Sound Mind Sound Body delivered another one-of-a-kind youth football experience for players last Thursday, March 16, at Country Day High School in Beverly Hills.
The free Lineman Showcase, sponsored by SMSB, displayed the talent of over 150 athletes.
The high quality showcase highlighted state powers such as River Rouge, Denby, Harper Woods, Central, Corse, Redford Union, DEPSA, Cass Tech, King, Country Day, Southeastern, and Belleville.
Orice Thurman felt strongly about an opportunity for his son, Ryan Thurman of DEPSA, to develop and showcase his skills. “Linemen don’t get enough love. This is great for the big guys, and it’s free, so more kids can get an opportunity to get coached up and get some experience.”
Showcase attendees were separated into groups and trained by expert coaches at every station. The drill-filled session helped teach players how to maximize their size advantages and bolster their strength, agility, speed, and stamina.
“What’s so awesome about this event is focusing on one position at a time. It’s all top-notch, the training, and the trainer,” said Josh Wilhelmi.
Josh and Casey Wilhelmi stood along the sidelines watching the end of drills just before their son, Cade Wilhelmi, a Country Day student-athlete, ran over to share his showcase experience.
“I get to meet all of these guys I’ll probably be playing and training with if I play college ball. It’s always good to get more reps in. These are all D1 athletes, so it’s great competition,” shared Cade.
One of the night’s top performers, Bruce Fomby, a Division I Prospect of Ecorse High School class of 24, had a chance to compete and showcase his skills at the end of the session.
“My energy is up. With the season ahead of us, I’m using this to get back to work and back to the grind. Being a part of SMSB, I’m doing drills every weekend. Seeing new competition and new faces. I love it.”
The rare event demonstrated the importance of building players who don’t fit the 7v7 narrative but rightfully create big plays in their responsibility to shed and sustain blocks, clear paths, and make tackles.
Former linemen and SMSB parent William Woodard added, “Being a former lineman myself, I appreciate SMSB for having this opportunity and program for my son to attend because it was one of those things where linemen’ lives don’t matter until football season. To have something like this during the week for the linemen to come to, and the drills they’ve done, it’s a great turnout, and I’m grateful.”
Sound Mind Sound Body is a proven platform that ensures students matriculate to post-secondary education by successfully prioritizing and balancing a unique curriculum that combines life skills, athleticism, and academics. STUDENT + ATHLETE + SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY + SOUND DECISION MAKING = SUCCESS.
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