By Dave Long, Contributing Writer
1:23 PM Wednesday, July 8, 2009
It may be the middle of summer, but preseason training has started for a lot of high school football teams, including Beavercreek.
Coach Scott Clodfelter is taking his team to the Higher Ground church camp facility in West Harrison, Ind., for three training days Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 10-12.
The facility is just off Interstate 74 west of Cincinnati, but deep enough in the woods that teams can get away from the world.
"No cell phones, no video games," said Clodfelter. "Just three days of football and getting to know each other as individuals. Hopefully, it helps build team chemistry and unity."
Creek has its full team camp beginning Monday, July 27, and starts two-a-day practices Monday, Aug. 3, hoping to improve a 2008 record of 5-5.
The top college prospect for the Beavers going into the season will be receiver Brad Sundstrom.
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound senior caught 30 passes for 575 yards and eight touchdowns in eight games last season.
He missed the final two contests with an anterior cruciate ligament tear to his right knee. The injury also put him out for the 2008-09 basketball season.
"The damage got repaired and I worked hard all winter in rehab every day with our trainers at school," said Sundstrom. "I'm stronger now (than last season) and in the best shape I?ve ever been in."
Recruiting interest
Sundstrom, a Greater Western Ohio League Central Division first teamer, has performed well at several college camps this summer. His size and 4.67 speed in the 40-yard dash has him on the recruiting radar. Ohio State is giving him a look along with Cincinnati and most of the Mid-American Conference schools.
"Most of the schools want to see how my senior season goes," he said.
"They're projecting me as a hybrid receiver who can line up at tight end or be a wideout.
"I'm pleased with camps I've had. My speed has been consistent. I've performed well in the agility drills and shown I've got pretty good hands. The knee isn't an issue."
Sundstrom said he is good on his grades and college test scores.
"I won't pick a school until maybe midseason or when the season is done," he said. "The colleges know about me. Now I have to go out and show them what I can do."
