Shamrocks wrap up annual “Hard Knocks” camp at AWC
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - It's not just about football for Yuma Catholic. It's about family, focus, and forging bonds that last long after the final whistle.
The Shamrocks just wrapped up their annual Hard Knocks training camp, an intense week-long tradition that strips the game down to its roots. No cell phones. No social media. Just the grind and each other.
"It's pretty fun," said senior Leo Perez. "You just get to hang out with your teammates, create a bond with them…it's just fun."
That bond is exactly what new head coach Vernon Smith is aiming to build as he enters his first season at the helm.
"No phones, so everybody's not doing this all day," Smith said, mimicking a scrolling motion. "We want them interacting, learning from each other, entertaining each other, and keeping our minds on football."
The Shamrocks are preparing for a major leap this fall as they move into the 5A division, where the competition is faster, deeper, and more physical than they've seen before. Smith believes Hard Knocks is the foundation for meeting that challenge.
"We're going to prep for better, stronger, and faster on paper," said senior Coelton Poquette. "But it’s no different around here. We're getting good work. We're fine-tuned in everything we do."
Throughout the week, players practiced, lived, and ate together on the Arizona Western campus pushing through heat, fatigue, and two-a-days, all with a common goal: Unity.
"At first, I didn't know if I liked it," admitted sophomore Ian Leonard, reflecting on the early days of camp. "But then when you get to really know everybody and experience different people, it became a lot better."
Freshman coach Derek Beck echoed that sentiment, saying the growth he sees at Hard Knocks isn't just physical it’s personal.
"Each kid suffers a little bit, and the other kid picks them up," Beck said. "They kind of create a little family. I think they just grow a lot from that kind of schedule and everything we do here."
The camp brought together returning starters and new faces, all competing hard and learning fast. With their first game on the horizon, leaders on the team say the work they're doing now will pay off when it matters most.
"We're trying to make sure everyone's on the same page," said senior Eli Garcia. "We're making sure we're not missing anyone who can start and just bond with each other to be the best we can be."
Smith says he's already seeing the results not just in plays, but in energy.
"They like ball. They like each other. They like competing," he said. "I think they really enjoy camp."
And that's what Hard Knocks is all about. Building a team that's ready not just to play, but to play for each other.
