By Ryan Ostry
Bugle Staff
@RyanOstry_BR18
rostry@buglenewspapers.com
BOURBONNAIS – How many high school football teams can say they have gotten to practice with, and have met some retired NFL football players?
Well, probably not many.
The Plainfield Central Wildcats, Thornwood Thunderbirds and the Leo Lions had that very opportunity Monday afternoon at Olivet Nazarene University.
Plainfield Central opened their first practice of the IHSA season Ward Field on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University home of the Chicago Bears practice facility.
The Bears and Gatorade invited the Wildcats to their practice facilities because of their outstanding work in the community with youth football players.
“This whole experience has been an unbelievable thing,” Central coach Jon Pereiro said. “As a team we’re all just very fortunate and happy that we were asked to come down to not only watch the Bears practice, but also to take apart of the skills camp.”
Throughout the day, not only did the Wildcats have the chance to participate in the USA Football Skills Session, but they also were able to sit back and watch the hometown Chicago Bears practice as well as see the presentation of a $3,000 check from the Bears through the NFL Foundation for use towards football skills and safety.
“What an amazing experience to get to see [Alex Brown] and [Jason McKie], it was incredible to see them in person,” Pereiro said. “I thought Alex Brown did a great job right in front, what he said to the guys and making sure that everyone is aware what it takes to be great.”
Brown started off the day speaking to the players about football, effort and leadership followed by participating in helping run drills and practice.
“There’s so many coaches and people out here who care about these kids and want to help them as football players and men to grow,” Brown said. “To get these kids to understand hydration, to stretch properly and make sure they’re doing things the right way is everything because we all care about this game and how these kids play it.”
Brown said the benefits to have former players who have been through what they are doing at a high school level, and stay on the right path is the key to success.
“Everyone hear has a different road because there’s not one way to go about it,” Brown said. “You don’t have to be a first round pick to make it in the NFL. You don’t have to be 6-foot-5, 340 pounds, but what you have to have is grit and determination and that will to never quit.”
Wildcat players appreciated Brown and other former players and current coaches giving them the opportunity to practice at a high level and instilling within them what it takes to be a winner.
“It means a lot that these guys would take the time out of their day to come help support high school football players and their dreams,” middle linebacker Connor Sloier said. “I feel like it helps a lot for our program in the direction that we want to move forward too.”
Another player who benefited from the pro advice was wide receiver Reese Little, who credited the change of scenery to the higher morale of the Wildcats.
“The atmosphere here is a lot different than what the normal first practice is,” Little said. “We’ve gotten to actually use helmets and shoulder pads so the guys are more excited to get out there and show what we have.”