CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Winnipeg to Hold Practice With The Pros Event

Published on April 18, 2002 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB - Canad Inns Stadium will be the site of a major football clinic for youngsters, May 11, 2001.

Practice With The Pros - an event for youths ages 8-13 - will feature Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Minnesota Vikings players along with top coaches providing football instruction to 300 youngsters. The flag football drills will focus on core skills such as passing, receiving and proper running techniques - skills that serve as fundamental building blocks for success in the game of football.

"It should be an exciting and memorable experience for 300 Manitoba youngsters," said Kevin Guille of the Blue Bombers promotions department. "This clinic gives these youngsters a chance to learn face-to-face from CFL and NFL stars."

The May 11 event in Winnipeg in the first of its kind in the province and is one of four such clinics to be held in Canada this year. As well, there are two coaching clinics - one in Ontario and one in the Maritimes - that will feature technical and tactical coaching knowledge. Blue Bombers special teams coach Darryl Sampson is one of the featured presenters at the Ontario clinic, to be held May 4-5 in Guelph, Ont.

Confirmed members of the Blue Bombers who will take part in the clinic are the CFL's Most Outstanding Player and quarterback Khari Jones, CFLPA All-Star linebacker Lamar McGriggs, legendary CFL punter Bob Cameron, defensive end Wayne Weathers, defensive back Dave Donaldson, offensive lineman Matt Sheridan, linebacker Doug Hocking and fullback Brad Yamaoka.

Confirmed NFL players are recently signed St. Louis Rams punter and former Blue Bombers draft choice Mitch Berger, Minnesota Vikings fullback Jim Kleinsasser, offensive lineman Chris Hovan and quarterback Todd Bouman.

Several elite-level coaches will lend their expertise to the youngsters at the clinic. Confirmed instructors include CFL/NFL Coach of the Year and Kelvin High School head coach Paul Normandeau, CIS Coach of the Year and University of Manitoba Bisons head man Brian Dobie, Blue Bombers offensive coordinator Paul LaPolice, Manitoba Provincial Team head coach Scott Norris, and provincial team coaches Chris Moran, Craig Bachynski, Brian Weiser and Kelsey McKay.

"Practice with the Pros events and coaching clinics are designed to not only introduce newcomers to the sport, but also to help develop the skills of those already a part of the football community in Canada," said Jay Sweeney, manager of events and fan development for NFL Canada. "The long-term goal of both leagues is to create a new generation of fans, players and coaches."

There is no cost for participants who wish to register. As well, there will be no cost for people wishing to watch the clinic on May 11.

There are only 300 registration spaces available, so register early to avoid disappointment. Those youngsters wishing to register may do so by phoning the Blue Bombers office at 204-784-2583 during the regular office hours of 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Participants will receive a free T-shirt and will be eligible for prizes. Team mascots Buzz & Boomer will be at the event, as will members of the Blue Lightning Dance Team.

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Canadian Football League Stories from April 18, 2002


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