NEWPORT NEWS, VA- Christopher Newport University hosted the 2009 Peninsula All Star Football Camp last Thursday and Friday. It was the eighth straight year CNU has hosted the event.

Over 450 youngsters from across the Commonwealth ranging in age from six to 18 took part in the two-day event. The camp featured Newport News native Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as many NFL and former NFL players.

“I am amazed every time I come home and come on this campus to see the growth and development,” Tomlin said. “Not only from an athletic standpoint, but also an academic standpoint. No question, Senator Trible has this University rolling, and from a football standpoint, I am sold and believe in Coach Kelchner."

Highlights of the camp included on-field football instruction, Q & A sessions with coaches and NFL players, as well as lectures and advice.

“This camp is a tremendously positive experience for the youngsters, players, and coaches,” Matt Kelchner, head football coach at Christopher Newport, said. “It was a great learning opportunity for everyone and included not just football instruction, but also life lessons for the campers. It was again an honor to host the event at Christopher Newport University.”

National Football League players in attendance included Dominic Rhodes and Chris Ellis of the Buffalo Bills, Elton Brown and Kwamie Lassiter of the Arizona Cardinals, Antoine Bethea of the Indianapolis Colts, Dwight Hollier of the Miami Dolphins, and Marques Hagans of the Washington Redskins. Morocco Brown of the Redskins Player Personnel Department was also on hand.

In the eight years CNU has hosted the event, more than 3,000 youngsters have now taken part in the annual football camp.

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