WHITEVILLE—FITGANG@7GANG and FAST TWITCH ACADEMY held its Third Annual Free Football Skills Camp on July 18 at Central Middle School in Whiteville.
The one-day camp is designed to help young athletes take their game to the next level, and featured many local and nationally recognized coaches plus local standout players. Athletes of all ages came from all over Columbus County to participate in the camp, plus athletes from Bladen and Robeson Counties.
The three special guest coaches were Earl Harvey, Chris Corders, and Whiteville’s own Patrick Lennon. Harvey was a standout QB for Douglas Byrd in 1984 despite only playing varsity football his senior year and being on a run-oriented football team. His athletic abilities were enough to draw collegiate attention and he chose North Carolina Central. Nicknamed “Air”, Harvey went on to set CIAA records in passing. After playing minor league football and in the Arena Football League, Harvey went into coaching. He is in the CIAA Hall Of Fame and the Black College Hall Of Fame.
Chris Corders was a standout receiver for N.C. State in the late 80’s under Dick Sheridan. He was named to the Freshman All-American team and was Honorable Mention All-American in 1989. Knee injuries derailed his professional career and Corders turned to coaching and training.
Patrick Lennon was North Carolina High School Athlete of the Year for Whiteville High School in 1986. After an outstanding career at Whiteville, Lennon was the first-round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners. After his baseball career ended, Lennon has continued to be in sports by coaching, but has impacted lives in other ways. Lennon also is a motivational speaker and has been known to preach the gospel on occasion.
Other coaches were present sharing life and football knowledge. Former Whiteville High School Basketball Coach Glenn McKoy also gave instruction. McKoy led the Wolfpack to back-to-back state titles in 1999 and 2000. Tony Holmes and Lynn Muldrow also attended.
Local football standouts assisting were Nikotis Gordan of Winston Salem State University and Cee Jai Batten of Wingate.
