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MARSHALL SPORTS
Recruit's brother makes trip to MU football camp
Marshall running backs coach Jared Smith instructs campers Saturday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
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HUNTINGTON -- As if on cue, weather finally broke for the kickoff of Marshall University's summer football camp season.
Approximately 125 campers spanning grades one through 12 were tutored by Thundering Herd coaches under ideal conditions on Saturday. Following days of downpours, the full-day camp proved testing, but a welcome shift from gray skies.
"It was great," camper Spencer Schooler said. "It was a little hot, but we all had fun. It was a good day.
"It was getting pretty physical there at the end. It was a lot of fun."
Schooler and his parents trekked from Witchita, Kan., to Huntington. Campers represent numerous states, but particular purpose spurred Spencer's visit. Older brother Alex signed with the Thundering Herd in February and will join the team this summer.
The elder Schooler, a 6-foot-6 offensive lineman, earned first-team all-state honors as a senior. Marshall offensive line coach Mike Cummings recruited Alex and extended a similar impression on little brother.
"My brother's going to play here and I wanted to see what it was going to be like, so that attracted me to the camp," Spencer said. "He said he came up here and fell in love with it and said how cool it was. That was a good sign.
"I love the coaching staff. Coach Cummings was definitely my favorite with his thick New York accent, it gets me every time."
Spencer's father, Brian, coached Alex at Collegiate High School and was in attendance Saturday. Alex was listed at 261 pounds on signing day; Brian reported that his son stiff-armed basketball this spring for the weight room and since has bulked up to 298.
Along with Cummings, current Marshall lineman Chad Schofield has aided in Alex's gradual transition to Division I-A football.
"Alex just fell in love with it here," Brian said. "He loves the coaching staff. He ended up with about five or six offers at the end, but he just started to turn people away and say he fell in love with (Marshall). He didn't want to go on anymore visits.
"He really likes and respects (Schofield) a lot."
As for Spencer's tutelage on Saturday, Brian the father and coach appreciated the full day's work.
"It's the same stuff, working on the fundamentals, only they're a lot better at it than the high school guys," Brian said. "That's why they're here. I think they're going to get it turned around.
"I think they have a good class coming in. I hope (the fans) give (this year's team) a chance."
Camp season continues today with a Senior Advanced Camp beginning at 9 a.m. at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Today's camp features numerous prospective recruits.
