Colts' Pro Bowler Antoine Bethea's D.C. Youth Football Camp Provided High School Players A Blueprint For Success On And Off The Field
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Pro Bowler Antoine Bethea and Howard's coaching staff led a non contact football camp for males entering grades 9-12 in the Fall of 2011. The camp's mission was to provide the groundwork for the student athlete's college preparation and inspire them to reach higher to achieve their dreams of being successful at the next level.
- (1888PressRelease) June 25, 2011 - Antoine Bethea, Pro Bowl defensive back for the Indianapolis Colts hosted a youth football camp June 20-21 in Washington, DC. Campers in grades 9-12 came out for the two day camp on the campus of Bethea's alma mater, Howard University.
Antoine along with Howard's coaching staff provided the high school student athletes with a solid foundation of the game, college level fundamentals and techniques, and position specific instruction to help each individual participant maximize their natural ability.
Off the field, Bethea emphasized the importance of education and hard work in a mentoring session. The session featured a SAT prep segment, hosted by Carl Goode of Empowering Minds, which many participants found helpful. The segment contained much needed information about the steps needed to attain a college education. Throughout the two day camp, Antoine stressed that education should be their primary goal because it will give them a platform to be successful.
"I feel that the camp really allowed us to reach out to these young men and give them a different perspective", says Bethea. "Football was the common denominator, and we used that to draw them in while emphasizing the importance of getting an education, working hard, and making good choices. My time at Howard University was the best four years of my life and I'd like for other students to be able to have that experience."
Throughout his time in the NFL, Antoine has dedicated himself to giving back to the communities that have helped him along the way. In 2010, he gave 20 students from his former high school an all expense paid college trip to Howard and George Mason University. He also hosted a free football camp in his hometown of Newport News, VA. During the football season he is very active in the Indianapolis area.
The Antoine Bethea Youth Football Camp was sponsored in part by Dow Lohnes Sports & Entertainment, Gabe's Diamonds, Fast Signs of DC, The Parthemer King Group, Safeway, Exotic Classics, NFL Players Association, Modells Sporting Goods, DTLR and Wise Chips
About Howard University Football Program: Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black, private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality. The Howard Bison play in the NCAA Division 1 as a member of the MEAC Conference.
About Antoine Bethea: Bethea was a three-time All-America and All-MEAC player during his years at Howard. He was a sixth round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2006. Bethea is a two-time pro-bowler and has made two trips to the Super Bowl. He has developed a reputation as one of the top tacklers in the NFL and was recently selected to the 2010 USA Football/NFLPA All-Fundamentals Team.
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