April 18: Hens to visit Smyrna
UD Athletics to offer youth football, soccer, field hockey clinics at Smyrna High
8:56 a.m., Jan. 29, 2015--University of Delaware Athletics will hit the road again this spring when the Blue Hens head downstate to Smyrna High School for a fun-filled day of football, fun, giveaways and youth skills clinics on Saturday, April 18.
After successful spring visits to Milford High School the last two years, as well as a previous trip to Cape Henlopen High School, the Blue Hens will now visit Smyrna for a one-day football practice and to offer youth clinics not only for football but also for boys and girls soccer and field hockey.
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Fans are invited to come out for a full day of entertainment by watching the Blue Hens football team practice, taking part in the youth skills clinics, playing games, winning prizes and meeting UD student-athletes.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. and concessions and merchandise will be sold. Tailgating (no alcohol permitted per school district policy) will be encouraged.
Dave Brock, now entering his third year as UD football head coach, will lead his team in a practice session. The Blue Hens will bring their exciting brand of football to the event and fans will have the chance to watch their favorite players up close and to meet them afterward.
In addition to a football clinic, UD field hockey head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof, men’s soccer head coach Ian Hennessy, and women’s soccer head coach Scott Grzenda and their staffs and team members will be on hand to conduct fun skills clinics for youths of all ages.
“We are excited to add Smyrna to our growing tradition of bringing Delaware football and Blue Hens athletics to all areas of the state we strive to represent,” said Eric Ziady, UD director of athletics. “Our friends at Smyrna High School have been incredible to work with and I know they will pull out all the stops to make this a first-class event for the Delaware community. We are also thrilled that our field hockey and soccer teams will also be taking part in the event this year. No matter what your interest, there will be something for everyone. I want to especially thank Leon (Clarke) for helping us arrange this event and for serving as a great example to our current student athletes.”
Clarke, Smyrna High School associate principal, played a key role in coordinating the event. He was a standout player at UD and was a starting cornerback on the Blue Hens’ 2003 national championship team.
“It's definitely an honor as a former UD Blue Hen to have not only the football team, but soccer and field hockey teams come to Smyrna High School as guests of the Smyrna School District,” said Clarke. “This event will serve as a memorable one, not only for our high school students, but for all the students, families and younger athletes throughout the Smyrna community and school district, as well. I think that the University of Delaware will be pleased with the support they will receive from the UD alumni at Smyrna High School and the surrounding community as a whole. I can honestly say that since I've been a part of the Smyrna School District family the pride that resonates with the University of Delaware and what it means to truly be a Blue Hen supporter stands firm throughout the community of Smyrna.”
“On behalf of the Smyrna athletic program we are very excited to enter into this partnership with the University of Delaware for this great event,” said William (Bill) Schultz, Smyrna High athletic director. “It is going to bring two great communities together for an awesome event. With the youth skills clinics it will give the various youth organizations from the Kent County area an opportunity to experience some great coaching from both college players and coaches. I think that it is also going to be a tremendous event for our local University of Delaware fans to see the field hockey, soccer, and football teams in action during the clinics as well as the football teams practice. We are looking forward to the event.”
Those interested in attending are encouraged to stay tuned to BlueHens.com for additional information, event details and skills fun registration in the coming weeks.
Fans should also mark their calendars for the annual Fandemonium VI that will be held on Saturday, May 2, as part of the annual football Blue-White Scrimmage at Delaware Stadium. This action-packed day with UD Athletics and Recreation includes the Fan Zone with live music, food, free pony rides for kids, inflatables, face painting, games, autographs, and more.
The Delaware Beer Garden will once again be available in the Fan Zone for Blue Hens 21 and older. Parking lots open and Fan Zone activities begin at 10 a.m. with the spring scrimmage set for noon. The Delaware Athletic Trainers Association 5K run and one-mile walk will also be happening that morning.
There will be free admission and parking for all programming, excluding race registration.
Photo by Doug Baker