Ex-Buckeye QB Germaine to offer passing camp

The gathering is set for June, but the site has not been determined.

By JON MOFFETT

Vindicator Staff Writer

YOUNGSTOWN — Though he was born in Colorado and lived most of his life in Arizona, Joe Germaine has strong ties to Ohio.

Germaine played quarterback for Ohio State from 1996-98 and was a member of the 1997 team that defeated Arizona State in the Rose Bowl. After leaving Ohio State for the NFL, and more recently the AFL, Germaine kept fond memories of his time in the Buckeye state.

“It was the greatest experience of my life,” Germaine said. “To this day, when I look back at Ohio Sate, I think of the great players and teams I was able to be a part of and the great games.

“But what really stuck out was the people of Ohio,” Germaine said. “They were always nice to me and my family and there is loyalty. It’s like no other place.”

Now Germaine is showing his loyalty by providing a quarterback clinic for the next generation.

Germaine will sponsor a passing camp for about 25 players from June 15-19 at a local high school. Though there isn’t a specific age limit, Germaine said the camp is designed for aged 12 to 17.

Chris Cole, who is promoting the event with Germaine, said several locations have been considered and several schools have expressed interested in housing the camp. But a decision hasn’t been made on a specific venue, Cole said.

The camp will focus on individual attention, Germaine said, in order to instruct players more personally.

Germaine stressed that because each player is different, the camp will be design a game plan catering to each athlete’s unique abilities.

Participants will be divided into groups of four or five and be given one-hour time slots. The time slot will be the same for each day.

Germaine said the reason for the limited number is establish relationships as well as offer individual attention. He said he’d like to follow what the athletes are doing throughout the year on the field.

“I tried to make a commitment to make it back to Ohio at least once a year,” Germaine said. “But I have two young sons, so it’s getting more difficult to do that.”

Germaine hope he can inspire other athletes, including his sons, Jack, 4, and Crew, 1.

Despite his connections to Ohio, Germaine insists he didn’t name his son after the Columbus-based soccer team.

“I didn’t even think of that,” Germaine said laughing. “It’s completely a coincidence.”

Though he promises the name is purely coincidental, there may be some OSU thoughts running unconsciously through his mind.

“There is definitely scarlet and gray bleeding out here in Arizona.”

jmoffett@vindy.com