Husker players help coach youth football camp at Memorial Stadium

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – 35 returning and new Nebraska football players put away the pads to serve as coaches and referees at football camp for 160 kids.

The six-week summer session, through Next Level Sports, wraps up this weekend with games Saturday and Sunday.

Elliott Brown, Husker returning sophomore receiver who helped coordinate, said this first-of-its-kind event was a match made in heaven.

“Things just kind of flowed together,” Brown said.  “Right where we were able to last minute kind of get this thing put together. The kids got signed up perfectly. So we’re like, let’s do it. Right. We want to be able to give these kids an opportunity to play football Memorial just like we do every Saturday.”

“It was it’s really cool and I like being down here,” Hunter Rennerfeldt, camp participant said.  “It’s really cool to look up at the stands and see how cool it is to be on the field, when you get into college.”

Brown grew up in Omaha and much like these kids, he dreamed of playing at Memorial Stadium. He said giving kids a chance to play there is something he’s proud of.

“If I can be able to be in the position I am now and then be able to give it to these kids at a young age and just instill a dream in them that I had and give them a real opportunity,” Brown said. “Teach them football, teach them how to get here through hard work and the way that you play football, how you do it the right and wrong way that I couldn’t be happier.”

The day started with a competition for the kindergarten through second-grade teams. Followed by the third to sixth-grade teams.

Timmy Bleekrode, Husker returning kicker, helped coach.

“It’s been really fun season just getting to know these fifth graders,” Bleekrode said. “And they’re having a blast and their energy is getting better every single day. It’s been a fun time. I’m learning a lot from them and I’m hoping they’re learning a lot from what I’m doing too.”

Colten Stickeney, a sixth-grade student, said he has learned a lot during his time at camp.

“It’s so cool to be on the field and actually play on it because usually I’m just here in the stands,” Stickeney said.

Chief Borders, returning sophomore linebacker, worked camp as a referee; he said the experience helped further his respect for officials.

“100-percent man,” Borders said. “Like referees, y’all do it. Y’all own the game, man. You know, y’all keep the game stable. So, I appreciate y’all man. Because I definitely got my feet hurt. And my sweat it out so they can.”

Borders said he is seeing a lot of talent on the field.

“Just seeing these kids evolve,” Borders said. “It’s always a great thing to give back to kids and you know, giving back that’s what it’s all about. That’s what I came here for, giving back to the community, that’s just a big inspiration and hopefully, I just keep on paving the way for them.”

Brown agrees, he said the kids he is working with are all advanced for their age.

“A lot of these kids are 10 steps above where I was when I was their age,” Brown said. “I was just learning how to run in a straight line at that age, let alone make guys miss with flags on me. It’s amazing to see the young kids take such an interest in what they do, how much they love it, and the work ethic they put in.”