The Locker Room June 19, 2009

The recent heavy rainfall in the area extended the rec league baseball season through this weekend, and threatened to drench the county again, but that still didn't stop the 2009 Cougar Football team from holding it's 4th Annual Cougar Football Basic Skills Clinic on Thursday evening at the Cougar Fieldhouse. 

The yearly event, which was planned to fall between the end of the regular recreation league baseball season and the start of the All-Star baseball week, gave the recreation and middle school players a chance to come in and see the Cougars work out, check out the fieldhouse and locker room, and then meet and interact with the guys who will be wearing the gold helmets this season. 

"We like being able to do this" said Head Coach Jack Turner.  "We need to keep the younger kids in our system motivated and excited about football.  We want them to know that this is their program too, and we want them to be ready to take ownership of it.  They can do that starting now by doing their jobs in the classroom, staying out of trouble, and keeping themselves in shape.  They are the future Cougars, and that's a big responsibility." 

The rec league and middle school players not only got the chance to see how the older players worked out and did things, but they had the chance to try it out themselves as well.  The younger players got the opportunity to try mat drills, as well as going through position specific drills taught by the Cougar varsity players. 

"It would have been nice to get more kids out, but with the baseball season extended due to the rains it couldn't be helped" said Turner.  "It was still a good time though, and our players enjoy it as much as the younger kids do."  Turner and the Cougars will now start to direct their focus towards the upcoming 7-on-7 passing camps and the 2009 season. 

Work has been going well for Pulaski in the weight room during the off season.  The 2009 team is going to be a younger one overall, but will still have a good amount of talented players with plenty of experience to work with.  Key returning players include lineman Josh Lambert, linebacker Tahrick Peak, quarterback Luke Watson, and running backs Trey Smith and Jolly Martin to name only a few.  Several young players have stood out during the off season, and may look to step up and take on some of the leadership role for the team.  If the Cougars had a question mark going into the 2009 season, it would have to be the offensive and defensive line, which lost a ton of talent to graduation.  Coach Turner and his staff are hopeful that the off season is helping that problem, as they try to build up some of the younger linemen in the weight room. 

"We're going to do what Pulaski County does" said Turner.  "We are going to work hard, we are going to prepare to the best of our ability, and we will give it 100%.   Most people have picked us to finish low this coming season in the district.  We've told our kids that they will have to go out and earn respect if they want it.  We're looking forward to the season though, and cant wait to get things started." 

The first 7-on7 camp will be held on Friday, June 26th starting at 9 am at Dublin Middle Schools football field, and is expected to feature many local teams in a day full of passing action.  Be sure to check back later for more information. 

GO COUGARS!!!

2009 Cougar Football Basic Skills Clinic Photos