Football camp prepares Vikings for new season

Nearly forty kids suited up for incoming Bigfork High School Head Football Coach Todd Emslie's pre-summer camp last week.

"There was a lot to learn, but they did well with it," Emslie said. "They learned a new offense and a new defense. It was pretty basic. We still have a long ways to go."

The camp focused on fundamentals including special teams work, tackling drills and receiving techniques.

"I was pleasantly surprised in every position," Emslie said. "There was no glaring hole where we were missing a strong person in any position. I was happy with where they were at in just a few short days."

In addition to learning new techniques, the players also learned about playing for a new coaching staff. Emslie is taking the program back over after stepping down in 2003 to spend more time with his family. He was BHS' head football coach for five years, and prior to that served as an assistant coach for the program for eight years.

"It was a great week for the kids to get to know the coaching staff," Emslie said. "I had a really great time being back coaching the kids and all of the other coaches told me they did as well. I hope the kids had a good time too."

Zac Rupe and Saia Misa are the only members of last year's coaching staff who are returning for the 2009 season. The new coaches do include a few familiar faces, though. Jim Epperly, who is the BHS P.E. teacher and coached girls basketball and track last year, and Michael Edwards, last year's freshman boys basketball coach are assisting the team.

Also helping Emslie this season will be retired government teacher John Little as well as Ed Buttrey and Jake Hill. Epperly, Little and Buttrey all coached with Emslie during his last tenure with BHS football. Rupe, Hill and Edwards are former Vikings football players who were coached by Emslie.

In addition to the five-day camp, Emslie is helping the team prepare for the upcoming season by hosting a passing league from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through August 1 at the BHS football field. It is open to boys in 7th grade through 12th grade and is intended to give would-be quarterbacks, running backs and receivers some added experience during the summer, which will likely include scrimmages against other area schools. Emslie is also encouraging those interested in playing BHS football this season to put some time in in the weight room, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays all summer. The first official practice for Vikings football will be August 17.