The Baldwin-Wallace College football team opened its 2009 preseason camp on Wednesday in Berea.
The Yellow Jackets’ coaching staff, led by eighth-year mentor John Snell, 46-26 overall, had 142 student-athletes, including 29 lettermen and 15 starters, begin drills. “We are excited to get started and begin preparing for a quality Franklin (Ind.) team on Sept. 5,” said Snell. “We return some solid veterans and upperclassmen who contributed last season and gained valuable experience. “We are looking forward to the challenges that our season will bring.” On the first day of camp, physical exams are taken, equipment is issued or purchased, an official college photograph is taken of each player, coach and support staff member, meetings are held and information is shared. But the most important event occurs just after the annual family picnic lunch at the Strosacker College Union. That’s when Snell and the ’09 captains present a local charity with school supplies for young children in need. This is the sixth time in Snell’s seven years that his team has given back to the community.
Each of the Yellow Jackets comes to lunch with a shoebox or more full of school supplies, including pens, pencils, erasers, notepads, markers, compasses and other items.