In recent months, there has been plenty of criticism directed towards the Michigan Wolverines football program and their satellite camps all across the world. Recently, the staff took trips to American Samoa and Australia to teach hundreds of youngsters.
While the knocks include people saying Michigan is simply wasting money or looking for an unfair advantage with recruiting, it appears as though there is a real reason for the camps.
ESPN’s Gene Wojchiechowski was on the scene for Michigan’s satellite camp in Australia and shared some remarkable insight on what went down. Specifically, Wojchiechowski says the camps were for the genuine love of the game and he was impressed with how the Michigan staff handled everything.
Spent 3 hrs in see-yr-breath cold/rain conditions at Michigan sat camp near Melbourne, last nite. Don't hv dog in sat camp fight, but…
— Gene Wojciechowski (@GenoEspn) June 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/GenoEspn/status/738839409899016193
…Didn't matter there were maybe–maybe–a handful of college-level prospects. If this was abt spreading CFB word, then Mich coaches did so
— Gene Wojciechowski (@GenoEspn) June 3, 2016
Camp had women players, old guys, young guys, guys who had no clue–but they just wanted to play the game. Mich coaches happy to teach them.
— Gene Wojciechowski (@GenoEspn) June 3, 2016
Again, no dog in fight, but was told Mich coaches had commercial flight issues–had to sleep in restaurant in N Zea. on way to Australia.
— Gene Wojciechowski (@GenoEspn) June 3, 2016
In American Samoa, Mich coaches saw campers who practice on rocky fields, and actual footballs are treated like gold bars. Eye opener.
— Gene Wojciechowski (@GenoEspn) June 3, 2016
One final observation from Mich/Aussie sat camp: there were a few VERY big, athletic dudes who, with coaching and/or age, cd be players.
— Gene Wojciechowski (@GenoEspn) June 3, 2016
All this said, not naive enuf to think sat camps also aren't way to identify talent. But what I saw from U-M coaches, was love-of-game stuff
— Gene Wojciechowski (@GenoEspn) June 3, 2016
It’s great to see that there seems to be a genuine passion for the camps. And if you happen to uncover few hidden gems while spreading the love of the game, it seems that everyone can win.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
