The Advocate and Democrat

Campers, which ranged in age from 7-18 and were divided into two groups during the week, enjoyed cooler temperatures when compared to last year’s camp but still showed a tremendous work ethic.

The camp, led by Sweetwater native Sam Brown and former Kentucky Wildcat Clyde Rudolph, gave campers the opportunity to work with several former players that were standouts at the college and professional level.

Former University of Tennessee stars Reggie Cobb and Eric Westmorland, who helped lead UT to the national championship in 1998 were two former players that coached the skill players.

Former UT and NFL standouts Bruce Wilkerson and Harry Galbreath were also on hand to provide instructions to the linemen.

Galbreath was added to the UT staff nearly one year ago as a strength and conditioning coach.

Players ages 7-12 worked the first two days of camp and focused on developing skills specific to their position on the field.

Players ages 13-18 turned up the intensity the last three days of the camp, getting a mix of instruction and conditioning work.

The conditioning work paid off for a number of players who were off from weight lifting and conditioning sessions for the TSSAA-imposed Dead Period.

That period will stretch into next week and ends on July 5.

The campers also went through a variety of drills that helped increase agility and speed while also helping with conditioning.

Numbers were down slightly in this year’s camp compared to last year, but Brown was pleased with the number considering the state of the economy and gas prices.

Approximately 45 campers participated in the drills for the younger players and about 40 players were in attendance for the older players.

The camp drew players from as far away as Loudon, Decatur, and Chattanooga.

Sweetwater coaching legend King Berrong even made an appearance at the camp on Wednesday morning.

Berrong coached Brown and his brother Gerald Brown, the running backs coach for the Atlanta Falcons, who attended camp this week also.

Despite a slightly smaller crowd, the intensity and player’s willingness to work impressed the coaches.

The players will now look to put the newly learned skills to use as football practice starts at the end of July.

Subscribe to The Advocate and Democrat by clicking SUBSCRIBE. Sign up for Breaking News emails from The Advocate and Democrat by clicking EMAIL ALERTS and inputting your email address next to "Add Me" near the top right corner.