PARKERSBURG -Coming out of the high school ranks, Tyler Warner had his heart set on continuing his kicking career with a Division I college program.
Not only did the Parkersburg High graduate latch on with Marshall University as an invited walk-on his freshman year, but he eventually earned a scholarship and became a full-time starter.
Now that he has closed the chapter on his career with the Thundering Herd, Warner is looking to give back to the profession. As a result, the Tyler Warner Kicking Camp is set to debut July 20-21 at Stadium Field.
"Right now, I am raising support for the mission trip I will be going on, and I thought this camp would be a good way to do that," Warner said during his appearance at last Thursday's Rally in the Alley, which featured the Marshall Coaches Caravan. "I love kicking - I've been doing it for the last seven years and I really enjoyed it. I want to help in any way I possibly can."
The camp is open to all kickers, punters and long snappers at the middle school and high school levels. The cost is $150 per specialist and $125 for those accompanying a paid registrant.
Campers will receive instruction on how to improve technique, strength and knowledge of how to become a better specialist. Campers will need to bring their own balls, kicking blocks and kickoff tees. Video sessions will be provided.
"It is a great opportunity to be able to do this and meet other kids from this area who are loving the same thing I am doing," Warner said. "Not only will we be working with the physical side and technique, but also the mental side."
Assisting Warner with the long snappers is former Marshall tight end and long snapper Mike Bartrum, who also played tight end in the National Football League for the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
Warner closed out his career at Marshall by connecting on two field goals, including the eventual game-winner, during the Thundering Herd's 20-10 victory against FIU in last year's Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl in St. Petersburg, Fla.
In February, he was accepted to serve an internship with Athletes in Action through the University of Kentucky. Later this month, he will join former PHS teammate Matt Lindamood on a mission trip to Los Angeles where they will work with inner-city youth.
"Athletes are very unique in a sense because they have the platform of sport to tell others about Christ," Warner said. "Matt and I are going on that mission trip because we realize we have that platform and want to tell people about Christ."
For more information on the Tyler Warner Kicking Camp, call 304-481-3708.
