The Pierce County Rec Department’s recent summer football camp featured a very special instructor with practical, hands-on knowledge of the sport, former NFL defensive tackle Hollis Thomas.
Thomas is best known for playing with the Philadelphia Eagles, but also played with the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers. While playing with the Saints, Thomas was credited with playing a key role in that team’s 2006 season. That year, the Saints reached the NFC championship game for the first time in their history.
Real estate agent Charlissa Culp first proposed having Thomas come in for the special football camp event. Charlissa Culp and Associates also helped sponsored the event in partnership with the Rec Department.
Originally scheduled to take place at Tiger Field, the two day event was moved to the football field at Pierce County High School. The starting time for each day was also pushed forward in consideration of the high temperatures forecast.
The event was free to all who registered. In addition to the valuable skills training, drills, mentorship and team-building, two lucky winners also won autographed football jerseys emblazoned with the “H. Thomas” call sign and the number 78. Winners Drew Woods and Huck Rawlins were announced on the Rec Department Facebook page three days after the football camp concluded.
Other campers were able to present their camp tickets to claim a special tshirt commemorating the event.
