The 100 or so kids who were attending a free football camp at Jersey City’s Caven Point Cochrane Field on the Ed “Faa” Ford Memorial Complex had no idea that they were in the presence of college football royalty.
After all, the man wearing a weather-battered T-shirt and baseball camp didn’t appear like much. He’s older now, all of 65 years old, the gray hair covering his beard. He’s not physically imposing by any means.
But sure enough, Rich Glover is among the very best to play the game of college football. He’s a member of the College Football Hall of Fame for his fine work at Nebraska University as a defensive nose guard.
In 1970 and 1971, Glover led the Cornhuskers to the national championship. In 1972, he was the recipient of both the Outland and Lombardi Trophies as the best lineman in the country. He earned unanimous All-America honors.
When the Cornhuskers went to the White House to meet with President Richard Nixon after winning the national title, Nixon took the team to the cabinet chambers and asked “which one is Glover?” When Glover responded, Nixon told him to sit at the seat of the Secretary of Defense.
His uniform No. 79 has been retired by Nebraska and was selected by Sports Illustrated as part of the NCAA All-Century Team in 1999.
Yes, that’s royalty — and that doesn’t include Glover’s stint in the National Football League with the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.
Yes, this is a guy who was once like the 100 or so sitting on the turf at Caven Point, a Jersey City kid who had hopes and dreams of becoming something great — and did exactly that.
This was the Richard Glover All-Access to Life football camp, free to those kids who decided to attend. They were provided T-shirts, transportation (courtesy of Jersey City Recreation), breakfast and lunch.
And they had the chance to be taught by football royalty.
“Wow, is that true?” said 9-year-old Jersey City resident Chad Trammell, when told that Glover had indeed won the same lineman award that current Detroit Lions standout Ndamukong Suh earned during his senior year at Nebraska. “That’s pretty impressive. It’s a great accomplishment. I had no idea.”
“I heard about him, but I didn’t know that,” said 13-year-old Chris Hansen of Bayonne. “It does impress me. I didn’t know he was that good.”
Glover, the former head coach at both Dickinson and Ferris in recent years, is never one to brag about his prior exploits as an athlete. But he certainly holds a place permanently in local sports history and these youngsters were indeed in the presence of greatness, as well as some of his former Nebraska teammates Daryl White and Byron Stewart.
It marked the 13th summer that Glover held his free camp. He never conceived the idea that it would last this long.
“I just wanted to do something to give back to Jersey City,” Glover said. “Not only are they learning about football here, but they’re learning life skills.”
For example, there were several members of the U.S. Army ROTC that came to speak to the youngsters.
In fact, even Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop made an appearance and talked to the kids about their hopes and dreams.
“What this does is give these kids a chance to have dreams outside of football,” Fulop said. “The greatest part of today was hearing that kids who wanted to be architects, scientists, doctors, even the President of the United States. They have hopes and dreams and they’re more likely to achieve those goals later on. All these coaches believe in them. They have faith in them. That says a lot.”
“Each day, we try to do something different,” Glover said. “The title of the camp is All Access to Life. It’s not just football. We want these kids to put their whole hearts, minds and body into becoming something special.”
The campers had a great time getting to learn more about football and more about life.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” said 14-year-old Ty’Shaun McClain of Jersey City. “It’s been a good experience for me. I’m trying to help the younger kids who don’t have much experience.”
McClain is already a two-way lineman for the Jersey City PAL Giants.
This year, the camp welcomed a handful of girls, which was a rarity. But young ladies want to learn more about football as well.
“I like football,” said 8-year-old Felicity Fuentes of Jersey City. “I was a little nervous coming here with all the boys. But as soon as my brother [Jayshawn] said that I could do it, I wasn’t afraid anymore. I always like to listen to the coaches, because they’re interesting.”
And what’s the one thing little Felicity took out of the camp?
“I learned to respect everyone else.” she said.
Excellent.
Ten-year-old Kyla Baker of Newark already has experience as a football player.
“I play football with the boys all the time,” Baker said. “It’s fun to run around and throw the football. I’m glad to be here.”
Trammell was one of the best spoken young men in the camp and belied his age. He’s a product of P.S. 38 in Jersey City where he’s bound to have great grades this fall.
“This takes me through the things that I need to know, in order to get where I need to be in my life,” said Trammell, who is indeed only 9. “It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance. It takes dedication. I want to get to where the coaches are.”
Trammell said that he plays for the Jersey City Gators. He also enjoyed himself.
“I had a lot of fun,” Trammell said. “I’m really impressed with Mr. Glover. He’s a Jersey City guy like me.”
That he is.
Glover said that he planned to bring his trophies and films of his playing days to show the kids. He even encouraged them to Google him and read his impressive accomplishments.
“This here is proof that boys and girls of all races can all have the same hopes and dreams,” Glover said. “It’s great.”
It really is.
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.
You can also read Jim’s blog at www.jimhaguesports.blogspot.com.