Chucky Mullins Scholarship brings in football star to lead youth camp
Young football players in Franklin County have likely spent many a Saturday cheering the Alabama Crimson Tide. Now young athletes have the chance to learn from an Alabama fan-favorite, as Trent Richardson is making a trip to Russellville for the first Chucky Mullins Scholarship Committee Football Camp.
“We are really excited to have him coming to this,” said Chucky Mullins Scholarship Committee member Skye Hamilton, who is organizing the camp. “We think it is going to be a really fun day we are looking forward to.”
The camp will be May 22 at Russellville Football Stadium with two different age groups. Athletes ages 8-12 will check in at 8 a.m. and have camp from 9-11 a.m. Athletes 12 and older will check in at 11 a.m. and have camp from noon to 2 p.m.
The cost of the camp is $50 before April 24 and $65 from April 24 to May 8. Proceeds from the camp will go toward Chucky Mullins scholarships.
Hamilton said the number of scholarships the foundation is able to offer varies each year, but students who receive scholarships will be awarded $2,000 spread out over four semesters.
This is the first year the Chucky Mullins Scholarship Committee will be hosting a football camp as a fundraiser.
Hamilton said the committee typically hosts a golf tournament, but this year she suggested it would be fun to host a football camp.
After the idea of holding a football camp as a fundraiser was approved, Hamilton said she contacted Richardson, one of her classmates from her time at the University of Alabama, about leading the camp.
Hamilton said young athletes will have the chance to spend individual time with Richardson, who is leading the camp.
Richardson played for Alabama from 2009-2011, helping the Tide to two national championships and winning many awards and recognitions for his stellar play.
He went on to play for the Cleveland Browns, the third overall pick in the 2012. He was later traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2013. He currently plays with the Caudillos de Chihuahua of Mexico of the Fútbol Americano de México, signing with the team in February.
Athletes will have the chance to have a jersey signed and pictures taken with Richardson. Parents are encouraged to stay and take additional pictures.
Russellville High School head football coach John Ritter said the committee did a great job of finding an athlete who will inspire young athletes and encourage participation.
“They did a phenomenal job finding a top-tier guy,” Ritter said. “Trent Richardson really made a name for himself with all that he was able to do in his time at Alabama and going to the NFL. I think every kid within 100 miles would love to come have the chance to meet him, so for them to have him come and be the special guest is huge.”
To register, visit www.cms1988.org/football-camp.
