The First Annual Fantasy Football Clinic was held several weeks ago, and based on the enthusiasm of the participants and Coaches; it was the first of many to come. To a tee, all participants came with a bit of anxiety relative to what lied ahead, but all gained a better understanding and empathy for what it takes to pout a team on the field. The format was that of following through a normal Friday Evening Team gathering, along with the Saturday preparation for the game. From the pre-game meal to the team “clap sessions” the participants adapted very quickly and all took the traditional walk from Kellogg Center to the Stadium to prepare for the game.

You will find a quantity of photos in the photo gallery depicting the events and fun the participants had. The entire Coaching staff participated and several former players, Courtney Hawkins, Jim Miller, Tico Duckett, and others had fun coaching the guys in some of the basic fundamentals of football.

The participants came from near by to as far as NJ. For example, Allen Klein, 63, of Livingston NJ attended. Allen is in the investment management business. “I had a great time. I didn’t realize it was so complicated and I learned a great deal about the complexity of the Game.” What Allen enjoyed was the total group “pulling Together”. He saw John L as A “Breath of Fresh Air” and gained a great respect for the entire Staff.

Then there was Pat McColgan, 53 years old from Naperville, Illinois. Pat graduated from MSU in 1975 and had a goal to play for the Spartans. He just never made the team. Where ever he lived, he always supported the local football teams when living in Norman, OK or Albuquerque, NM. Pat moved back to the Chicago Area and is so happy to again be involved in Spartan Sports. He heard about the camp on Spartan Sports Center. “I just go crazy on Friday nights getting psyched for the Saturday game. It was such a pleasant surprise to be involved and see what the team goes through. I found it so nice that Coach Smith and his Assistant Coaches hung out with the guys, and the 1 on 1 experience with them can not be replaced.”

We also had a family bonding time as well. Gary Hawes, 64 of Elsie, MI arrived with his Son, Brad Hawes, 36, a minister, of Lansing, MI, and his son-in –law Shawn Hale, 32 of Midland, MI., a High School Industrial Arts Teacher. Gary, a Campus minister and supervisor of 11 campuses, has been a season ticket holder since 1969. “With in hours after hearing about the Football camp on the radio, I didn’t hesitate to register ourselves for this experience”, Gary said. “I have always shared life experiences with both my sons, and I couldn’t wait to participate here.” The most exciting moments of the camp was “The joy of watching them have fun at the camp. I learned a lot this past two days on what the coaches go through, and I never again will tolerate an irate fan criticizing or belittling the Coaching staff, no matter who they are.”

Gary thought that it was a touch of class to call in Terry Braverman, long time announcer and Spartan Sports commentator to announce each individual participant as they ran out onto the field and had their photos and names put on the large electronic Score Board. “I will talk about this for the rest of my life”, Gary said. “This truly was a lifetime experience which I will forever cherish.”

Finally, David Havrilla, 58 of Okemos, MI, was totally astonished at the preparation the coaches put into the game is totally astonishing. “When younger, I played at Football, but now I have a new founded respect at what the kids go through.” David thought that having Terry Braverman was a touch of Class and he highly recommends the fantasy camp for anyone who is a strong Spartan Fan. David came from Detroit in 1966 and upon graduation he had no desire to leave the area. Today he has a successful Insurance Business.

Dino Folino, Director of the Football Camp and Director of Player Development was extremely pleased with the first years turn out. "We had fewer than we could have handled, but that was ok. It gave the coaches more time with each participant and more direct 1 on 1 contact." Dino stated, "the timing of the event is perfect and we have learned several things from the first camp  that will make our next one better yet."

We have included several film clips from the events of the Fantasy Camp. The video was shot by Ted Ellickson, Video Coordinator of MSU, and was edited for viewing on the web site by Dr. Steven S Demos. 

CLICK HERE Introduction of Coaches and Participants
CLICK HERE Participants arriving and tour of Duffy Daugherty Complex
CLICK HERE Walk from Kellogg Center to Stadium plus Introductions/Practice