Finn Passing Academy
FPA in the News
Finn brothers pass on knowledge to local kids
BY MATT DOUTHETT Times Correspondent
Posted: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 12:00 am
MERRILLVILLE | As Ted Karras Jr. recalled the past and explained the present status of his football career as both a player and a coach, the Andrean coaching legend stressed two important characteristics that are much more important than skills on the field.
The message Karras delivered as the guest speaker at the inaugural Finn Passing Academy at Andrean on Monday was to be a team player and excel in the classroom.
He also recognized some young talent on the field during the camp, which teaches children in grades 5-8 passing and receiving fundamentals, ball-handling drills, quarterback footwork and perhaps more importantly, life lessons.
"I love this -- it's our profession," said Karras, the head football coach at Marian University in Indianapolis. "You never know what a kid is thinking or what he'll take to heart. That's what we as coaches, you always try to give some type of advice. It's up to the kid to parlay that into his life and on the field."
Noblesville resident Billy Finn, a 1994 Andrean grad and the oldest of the Finn brothers, stressed how important it was to have a Region sports icon like Karras in attendance at the camp.
"You talk about a guy who is from the Region and just typifies what the Region is all about? It's Ted Karras," Billy said. "He's tough, hard-nosed but really focuses on academics and athletics, which is good."
Bobby Finn (1998 Andrean grad) and Tommy Finn (2005) participated in some of the drills to help the kids learn by watching two of Northwest Indiana's best former prep QBs.
"It went well," said Tommy, an assistant baseball coach for the 59ers. "It was fun to run around out there and see the kids having fun. We remember growing up and going to camps like this, but it wasn't until seventh or eighth grade and we were lost. Our goal was to get (fundamentals) in at a younger age so when they get to high school, they don't have to spend their time on a three-step drop. They can spend their time learning how to read a defense."
There was extra incentive for the kids to perform well during the drills, as several coupons for a free cheeseburger at Schoops were distributed.
"I would equate this to what a teacher does," said Bobby, who now lives in Fishers. "You work on fundamentals and see a smile come across a kid's face, and it's so rewarding. It's as rewarding as playing the game."
With basketball camps held by Dan Dakich and Carson Cunningham at Andrean and a baseball camp by Dave Pishkur, the Finns felt it was important to include football in the mix.
"I hope these camps stay around," Billy said. "We're fortunate to have them."
Copyright 2011 nwitimes.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
