Linemen get in the trenches for one day football camp at Crean Lutheran

High school players go through drills during Saturday’s camp. (Photos Courtesy Crean Lutheran High School).

Preparations are already under way for the 2022 fall high school football season and Saturday at Crean Lutheran, about 150 linemen from Orange County participated in Jesse Sapolu’s Men in the Trenches Camp at Crean Lutheran.

“There were multiple schools represented from around Orange County and seven of our linemen took part in the drills and one on one competition,” said Crean Lutheran Coach Rick Curtis. “This was the first time that Crean Lutheran has hosted this event which takes place on 10 occasions in the spring each year. 

“Originally, the MITT was only held at Edison High School, however, it has expanded to include other schools around Orange County. Jesse Sapolu and I go back to my days at Santa Margarita and near the inception of his program. We have become really good friends as we talk about the game, the Lord and life. 

“In those days we would have two MITTs per year at Santa Margarita.”

To see additional photos, click on the first picture:

Players go through drills during Saturday's camp.

Jesse Sapolu (left) with Crean Lutheran Coach Rick Curtis.

Linemen participate in Saturday's campo.

The camps are now also held at Villa Park, Corona del Mar and Pacifica.

“Jesse is also the founder of the Polynesian Bowl which is held each year in Hawaii and the bowl game has gained national attention,” Curtis said.

“Jesse is a special man, one who really teaches the fundamentals of the game so that players can take it to the next level. His camps concentrate on specific techniques for offensive and defensive linemen. The technique is the focus, not the schemes. Jesse and his staff evaluate each players’ area of improvement that is necessary for them to succeed and move on to the next level.”