Dallas Cowboys to stage youth camp Thursday at Brownsville Sports Park

A chance meeting at a recent benefit golf tournament between Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Sam Hurd and Southern Cameron County United Way board member Rene Capistran resulted in the pro football player's participation along with five teammates in Thursday's youth football camp at Brownsville Sports Park.

Hurd and Capistran discussed the subject of youth football camps at the golf tournament in McAllen in May, and before long, the Cowboys receiver said he would be happy to come to Brownsville to stage one.

Thursday's Dallas Cowboys Youth Camp presented by United Way runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is expected to attract as many as 350 boys and girls ages 6 to 17. The cost of $30 per youth includes lunch and a gift bag. Final registration is scheduled from 7 to 8 a.m. today at the sports park's football field.

"A camp like this is not just about football," Hurd said. "We want to teach them about life and to make responsible choices. You have to have discipline and respect to succeed in football and in life."

Mariana Tumlinson, Southern Cameron County United Way resource development director, said 250 youth already had registered for the camp. She expected possibly another 100 to sign up Wednesday.

"Our organization focuses on education, income and health," Tumlinson said. "It means a lot that Sam understands what our initiatives are and that he whole-heartedly supports them.

"It's just a blessing to have him give a camp here," she added. "It's a great opportunity for the youth of southern Cameron County. We'd just like to thank (sports park director) Tuffy Martinez and the city of Brownsville for helping us make this a reality."

Hurd, a 2002 San Antonio Brackenridge graduate who played his college ball at Northern Illinois, arrived in Brownsville on Wednesday afternoon along with Cowboys fullback Deon Anderson and wide receiver Mike Jefferson. Also expected to help with the camp Thursday are Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins, linebacker Anthony Spencer and safety Pat Watkins.

Coaches from Brownsville ISD and San Antonio Brackenridge are assisting the Cowboys players with the camp. Hurd staged a camp in San Antonio three weeks ago, and 230 youth turned out.

"I've been to the Valley a number of times, and I really like it," Hurd said. "The people here really love the Cowboys."

Roy Hess writes for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him via e-mail at rhess@brownsvilleherald.com.