Barden’s Soul Glow camp has silky smooth first run
LA CAÑADA — It was neither the cadre of celebrity trainers, nor the applause or recognition that brought Flintridge Prep alumnus Ramses Barden the most joy at the former NFL player’s inaugural Soul Glow Skill Stretch and Celebrity Football and Modern Dance Camp at Flintridge Prep.
No, Barden was most pleased with the turnout of 80 or so kids on Saturday.
“What we’re teaching here is crossover skills for all sports, not just football,” said Barden, who graduated from Flintridge Prep in 2004 as a standout in football, basketball and volleyball. “I have some great friends who have come out to support this event and I’m excited to see all the community kids. This is for them and I hope they learn something and had a good time.”
Barden and camp-goers alike raced around Flintridge Prep’s field and basketball court and took part in a variety of drills and competitions.
One such friend was a fellow former Rebel in Stefan Smith, a red-shirt sophomore tailback at USC.
Smith was in charge of the ladders agility drill and even introduced the campers, mostly from ages 7 to 15, to the famed “Ickey Shuffle” dance created by former Cincinnati Bengal Elbert “Ickey” Woods.
“I love this and I love being out with the kids,” said Smith, a former All-Area first-team selection and 2014 graduate. “I have a young brother that’s their age and it’s great to give back.
“Being a Prep guy, you know who Ramses is and when I heard that he was putting this together, I just wanted to be a part of it.”
The school was also an active participant and did more than just host the event as around 30 members of Flintridge Prep’s Athletic Council on Leadership pitched in on everything from charging admission, handing out free shirts, bottled water and snacks along with aiding the campers to get to their specific drills.
“We asked for volunteers and they came out,” said Glen Beattie, an ACL mentor and the school’s head football coach. “What better way to give back to the community than to work with young kids?”
Beattie was also involved and co-ran a sled drill along with former NFL defensive lineman Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, a former four-year pro who played primarily with the Oakland Raiders.
“It’s a blast to be here with [Gbaja-Biamila] and just watch him work and instruct,” Beattie said. “He knows the game so well and it takes him only a few minutes to explain and get the kids to understand what it takes me 20 minutes to do.”
Nine-year-old Dylan Lewis, a Los Angeles resident, enjoyed the sled drill most.
“It was cool,” Lewis said. “It was easier than I thought it would be. I’m happy I’m working on my footwork.”
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keith Rivers helped run the agility station in the far corner of the field, in which kids took part in shuttle and sprint drills.
“That was my favorite drill,” 10-year-old Pico Rivera resident Julian Cruz said. “That was the most fun and I think I learned the most.”
Cruz’ friend, 9-year-old South Pasadena native Andres Silva, wasn’t in agreement.
“The defensive drills were better,” Silva said. “The agility drills were a lot of running and it’s too hot.”
Away from the heat and inside the gym, Barden’s event also included a popular modern dance camp that attracted several participants.
The dance portion was run by actor/choreographer Darrin Dewitt Henson and choreographer Dominique “DiMonae” Harris.
“It was a lot of fun and a little embarrassing,” said 14-year-old Pasadena resident Shanae Pittman, who was accompanied by her 17-year-old friend Treasury Davis. “I’m a little tired.”
Pittman’s friend, 8-year-old Aammi Chapman fired back, “It wasn’t that tiring. It was just fun.”
At the midway point of the camp, Barden gathered the kids, parents and guests together as the coaches each introduced themselves and spoke briefly about the benefits of working hard and setting goals.
“This is what it’s all about,” Barden said. “I want to get the message out to these kids that they can do anything just as long as they work for it. It’s not about me today, it’s about them.”