A Football Showcase Camp was held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Crete-Monee High School by BamFam Foundation in collaboration with former University Parks Lions and Crete-Monee High School Football Warrior Alumnus, University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and NFL wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, Laquon Treadwell.
The BamFam Foundation hosted this event for over 100 youths in the area so they could learn fundamental skills of football, agility drills, passing, catching and more. Each player received a shirt, a pair of shorts, and a drawstring bag.
A special thanks to Crete-Monee High School District Athletic Director and Varsity Football Coach, John Konecki, and Keely Lewis-Childress, Community Consultant, for being responsible of the logistics for the event. Many individuals made this event happen by:
- Helping promote the event
- Preparing the football field
- Supplying equipment
- Recruiting volunteer coaches
- Crete-Monee staff support
- Meeting with a local restaurant to provide lunch for the Bamfam foundation staff and Mr. Treadwell.
- Setting up tents, tables, and chairs for registration
- Organizing giveaways for the players
- Purchasing bottle water for volunteers and staff
- Providing transportation for the Bamfam foundation staff
Youth Athletic Association (University Park Lions) President Donzell "Tutu" Franklin, Bridgette Simmons, Jennifer L. Ellis, Shannon Kizer, Vernard Alsberry, Richard Cobbins, Samantha and Tim Lloyd ensured University Park Lions players attended the camp.
Crete-Monee Alumni football players and student volunteers Eddie Tate, Vornell Banks, Jaylan Bailey, Juawan Treadwell, DJ Banks, Joe Lewis, Lexus Jackson, Calvin Lee (St. Ambrose), and Kimora Darby (Lady Warriors) volunteered as coaches and helped at the registration table.
Crete-Monee Alumni football parents Tamika Harry, Tami Treadwell, and Gregory Barksdale showed their support. Crete-Monee 201-U staff Interim Director of Operations/CSBO, Jason Okrasinski, Varsity football Coach, Gregory "Tippy" Murray, Custodial Supervisor, Bruce Dillard, Former football Coach, Shawn Yarbough, and other CM 201-U staff members showed up to support this event.
Raising Cane’s restaurant gave each player an arm sleeve, autograph sheet, towel, and a pair of sunglasses. The camp was instructed by Mr. Treadwell, Crete-Monee Alumni players, college players, guest coaches, and BamFam staff. A special thanks to a new restaurant in Crete, The Mixing Bowl, for providing lunch to Mr. Treadwell, the Treadwell Family, and camp volunteers. We encourage you to support this new business in town.