©2009 NPT PHOTO SUBMITTED

Austin McKeehan takes time out from Tennessee Titans' Football Camp in Nashville to get his photo taken with
former Tennessee Titans player Erron Kinney, the camp's head coach.

NEWPORT-Newport's Austin McKeehan recently attended the Tennessee Titans Football Camp at Lipscomb University in Nashville.

The camp is one of the best football camps in the nation. Founded in 1983, the camp has graduated over 85,000 athletes, many currently playing at the college level.

The camp is open for youth ages 7 to 18. Sports International Football Camps has partnered with NFL teams to help increase the skills of prospective youth. Youth participate in daily instruction, lectures, and demonstrations on football fundamentals.

Erron Kinney, former Titans' tight end, takes charge for the Titans' camp along with current and former Tennessee Titans and other NFL players. In 2005, Kinney had a career year with 55 receptions for 543 yards for his team.

Kinney and his coaching staff thoroughly train, prepare, and teach the youth the same offensive and defensive techniques they have been taught by the Titans coaching staff and other NFL teams. Other assisting players with the camp this year were Billy Volek (San Diego Chargers), Chris Hope (Tennessee Titans), Cortland Finnegan (Tennessee Titans), Drew Bennet (St. Louis Rams), Kevin Dyson (former Titan), Antonie Harris (Atlanta Falcons), Brad Kassell (New York Jets), and Ben Troupe (former Titan).

Attending this camp for the second year, McKeehan, 8, hopes to make the "Top 30" Club when he reaches 13. To make the club, a youth must pass an NFL scouting test that tests all players for speed, strength, and quickness. Those who achieve the club honor are awarded by having their scores mailed to more than 1,500 college football coaches.

Austin has been awarded at the camp award ceremony for being the fastest runner in his age level for the second year in a row. Congratulations Austin!

When asked who has inspired and assisted him, he quickly gives credit to his local Newport Roosters coaches Doug Ailor and Trey Youngblood. Thank you to these local coaches for caring and supporting our local youth.

Austin hopes to encourage more youth to attend camp with him next year.