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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (July 27, 2016)
Wednesday, July 27, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 15 Young Outlaw lives a football dream By Erin Borla Correspondent Sisters’ 16-year-old Tyler Friend had an opportunity of a lifetime recently by attending the Russell Wilson Passing Academy (RWPA) in Seattle, Washington. Friend is the son of Dena and Josh Dunn. Josh is an active member of the United States Air Force and is sta- tioned at Joint Base Lewis- McChord in Washington. Every year, the Russell Wilson Passing Academy opens up a few places to scholarship athletes that are a part of a military family. Friend was chosen by his father’s chief as one of two representatives from his base. The one-day camp is I love watching tyler encourage the other kids. — dena dunn offered three times in dif- ferent locations across the Northwest. Friend attended a camp in Seattle, located at the Starfire Sports Complex. A total of 471 kids ages 8-17 participated. Several coaches from across the country ran the camp and Wilson, the quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, was on hand throughout the day greeting participants, watching ath- letes and offering pointers. The RWPA is a camp for all football positions and is designed to help develop the fundamental skills of being a great football player through instruction, but they have a larger goal. According to their web- site, “the RWPA exists to pro- mote the mental and physical development of youth, with sisters salutes... Harmony Farm Sanctuary of Sisters would like to thank Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill for donat- ing daily fruit and veg- etable trimmings from the restaurant to help feed our farm animals includ- ing pigs, horses, bunnies, goats, sheep, donkeys and our many feathered friends. We are also grateful for the refundable bottles and cans that help us pay our veterinary bills. We thank you for your generosity and caring support for our local nonprofit sanctuary. the goal of encouraging kids to develop high character and moral standards, a sense of competitiveness and fair play, a respect for authority, ser- vice to others, and a love of God, family, and country.” Friend, who plays wide receiver for the Outlaws, enjoyed the opportunity to meet other football play- ers and learn from different coaches. The 5.5-hour camp included warmups, group instruction and several group and one-to-one drills. Friend enjoyed the seven-to-seven drills the most — where Wilson watched him make two touchdowns. “Working on the things we work on every day, but hav- ing another set of coaches watching helps you perfect your craft,” says Friend. “Other coaches see things your coach may have missed, and it only helps your game.” The coaching staff at the camp definitely saw some- thing in Friend, as he was recognized as one of 10 campers to receive an award. The Gatorade “G” Award recognized the camper who not only showcased a rare combination of skill but their desire to reach their true ath- letic potential, which inspired other campers to follow suit. “I love watching Tyler encourage the other kids,” said Friend’s mom. “He is always the first to offer a The average adult is high-five or a hand to stand up. Not only is he perform- ing well, but he is the first to look at other kids and offer encouragement.” “The investment my current coaches, Thorson, the coaches in Sisters make it about more than football. they care more about the men and their heart. the end goal is great kids. — tyler Friend Fendall and Gruney, have made in me allowed me to push myself at camp,” said Friend. “I appreciate the training the SHS coaches gave me to apply it to camp — I wouldn’t have got- ten the award without those coaches.” Friend believes accepting critique is an important part of the game. “Coaches critique every- thing,” he said. “But it’s not about you; they have a – We can straighten ‘em out – MISSING AT LEAST 2 TEETH Sisters Denture can help... SISTERS DENTURE Free consultations! 541-549-0929 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE | LOCALLY OWNED Loaner Cars Deductible Assistance Windshield Replacement p 541-549-DENT — 541-549-3368 — 332 W. Barclay Dr., Sisters Can Breakfast Feel Like A Vacation? It can at Lake Creek Lodge… Sit out on our deck, enjoy the river and feel utterly relaxed. — Open Seven Days A Week — Breakfast & Lunch 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner 6 p.m. to close Reservations required d 541.516.3030 www.lakecreeklodge.com photo provided tyler Friend with russell Wilson of the Seahawks. passion for the game. The coaches in Sisters make it about more than football. They care more about the men and their heart. The end goal is great kids.” Friend is proud to be a part of the Outlaws foot- ball squad and would like to invite the community to watch the team at their home opener on September 2 at 7 p.m. against the Burns High School Hilanders.
