FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 2, 2014) -- The Doughboy training camp is over - but the Doughboy football season is just getting warmed up.
The two-week camp was open to those active-duty Soldiers interested in conditioning, getting in football shape and learning the system before the tryouts. Tryouts are set for 6 p.m. July 14-15 at Doughboy Stadium.
"We're not trying to smoke them ... we're just trying to get them back into football mode as far as technique, footwork and catching the ball," said Francis Leatiota, an assistant coach and former Doughboy football player.
Leatiota played for the Doughboys for three years before an injury sidelined him, he said.
"It's been a good experience for them because ... it's a great opportunity for them to come out to condition and get to know one another," said assistant coach Austin Norton, who arrived at Fort Benning in November. "It really showcases their talents and abilities because we've got some guys who've played college, some guys who've played high school and you've got some guys who have never played at all. I would say it's rewarding for all three of those levels of athletes because they are coaching each other."
The camp was player-run, Norton said. Doughboy coach Jason Gibson was not at the camp due to his responsibilities as coach for the playoff-bound Columbus Lions.
Leatiota said they are looking for more players to join the team and more people showed up to the camp this year than in previous years.
Even if you didn't make it to the camp, you can still tryout. Norton said prospects should make sure they know where their talents and abilities lie because cohesiveness and teamwork is essential.
"Your teammates are going to turn to who they believe in and who they can trust - and that's how you win ball games," Norton said. "You've got service members who have made it a career to put their life on the line. They have worked as a unit (and) they've led by example. What more perfect sport than football to make the same things happen within a team?"
For more information on tryouts, call Spencer Folds, Doughboys general manager, at 706-505-7759.
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