AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Palo Duro graduate Darien Lewis hosted his first annual “For the Youth” football camp Saturday in Amarillo.
Kids learned from athletes playing at the next level, focusing on what it takes beyond just playing football.
The camp brought together several Amarillo natives who have gone on to play Division I football. T.J. Tillman and Kane White-Tinsley, who both play for the University of Texas El Paso, returned to give back. Keegan Collins will gear up in the fall for Kansas State. Vern Blair will share the gridiron and be on the same team again with Lewis at UNLV. University of North Texas defensive lineman Avion Carter spent all day leading drills, encouraging the younger athletes and teaching them tools to stay consistent in the game.
“The reason I started this camp was to give the youth inspiration into what there is for their future and just let them know that anything is possible with hard work and just giving them an example of guys who have been in their shoes at their age and have accomplished what their dreams may be to accomplish,” Lewis said.
Carter said he was honored to participate.
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“I respect Darien and everything he’s done at Legacy of Palo Duro and stuff. That’s where my dad played,” Carter said.
“When he asked me to come coach out here and be an influence to the youth, man, I was like why not and you know, I only come to Amarillo once a year. So I thought I’d just make my count. Spread the positivity love and just make sure we do good with the youth here.”
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