Published: July 20, 2009 10:33 pm      

YMCA: UB players teach Falls kids life lessons

They didn’t just leave with autographs and footballs. The kids at the Niagara Falls YMCA summer camp left with some new life lessons and a few new friends Monday after they spent the afternoon with players from the University at Buffalo football team.

“This is about life, it’s not really about sports,” said UB head football coach Turner Gill. “It is important for our student-athletes to get out in the community and help make a difference.”

Eight players and Gill spent the day touring area YMCAs and taught Niagara Falls campers ages 6 to 14 about proper eating habits, exercise and hard work while reiterating the values taught by the YMCA.

“I have a special place in my heart for the YMCA,” Gill said. “The YMCA teaches children to dream, and provides different kinds of camps for our youth to partake in, where they can learn more than just about sports, they can be educated on life’s values.”

After a pep talk from Gill, the players were put to work.

The campers were split up into four groups led by the UB student-athletes. Each group attempted drills that the UB players would participate in every day during practice.

Running back Mario Henry led an agility drill with defensive back Domonic Cook (St. Joe’s), where campers were forced to run, hop and catch. Tight end Jesse Rack and offensive lineman Peter Bittner (Williamsville North) let the campers do some hitting in a blocking drill. Defensive backs Kendrick Hawkins and Justin Winters taught campers how to cover wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt (St. Joe’s.)

“It’s exciting, it’s a lot of fun,” Roosevelt said. “It’s important for us to get out in the community and teach these kids some important lessons. It’s just a great thing to do.”

Roosevelt said the YMCA played a role in his life growing up in Buffalo.

Giving back was the theme of the day. Gill said the Western New York community has supported the Bulls and this is their chance to show their appreciation.

“Most importantly, this is us giving back to our community that has given to us. They have come out and watched our games, and we want to come to them and this is our chance,” said Gill, who is entering his fourth season as the Bulls’ head coach.

Each camper raised his or her hand when coach Gill asked them if they learned something during the players’ time there.

Gill said that is the most important thing, that each camper takes something away from it.

“They will either make sure they eat fruit for breakfast or show their friend some new skills they learned. Either way, it’s a win-win situation,” Gill said.

He also extended an invitation for the campers to attend the Bulls’ Oct. 3 matchup with Central Michigan, free of charge.

This is the second summer in a row the Bulls have visited the Niagara Falls YMCA, and they hope to do it for many years to come.