Syracuse University football players train alongside Soldiers at Fort Drum

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Aug. 21, 2014) -- The Syracuse University football team broke from its preseason training routine last week to add first aid lanes, paintball and a youth football camp to its busy schedule, receiving a little twist to their daily program with the help of 2nd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers.

According to Sam Rodgers, the team's long snapper, football camp can be long and boring. In the middle of preseason training, still weeks away from the season's regular start at the end of August, it becomes a drag.

"You wake up sore, you're tired, you're grouchy," Rodgers said. "Coming here (to Fort Drum) just kinda flips everything that you are used to and puts you in a new place, a new dorm. (This) takes you out of your comfort level a little bit. You are living with all your teammates in the barracks, and I think just that, being around everyone all the time, gives that different sense of team brotherhood."

The military experience began as soon as the buses opened their doors late in the afternoon of Aug. 11. Former drill sergeants wearing their trademark drill hats greeted the players, put them in formation and guided them to their barracks room as though they were basic training recruits.

Throughout the week, the Syracuse Orange players and coaching staff participated in team-building and leadership events with the Soldiers to gain a different point of view on problem solving and communication skills.

The players also had an opportunity to get up close and personal with Army weapon systems and vehicles while Soldiers explained their features and functions.

Scott Shafer, Syracuse's head coach, said it was wonderful for the players and coaches to spend time with the Soldiers. Although the coaches and military leaders have similar teaching techniques, he said a pep talk or life lesson can go a lot farther when it is not coming from the same instructor.

He also said that the Soldiers -- many of them in the same age group as members of the team -- offer his players a unique opportunity to reflect on their place in life while appreciating the sacrifices of their peers during a time of war.

"That really counts, and it really helps our kids become more selfless people -- that's a big thing," Shafer said. "I really appreciate what we get from everybody here at Fort Drum."

That appreciation was not lost on anyone at Fort Drum. Despite the rain, the Orange held a youth football camp and scrimmage Thursday evening.

Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Butler, an instructor at Light Fighter School, brought his Fort Drum team, Tiny Might Mustangs, to the camp. All participants in the training are members of the post's Child, Youth and School Services.

"It was great for the kids," he said. "It brought great camaraderie.

"The kids loved it," he added. "They actually had a chance to see college players. The older kids, they can look up to (them and) try to get there one day."

Rodgers, a senior at Syracuse, said he remembered receiving tips from older players when he was a young football player growing up in State College, Pennsylvania.

"The camp we do with the kids (here) is always so fun," he said. "I was from a college town that had a big football program. I remember being little and football players would come into my class room and talk to us. I thought how amazing that was.

"So it feels awesome to give that same experience to the kids," Rodgers said.

Rob Welsh, a senior and defensive lineman, has participated in the program here three times now. He said he gets something out of it every time.

"It gets better each year," Welsh said. "We learn different things each year, stuff we can definitely take back to Syracuse football.

"It's just a great learning experience to work as a team," he added. "We definitely learned how to

become leaders, and guys who might not be leaders, become leaders, (too). It's just a great experience."

Related Links:

Army.mil: Human Interest News