Campers and volunteer instructors pose for the camp photo at Levi Park Saturday, July 12. Photo by Tracy Heard.

By Steve Williams

Fundamentals and fun were meshed together in the Powell Youth Football program’s preseason camp for players, ages 7, 8 and 9, on Saturday, July 12.

Forty-six youngsters participated in the camp at Levi Park.

Volunteer instructors included coaches from the Powell youth program, Powell High players, former Powell High quarterback Hagen Owenby and former Austin-East and Fulton High player Jaren Troutman.

Owenby, a senior at Powell in 2013-14, will be continuing his athletic career at East Tennessee State University, where he signed to play both football and baseball.

Troutman, who finished his prep career at A-E, was a quarterback at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C., in 2011.

Four stations were set up for drills – one for offensive and defensive linemen, one for quarterbacks, one for running backs and one for wide receivers and defensive backs.

A sponsorship from UT Federal Credit Union provided each player with a water bottle, said Dan Heard, president of Powell Youth Sports and head coach of Powell’s 9-and-under team.

“Our goal was to provide young players the opportunity to learn fundamental football skills through drills and techniques,” said Heard. “The kids had a lot of fun and are excited about the upcoming season.”

Powell High players who provided instruction included Gaven Hicks, Dominic Moore, Brandon Smith, Devin Pincombe, Koby Hyde and Cody Reed.

“Jaren and Hagen addressed the campers at the end of camp,” added Heard. “They discussed the importance of education, hard work, and respect to their coaches and parents.”

Powell High School, where John Allen is the Panthers’ new head football coach, held a three-day camp for players 10, 11, 12 and 13 years old on July 7, 8 and 10. Sixty players took part in that camp.