By Frank Wolf

Verona, NY – One of the most anticipated events hosted by the New York State High School Football Coaches Association began Thursday evening at the Turning Stone Casino. The annual Football Clinic welcomed over 680 registrants from across the high school and collegiate coaching landscape.

Over a dozen vendors set up shop in the Oneida room for all three days of the event, including the US Army, NYS Beef Council, BSN Sports, X’s and O’s Notebook as wells as a number of fundraising companies along with equipment and apparel distributors.

Jason Miller, head coach of the Waverly Wolverines (Section IV), who won the NYSPHSAA Class C title this past season was one of the first speakers Thursday night. His talk centered around the passing game his team has been finding success with the past few seasons.  

There were a number of coaches from Cortland State on hand as well Thursday offering live demonstrations inside the Onondaga/Seneca meeting rooms. Head Coach Curt Fitzpatrick had a solid turnout for his talk which closed out the evening. The Red Dragons coach was named the AFCA Division III Coach of the Year after winning the national title.

Fran Brown, head football coach of Syracuse University was the featured speaker on Friday and spoke to a packed audience.

Newly named University of Buffalo head coach Pete Lembo, who is a native of Staten Island, was also one of the big names speaking on Friday morning. A panel discussion involving all of the Empire 8 Head Coaches was one of the highlights of the afternoon.

Friday evening NYSHSFCA hosted their annual Awards Banquet and was well attended. Over a dozen honorees from across the state were recognized.

This year’s event was scheduled later in the year to help attract more people. The plan worked as there was more than 10% increase in registrations.

Photos by Mario Hall