Things are certainly gearing up around here. . . the vibe around the program is fantastic.  The boys are excited to strap their helmets on and release some of that end-of-the-year stress!  The school in general is buzzing, as many of our Spring sports teams are doing quite well.  Our girls Lacrosse, Softball and Soccer teams already have taken MCAL pennants, and our girls & boys track teams are in a position to claim the same.  Our swim team Boys Lacrosse and Baseball team are in the hunt, and the Tam Highlander Rugby team claimed the league title as well.  
 
Hopefully at this point you’re all well aware of our Spring Practice coming up (May 18-20, 25-27, June 1-4), though here are some things you may have not been fully aware of:
 
1)      MONDAY, MAY 24th equipment handout for Fresno camp and concussion screening clinic and (see attached letter).  The Redwood Football program prides itself on preparing and protecting our boys as much as we possible can.  We spend extra on top of the line helmets and shoulder pads, plan strength and conditioning to help prevent and rehabilitate injuries, and we provide “Baseline testing” to help ensure proper healing from concussions if they do occur.  This Baseline testing is provided by Dr. Eric Freitag, who runs a fantastic testing service which provides baseline scores that determine the level of brain performance a player must return to before resuming play (in any sport).  Considering the danger of “post-concussion” or “second impact” syndrome, whereby a player receives a second damaging blow before fully healing from the first, baseline testing appears even more vital to allow proper healing from a concussion.  If your son participated in the testing we performed during the last football season, there is no requirement that he do so again until next year (it’s good for 2 years).  All other players are expected to participate, including a $35 dollar fee (which the Pigskin club can pay for if finances are an issue), barring a waiver signed by a guardian delivered to me.  
2)      Fresno Team Football Camp.  June 11-14.  Permission slips will go home the first week of Spring practice (next week), to be returned by May 25th with payment of $350, which covers food & lodging.  Financial assistance can be discussed with me or a member of the Pigskin Club president Dana Fitzgerald if you prefer.  We will load the buses at 8 a.m. on the morning of Friday 11th, and return around 5 p.m. on Monday the 14th.   Fresno State University provides a room with a bed & mattress (though the boys must provide their own bedding/sleeping bag). Other suggested items would include toiletries, special dietary needs, personal entertainment during down-time, spending $ for nearby fast food (Jamba Juice, 7-11, KFC, etc.).
 
Please let me know if you have any questions.  If you know of any boys who are thinking about coming out for football, even if they haven’t played before, spring is the perfect time to check it out, so encourage them to come talk to me . . . I promise I won’t bite :-).