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By Pfc. Timothy Lenzo
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Until recently, the NFL lockout had put football on hold for the country, but for children living on Camp Pendleton, Paige Field House was their training camp, July 23.
This was the fifth year the Monarchs for Marines service organization, the coaching staff and students of Mater Dei High School, have come to here to put together the M4M Football and Dance Camp for 1st Marine Division.
Parents of players on the football team, including the parents of current University of Southern California starting quarterback Matt Barkley, had a vision of giving back to the Marine Corps.
On many occasions, the team has sold tickets to their football games and collected donations to support the Marines’ families.
They also give the students of the high school an opportunity to help out the families.
At times, the team has put their football gear aside to paint murals, improve facilities and install volleyball courts on base for the families to enjoy.
During 2007, M4M Football and Dance Camp was held on base for the first time.
“We wanted to come down and offer our services,” said Bruce Rollinson, the head football coach at Mater Dei High School. “It’s moved to a football practice, a football camp and then a host day barbecue for all the families.”
The children were grouped by age and given a student coach to run football drills.
The team’s connection with the Division started the first year of the camp and since then, the Monarchs have been dedicating their football seasons to the Marines of 1st Mar. Div. That year, the Marines presented the team with a special honor.
“The Marines came by and presented every player and every coach the medallion, the patch,” said Rollinson. “We opted to get their permission to wear it on our uniforms as a symbol of our unity with the 1st Marine Division.”
Wearing the Blue Diamond patch on their uniforms is something many of the players take seriously.
“We represent the Marines here, and every time we come here it’s an honor to be here,” said Ricky Ortiz, a starting linebacker for the Monarchs. “I’m getting one on my letterman jacket, so it does mean a lot to me.”
The youth football camp is meant to be fun for the children who may have parents deployed or preparing to deploy.
“Who knows what the youth are going through now with maybe a parent or both parents deployed,” said Rollinson. “This is an opportunity for them to let go and have a great afternoon.”
The camp is also a great opportunity for the student athletes to have fun while giving back to the men and women who serve.
“If we can take a little bit of pressure off the families, off the parents, and allow our student athletes to work with the children, then it’s a win-win for both sides,” Rollinson said.
“It’s all about fun. That’s what you have to think about when you come out here and start helping,” Ortiz said.
The fun doesn’t end on the football field. There is a dance camp hosted by the school’s dance program, a barbecue and face painting for all the children.
For the student athletes and coaches, the day is a great way to show their appreciation and support for the service members of 1st Mar. Div.
“We’re honored as a football team and as Mater Dei High School to be here and be able to spend time with such great people,” Rollinson said.
| Date Taken: | 07.23.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2011 18:01 |
| Story ID: | 74400 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,467 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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