Huskies’ youth camp breaks attendance record
A youth camper tackles a practice pad at the Owatonna Huskies Youth Football Camp last week. The camp broke its record attendance this year with around 270 athletes hitting the field.
Owatonna football’s annual youth camp broke its attendance record for the second consecutive year last week in its final camp at the former Owatonna High School campus.
The camp, which typically sees over 200 athletes in attendance each summer, grew even closer to reaching new heights just ahead of what is poised to be one of the team’s most highly anticipated seasons in recent memory.
“It’s really heartwarming. 230 to 240 kids is always our ballpark. To have just around 270 kids here today and a record number of walk-ups, it’s very humbling. It speaks volumes to our community,” said Owatonna varsity assistant coach and youth camp coordinator Matt Skala.
Local youth athletes had their opportunity to shine in front of the Huskies’ coaching staff and its varsity roster, who helped coach across the camp’s two-day schedule.
Football drills such as form tackling practice, conditioning and seven-on-sevens highlighted the camp for the youth athletes, while Owatonna’s junior varsity athletes got their first taste of pads in a separate practice field.
With the Huskies now officially practicing at the new school as of Monday, Aug. 14, the camp was the team’s final hoorah at the old stadium.
Parents and fans crowded the stadium one last time to watch the future of Owatonna football hone their skills before one day strapping up a Huskies’ helmet.
“This is our last night here, so it has a bittersweet feeling to it. We’re really excited for the future, and we’re really thankful for everybody who has been here helping us along the way,” said Skala.