Bartrum, Brown and a cast of football pros teach youngsters about football, life

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• Gallery: Bartrum and Brown Camp

HUNTINGTON -- First, an impressive roster of football talent descended on Joan C. Edwards Stadium for a day of instruction and fun. Then, and just as important, the weather cooperated.

The result was arguably the liveliest in a long run of Bartrum and Brown Football Camps on a sunny Saturday. More than 400 youngsters -- grades one through eight from the Tri-State and beyond -- shared Edwards Stadium with numerous former Marshall University standouts and current National Football League players.

"To actually talk to NFL players, it's cool," camper Derek Rankin said.

New England Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel, Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook and many others made the trek to Rankin's hometown for what has become a Tri-State signature event. Campers, meanwhile, traveled from throughout the region for one-on-one coaching and the payoff of post-camp autographs.

"My favorite part was when we were at the wide receiver station, catching the balls," said Kamen Reynolds, an 11-year-old camper from White Sulphur Springs.

When asked what he learned, Reynolds underscored the Bartrum and Brown Football Camp mission statement. Yes, football is the focus, but life lessons are sprinkled throughout.

"I learned a lot today," Reynolds said. "I learned about discipline and about your stance on defense and how to hit.

"They said to listen up to everybody who's older than you. Learn from everybody like your teachers and your coaches and parents. If you mistakes in your life they will help you."

Jack Lengyel has been stressing just that throughout his professional life. Lengyel famously coached the 1971 Young Thundering Herd team and again was strolling Marshall's field on Saturday.

"Football's a great game," said Lengyel, who was joined by fellow '71 Marshall coaching staff member Red Dawson. "It's the greatest of all games I think because it's a physical, contact game. You're going to get your nose bloodied and you're going to develop character and you're going to learn perseverance, dedication and how to get better at your game.

"It's a great character builder."

Proceeds from Bartrum and Brown weekend activities, including Saturday night's auction and today's golf outing, benefit local youth-based charities. Former Marshall teammates and NFL veterans Troy Brown and Mike Bartrum have organized the camp for nearly a decade.

"It brings a lot of joy to the kids," said Brown, who remains undecided on his NFL future after 15 seasons with the New England Patriots. "They have a great time and we enjoy doing it. That's why we do it every year, and all of the money from today, tonight and tomorrow it all goes to good causes here in Huntington and in the area."

Brown long has been philanthropic both in Huntington and his football home in New England. He has participated in summer camps headed by NFL peers and appreciates the turnout from pro players with no ties to the Tri-State.

"We understand how demanding it is to be an NFL player," Brown said. "Everybody's always pulling on you for your time, trying to get you to do different things and you have to pick and choose.

"And a lot of guys could say West Virginia? Huh? But we've got really good guys and once they get here they're surprised about how nice everybody is."

Chris Harris/The Herald-Dispatch

Mike Bartrum and Troy Brown walk across the field at Joan C. Edwards Stadium Saturday morning during the Bartrum and Brown Football Camp Saturday, May 17, 2008.