation by the so called experts.  The gaffs at what they think are stupid picks, the adulation over what they consider a great pick.  Some are obvious, of course but most, in my opinion, are just educated guesses.  The Detroit Lions took QB Jeff Belevansky, who is believed to be the very best QB prospect this year.  First round, first pick.  Good for him!  Anyone remember Ryan Leif?  What about Dan Marino going so late in the draft?  How about that guy Joe Montana who didn’t go until the third round in 1979?

The Raiders passed on the highly touted Michael Crabtree, immediately snatched up by the 49ers, and instead took Darrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland. (Go Terps!)  The pundits jumped on this and are still talkling about it.  They couldn’t slam Al Davis and the Raiders enough!  As I look back through the history of the draft one thing is for certain: Nothing is for certain.  I will admit it makes for fun TV watching these guys get all worked up.  Maybe they know football is just around the corner too and can’t help but get excited in their own way.  Time will be the only judge and provide the only verdict regarding the draft.  Time will tell. . .

Speaking of Time!  Hey!  LinemenInc Camp registrations are due no later than June 1st.  That is just 32 days away!  Our first camp is only 50 days away!  Stockton already has campers from Amador Valley High School, Antioch High School, Carmel High School, Davis High School and Madera South High School registered. 

Long Beach is filling fast with players from Buena High School, Corona High School, Eagle Rock High School, Granite Hills High School, Los Osos High School, Marina High School, Otay Ranch High School, Palmdale high School, and St. Joe’s High School in Santa Maria.

Shawnee, Ok. welcomes Aledo High School, Brownfield High School, Cassville High School, Cave City High School, Fishers High school, Raymond Peculiar High School and Rockwall-Heath High School.  Look for our ad in the Yype virtual magazine beginning May 12th.  www.vype.com

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”  Now is the time to strike.  Now is the time to take advantage of an opportunity and make something different happen.

May 1-2, 40th Annual Central California Coaches Clinic, College of the Sequoias.  On Friday night, May 1st, LinemenInc will host an on field three hour linemen clinic for high school players and coaches.  Assisting us will be coaches Bill O’Boyle and Walt Fletcher from Whittier College and Josh Darnell of Azusa Pacific University.  On Saturday, May 2nd, there will be class room clinics as well as some demonstrations for coaches only.  This clinic is a great way to great ready for spring ball in May and will include some great colleges coaches!  For more info please visit: http://www.centralcaliforniafootball.com/

LinemenInc Camps!  June 19-21, University of the Pacific, Stockton, Ca.  June 24-26, Long Beach State, Long Beach, Ca.  June 30-July 2, St. Gregory’s University, Shawnee, Ok.  Our first camp is in less than ten weeks!  We’re putting together some great coaching staffs for these camps and they are filling up!  Due to the economic times we all find ourselves in, the colleges are holding us to firm numbers on attendees and will be charging us for empty beds.  This means we’ve had to give them firm numbers of players and coaches coming to camp.  In order to avoid being charged for empty beds we’ve scaled back our commitments.  More than ever before, early registration is the key to securing your spot in camp.  When we reach our committed number of beds reserved, the camp will be closed to additional attendees.  On the positive side, LinemenInc is holding the cost of camp at last year’s price!

1st Annual Los Medanos College Passing Tournament & OL/DL Challenge, July 11th.  Here is a great opportunity to bring the entire team to an event of challenge and self improvement!  By mid-July most of the team and skill camps have been finished for weeks.  What better way to end the summer than with a tournament?  The location is great, the pricing most affordable!  For more info check out: http://www.losmedanos.edu/studentservices/athletics/foot.asp

Competitive Edge Football Camps.  Looking for a great team camp with lots of scrimmaging?  Then this is the cost effective team camp for you!  Coach Mike Carrozzo, camp founder, guarantees individual position training combined with numerous team scrimmages just as he has for the many years this camp has existed.  For more info on these great team camps go to: http://www.eteamz.com/cefb/index.cfm?

Whatever you consider for this coming season, have a plan.  Now is the time to start fundraising, not later.  Go where you can get the most for your dollar and still reap the greatest benefit for your players.  Wayne Gretsky once said, “You will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”  Don’t fail to take the shot to improve this year.  Make it happen!

Got a related football event you want to spread the word about?  Just leave an appropriate comment below and we’ll help you out.

 

 

Registrations for the camps have been rolling in and we’re very pleased with the response in these difficult economic times.  We’ve had many conversations regarding fundraising ideas and coaches and players have started their efforts earlier than usual this year.  It’s those extra efforts that always make things happen.  Be sure to check out our fundraising page here on the web site.

LinemenInc will be participating in the 40th Annual Central California Coaches Clinic, May 1-2, College of Sequoias, Visalia.  On Friday night, we will hold a linemen clinic for high school linemen and coaches.  This is a great opportunity to get prepared for May’s high school spring ball season.  On Saturday, coaches can attend numerous instructional clinics.  For more information on this great event check out,  www.centralcaliforniafootball.com.

Our camp coaching staffs are taking shape and we’re very excited to see many returning coaches as well as some new ones.  As is usually the case in coaching, there has been some moving around with our coaching alumni.  Jim Michalczik is now the offensive line coach with the Oakland Raiders, Kerry Locklin is coaching the New York Jets defensive line, Darrell Funk joins numerous other Ball State coaches at their new assignment at San Diego State and Monterio Witherspoon has returned to his alumni, Langston University, as the offensive line coach.  While I am still at Los Medanos College, I’m am pleased to announce my return to the dark side, coaching defensive linebackers and leaving the offensive line to Dave.  They deserve eachother… Check out each individual camp page here on the web site, to view the coaching staff at your camp.

Someone once said that insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over and over again in the same way, while expecting different results.  Right now is the time to change things!  Spring is the opportunity to prepare for the rest of the year.  This is the time to sow our seeds so we may reap the benefits this fall on the game field.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you don’t come to LinemenInc with your linemen then find another venue to take them to so that they maybe challenged and improve.  Find a way to get them out of the weight room this summer!

May you all have a great Easter season!

 

Just ask Tyler Kiel of Fishers High School, Fisher, Indiana, or Daniel Paiva of Brownfield High School, Brownfield, Texas, or perhaps Casey Fowler of Aledo High School, Aledo, Texas.  These three young men have already invested in their futures by being not only the first to register for a 2009 LinemenInc Camp but by being the very first to register for Oklahoma!  Welcome aboard gentlemen, we look forward to having you in camp.

Who else is going to be at LinemenInc Oklahoma?  While we are still assembling our coaching staff, I can tell you that Coach Micah Nall of Central Oklahoma University, Coach Monterio Witherspoon of Langston University, and Coach Grant Myers of Tabor College, are already committed and anxious for summer to arrive.  Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, get registered!

SPECIAL NOTE:  LinemenInc cofounder, Dave Reinders and I will have a booth at several coaching clinic’s over the next couple of months.  Please stop by and say hello if you will be attending the Nor Cal All Sports Clinic, Burlingame, Ca., January 29-31, Frank Glazier Mega Clinics, Tulsa, Ok., February 5-7, Santa Clara, Ca., February 27-28, or Costa Mesa, Ca., March 5-7.  You’ll want to pick up your free copy of the new poster and promotional DVD.  In Tulsa, you may also want to drop in on our clinic, “Coaching Today’s Lineman”.  Dave will also being talking about long snapping, a much overlooked part of the game.

Whatever your plans, stay focused and persistent!

The Oklahoma LinemenInc Camp will be held at St. Gregory’s University, in Shawnee, Ok. June 30 through July 2.  Cost for camp is only $295 per player and includes the three day camp, dorm room, meals and practice jersey, which is the players to keep.  For more information simply click on the “Oklahoma” button at the top of the page.

Coaches for Oklahoma:  Already committed to attend the Oklahoma camp are Monterio Witherspoon – Langston University, Micah Nall – University of Central Oklahoma.  Hoping to attend but waiting final off season schedules:  Darrell Funk – Ball State University, Gary Bernardi – UNLV and Rob Sarvis – South Dakota State University. 

Stockton camp:  University of the Pacific, Stockton, Ca. June 19-21.  Coaches to be announced.

Long Beach camp:  University of California, Long Beach, June 24-26.  Coaches for Long Beach:  Gary Bernardi – UNLV, Josh Darnell – Azusa Pacific University.  Many others to be added.

Three great camps gentlemen.  Plan ahead so as not to be caught short by the economy.  Fundraising should begin now and not later for all of your camps and off season needs.  Check out our fundraising page for some helpful ideas.  LinemenInc is holding its 2008 pricing for all 2009 camps.  So have a great and productive off season!

Merry Christmas everyone!

By clicking on the individual camp button, you will find the photos from just that camp.  You will also find camp dates, camp directions and the registration form for that individual camp.  You may also note some other changes as you navigate around the web site.  The promotional video on the home page has been revamped and improved, check it out.  The “alumni” button has been replaced by “Coaching Alumni”.  This is where you will find a list of all the college coaches who have worked the LinemenInc Camps.  Newly added, you will also find a video with some of our coaches talking about their LinemenInc Camp experience on this page.

We hope you will enjoy these changes and find that they provide you with more information in a quicker format.  LinemenInc is constantly working to improve both on the field and off, providing our customers with the best experience possible.  We are not satisfied to simply be the only camp of it’s type west of the Mississippi.  We strive to be the best camp west of the Mississippi.

Please take some time to look around and explore our improvements and feel free to leave your comments, the good, the bad and even the ugly!

 

 

OKLAHOMA!  Yes, LinemenInc is most definitely coming to Oklahoma, for the summer of 2009!  This is a huge undertaking with many risks but we believe the mid-west needs this type of individual training and we’re proud to provide it.  Dave and I will have a booth at the Tulsa, OK. Frank Glazier Mega Clinic, February 4-7, 2009.  If you are planning on attending, please stop by and say hello, so we might introduce you to our camp.  The Oklahoma camp will be held at St. Gregory’s University, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, just 30 miles east of Oklahoma City.  We’re still working on the dates but it looks like the very end of June, first of July.  Keep your calenders open, guys!

The current economic forecasts isn’t a very bright one.  Everyone is having to tighten their belts these days and we understand that.  We believe that LinemenInc provides a unique product to a select group of people; the high school lineman.  We also believe that poor planning precludes a possible failure.  That is to say, plan now for your future, so as to not be let down when your future arrives.  It’s like getting in the weightroom every week during the off season to be prepared for the season.  Start your fundraising now for your summer camps, seven months from now.  Waiting until spring in this economy will only ensure disappointment later. 

Web Site Improvements:  Along with some of the changes already mentioned, look for an updated camp video on the main home page, as well as a new video of college coaches testimonials.  These top rated coaches took the time at the end of camp this year to express their thoughts on camp and the product we are putting forth.  These improvements should be completed by months end. 

Yes, the season maybe winding down but many other things are just gearing up.  The best of luck to all of you with what’s left of your season!  Whether you are playing for a playoff berth or just pride, always make your best effort and never quit.  Remember, for the Gladiators of old, to quit meant surrender and death.  “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.” - Vince Lombardi

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!