Hacienda La Puente Unified Students Find Inspiration During NFL-Led Summer Football Camp

CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified students across the District laced up their cleats for an action-packed football camp filled with speed, agility, plyometrics, and nutrition training hosted by non-profit organization Take Back the Neighborhood, led by coaches from a roster of former National Football League (NFL) players at William Workman High School on July 27.

Fifty-five boys and girls, ages seven to 18, were welcomed to the free football camp, regardless of their skill level. NFL veterans, including Sherman Cocroft from the Kansas City Chiefs, Mike Alexander and Dokie Williams from the then Oakland Raiders, Al Bell from the Green Bay Packers, Ron Brown from the Los Angeles Rams, and Darryl Meadows from the Houston Oilers, led the students through various football drills, stretching exercises, and conditioning sessions emphasizing the importance of mindset, body care, perseverance, and the dedication required to excel in athletics.

"This event was an amazing opportunity for not only the students at Workman High School, but the entire HLPUSD community," William Workman High Principal Tim Espinosa said. "We received great feedback from parents, and I'm incredibly grateful to Ed Hulbert and the Workman football staff for providing exceptional opportunities for our students. I look forward to a successful football season and more district-wide events in the future."

Hulbert, an assistant football coach at William Workman High School, leveraged his connections with the NFL and Take Back the Neighborhood to bring this event to life. Joining him were head coach Glenn Maughan and the rest of the Workman football coaching staff, who are known for bringing unique educational opportunities to the school’s football team.

The camp featured a comprehensive range of activities and skills, teaching 14 to 18-year-old students essential football fundamentals, while also providing insight into what it takes to be an athlete. Students in the 7 to 13-year-old group were also learned fundamental skills such as running routes, throwing, and how to properly catch a football.

The event concluded with a raffle, where all participating students received a free ticket for prizes including autographed jerseys and balls. Families were also encouraged to purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win autographed memorabilia. All proceeds from the raffle went to support the William Workman High School Booster Club.

"By providing students with unique experiences like this camp, we demonstrate the value of hard work and dedication while creating memorable moments of mentorship and inspiration," Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. "We are committed to offering opportunities that enrich our students' educational and athletic experiences and look forward to collaborating with Take Back the Neighborhood and other community partners to continue bringing these valuable opportunities to our students.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

HLPUSD_FOOTBALL1: Hacienda La Puente Unified Wing Lane Elementary School students participated in a free football camp, where they were coached by former National Football League players on July 27.

HLPUSD_FOOTBALL2: National Football League veterans led Hacienda La Puente Unified students from ages seven to 18 through various football drills, stretching exercises, and conditioning sessions at a free football camp on July 27.

HLPUSD_FOOTBALL3: Hacienda La Puente Unified School District students participated in a free football camp led by National Football League veterans that taught them essential football fundamentals and gave them insight into what it takes to be an athlete.