FB: Montgomery to teach at Preston Camp
will be on hand as one of the instructors at the 19th Preston Football
Camp Saturday. (NFL Photo)
Professional and college athletes, coaches and mentors who want to share their experiences and knowledge of the game of football will be on hand Saturday when the 19th Annual Preston Football Camp comes to Center.
The one-day mini-camp will take place at Center High School's Roughrider Stadium. Pre-registration continues this week by calling camp organizer Dwight Preston at (936) 598-2470. Individuals who are between the ages of 8 and 18 can also register beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the stadium. The cost per athlete is $40.
Preston promises it will be a great opportunity for athletes to learn more about the game of football, no matter what the position the individual wants to play. Attendees are asked to wear tennis shoes or cleats, shirts, shorts and caps are also allowed for the non-contact teaching camp.
The camp will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. and run through 2 p.m., according to Preston. Although a lunch will not be served, there will be fruits, sun screen, water and other energy drinks provided to keep campers hydrated and energized.
"We have a variety of techniques to teach the campers in every position about the game of football," Preston said this week. "We'll be working on offensive positions and defensive positions, and even have a segment on special teams. We'll be working on all positions to make sure each kid has the opportunity to learn about whatever position he or she is interested in."
Preston added that there will be some testing of athletes, such as running the 40-yard dash. There will be other 'surprises' in store for those in attendance, as he promises it will be not only an enjoyable time for those who attend, but also a great learning experience.
"I try to cover every position with someone teaching the area that has experience and expertise so that the campers can go away from the camp having learned something they can take to their respective fall workouts and use at the 'next level,'" Preston explained.
Coaches at this year's camp will feature a 'star-studded' list of those who have helped the Preston in the past and have accomplished great things in their personal careers.
Michael Montgomery - Minnesota Vikings (NFL)
Former Center Roughrider and Green Bay Packer Michael Montgomery leads the list of coaches who will be on hand. The 26-year old Montgomery spent the previous five years with the Packers before signing with Minnesota this off-season.
The 6-5, 282-pound defensive end from Texas A&M didn't have a big 2009, seeing limited action in 10 games, but finished with a career-high 59 tackles in the 2008 season for the Pack. He has 123 career tackles, including 87 solos.
Robert Richards - West Texas Roughnecks (IFL) / West Texas Wranglers
Former Center Roughrider and State powerlifting champion Robert Richards will join the coaches on hand. He played football at the University of Southern Arkansas and also the former Odessa - now West Texas - Roughnecks of the Indoor Football League (IFL).
Richards now plays semi-professional football for the West Texas Wranglers.
Kendall Hill - Chicago Bears / Edmonton Eskimos
A former player in two professional leagues, Nacogdoches native Kendall Hill will join the cast of outstanding coaches.
Hill attended Southern Arkansas University, and then went on to play for the Chicago Bears of the NFL and then the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Hill is now the Middle School Athletic Director at Seagoville of the Dallas ISD.
Derrick Ross - University of Texas at El Paso / Arizona Cardinals
Derrick Ross played college football at Division I University of Texas at El Paso. He later signed a free agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
Ross also played in Arena Football League 1, before moving on to play with Richards with the semi-pro West Texas Wranglers.
Vincent Cartwright - Tennessee Titans
Former Tennessee Titan and Shelbyville Dragon Vincent Cartwright might be on hand Saturday. Cartwright was a SHS graduate, who went on to play football at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville before signing a free agent contract with the Titans. Preston said Cartwright is going to try to attend the camp to help out.
Others
Colton Thompson, who graduated from Center High School in 2009 and played semi-professional football this past season for the East Texas Wildcats and the Port City Jaguars, will also be working with the campers.
Josh Black, who also played for Center in 2009 and also played for Tyler Junior College, will be on hand.
Kenneth Cotton of Houston, who played high school football at Eisenhower High School and went on to see action for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, will also attend. Cotton is a long-time instructor at the Preston camp.
Center's Brent Gregston, who played at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and is a current high school coach, will be in attendance.
The camp will conclude with the Miss Shelby County court as the once again attend to pass out treats to campers, to join in for photos and also sign autographs.