Local youth treated to Camp L.T.

When Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson was 13 years old, his mother drove him nearly 150 miles from their home outside Waco, Texas to the University of North Texas so that the future Pro Bowler could participate in a camp that Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith was conducting.  Taking handoffs from his idol left a profound impact on the young Tomlinson, who swore that he’d pass on that opportunity if he was ever given the chance.

Approximately 300 San Diego-area youngsters got to enjoy a similar experience Saturday as Tomlinson hosted the annual “Camp L.T.” held at San Diego’s Hoover High School.

“I’ve always wanted to do a camp because it’s a great way to teach kids about the fundamentals of football,” Tomlinson said.  “I always told myself that if I had an opportunity to make an impact on kids, I would love to operate a football camp.  This has been a great way to get them out and work with them and encourage them.  

The camp was directed by University of Texas Strength Coach Todd Wright.  Several members of the Hoover High football staff volunteered as coaches.  Current Chargers Lorenzo Neal, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and running backs coach Clarence Shelmon were on hand to assist with the camp as well as Chargers alumni Charles Dimry, Alex Molden, Terrell Fletcher and Willie Buchanon.

Former San Diego State wide receiver Jeff Webb, who is expected to be a mid-round selection in Saturday’s NFL draft, donated his time to the camp as well.

“I love to help kids and I wanted to do something to get my mind off of next Saturday,” Webb said.  “I had a really good time working with a bunch of kids who are hopefully future Aztecs.”

Campers spent the morning going through nine 15-minute stations, each facilitated by an athlete skilled in that position. At each station, kids were taught what the position is and what players do in that position.

“I hope they learned something about football,” Tomlinson said.  “We teach them basic fundamentals – how to carry the ball the proper way, how to catch it, how to back-pedal and things like that.  We want them to come away with a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful football player.”

Tomlinson also took time to speak about goal-setting and encourage campers in their academics.

“Many times they forget the importance of education because football becomes so important,” Tomlinson said.  “We don’t want them to think about football before school.”

Tomlinson will host two additional camps this summer in Texas.  “Camp L.T.” will be held in Fort Worth from June 26-28 and in Waco starting June 29-July 2.

“Camp L.T.” is one of the many operations of the Tomlinson’s Touching Lives Foundation.  The organization is also committed to education through the “L.T. School is Cool Scholarship Program.”  Tomlinson annually donates school supplies to local youth in need of assistance.  Through “L.T.’s 21 Club,” Tomlinson purchases 30 tickets to each Chargers home game so that a group of local kids can attend the game and meet the All-Pro back.  As part of “Giving Thanks With L.T.”, Tomlinson distributes 1,400 Thanksgiving Dinners to needy families from San Diego County the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  He also gives away roughly 1,500 toys to patients at San Diego’s Children’s Hospital and Health Center during the Christmas season.