HOT MAMAS: Mid-90s heat can’t stop Plymouth moms from enjoying clinic
The mom of a Plymouth football player wraps up her son during a tackling drill at the end of Tuesday’s clinic.
They laughed, they blocked, they tackled and punted their black-and-silver hearts out Tuesday night despite scorching heat indexes that convinced most people in southeast Michigan to grab a cold beverage, recline in their Lazy-Boy and watch Netflix.
They are moms of Plymouth High School football players, and they had a blast while getting an opportunity to blast their sons in tackling and blocking drills at the Wildcats’ annual football clinic for moms.
The brainchild of Plymouth Assistant Coach Derek Hoffman, the camp’s highlight for many moms was the grand finale drill: tackling their sons while wearing shoulder pads and a helmet.
‘I wouldn’t miss tackling my son for anything’
“It’s really hot today, but I wouldn’t miss being able to tackle my son for anything,” said Deb Lin with a laugh. “I love my son, but in typical high school fashion we don’t always agree on everything (she smiled), so getting to tackle him will be fun.
“I can’t pick him up because he’s massive compared to me, so I’m glad they’re making it so it’s a little easier for the moms.”
Hoffman said he has as much fun running the camp as the campers.
Fun-raiser and fund-raiser
Forty moms participated in the 90-minute-ish camp Tuesday night. The money each mom paid to participate pays for the jersey they each get to wear and keep, and as a fundraiser for the Wildcats’ football program.
(To check out highlights from the tackling drill, click here.)
“For 49 years, Farmington Hills Harrison ran the Hawks Moms Clinic,” said Hoffman, a former player at Harrison. “When I got to Wyandotte (as a teacher), they had an awesome version of it as well. Once I got the go ahead to run this post Covid here at Plymouth, I went all in.
“This year’s may have been our best yet. Everything ran so smoothly. Even in the heat, I know the moms were genuinely having a blast. That kind of camaraderie can be the difference heading into the season. The boys, the moms … all coming together as one! ”
Minutes before participating in her fourth moms camp, Lisa Hoaglin (mother of Ethan Soper) said her favorite station besides the tackle-your-son station is the one that teaches proper throwing techniques.
“I really enjoy the quarterback station and learning how to throw the ball,” Hoaglin said. “My son is a kicker and there’s a kicking station this year, too, so I’m excited about that.
“The station that brings me the most satisfaction? Absolutely the tackling station.”
Mom-son bonding experience
Kelly Cowatch, mother of incoming freshman player August Cowatch, said the camp is a bonding opportunity for her and her son.
“I love being able to learn more about the sport my son loves,” Cowatch said. “And it gives us a chance to spend more time together doing something he truly loves.
“Plus, it gives us something football-related that we can do together besides playing catch in the backyard. I’m looking forward to running out onto the field, catching passes and learning how to block.”
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
