Camp for a Cure slated at Fitch

All proceeds from the June 25 affair will benefit the American Cancer Society.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
AUSTINTOWN -- Area youngsters will have an opportunity to receive expert football instruction from some of the top college players from the Youngstown area and for a good cause, when the Camp For A Cure Football Camp will be held June 25 at Fitch High School.
The instructional camp for children from grades 1-12 is the brainchild of Mike McGlynn, a redshirt junior offensive tackle for the University of Pittsburgh from Fitch High, who wants to use the camp as a fundraiser to fight cancer besides helping area youth.
McGlynn is teaming with T.J. Parker, a senior receiver for Bethany College who also played at Fitch to create the camp which will be held in three age divisions from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in various sessions ranging from 1 1/2 to 2 hours long.
Parker is serving as director for the camp, which has a registration fee of $25 for each participant. Candidates must register by Wednesday. After that, the cost increases to $35. Group and team rates are available upon request.
All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.
The camp counselors
Besides McGlynn, other camp counselors will include Chris McKillop, Joe Villani, Mike Phillips and H.B. Blades, all also from Pitt; Tom Zetts, Jeff Koval and Miles Williams from Youngstown State, Keilen Dykes and Mike Villagrana, West Virginia; Davanzo Tate (Akron) and John Greco (Toledo).
Also expected is Ben Mauk, a quarterback for Wake Forest who was Mr. Ohio in 2002-03.
McGlynn's inspiration came from his mother, Tracy Tolley, who died of cancer.
"He wanted to give something back," said Parker. "He got this idea to set up this camp and asked me if I could run it. So I told him I would do it as my senior project."
Parker said McGlynn and his cousin, Tim McGlynn, plus Fitch coach Neal Kopp are setting up the instructional programs for each age group and position, while Parker is handling all of the youth recruitment, contacts with schools, money, donations and other business details.
McGlynn recruits staff
Parker said that Mike McGlynn also is bringing in the college players to staff the camp.
"We are hoping to have at least 40 kids in each division, so that would be 120 overall," said Parker, noting that young players will be divided by age and position and paired with a player or coach.
"This advances their skills, they will meet the best players from the area and they will help the American Cancer Society."
The camp times are: Division I (grades 1-4), 9-10:30 a.m.; Division 2 (grades 5-8), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Division 3 (grades 9-12), 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Registration will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of each session. At the conclusion of each session, kids will have an opportunity to meet the players and coaches, take photographs and get autographs.
The sponsors
Sponsors are the Austintown Board of Education, Austintown Boosters, Eagle Wear, O'Donald's Irish Pub and Grill, Arby's, Dunkin Donuts and Wedgewood Pizza.
Parker hopes the camp will become an annual affair.
"This is something that we plan to have again next year. I believe it will grow as long as we can keep the big players coming in," he said.
To register and obtain more information, call Parker at (330) 717-9556.
kovach@vindy.com