The third edition of the Free Football Skills Camp took place on July 18 at Central Middle School in Whiteville, drawing young athletes from Columbus, Bladen and Robeson counties.
The event was headlined by a trio of coaches whose playing careers have left a lasting mark on North Carolina football.
Coaches with a Legacy of Excellence
Earl Harvey, who quarterbacked Douglas Byrd to a 1984 championship, still holds CIAA passing records, while Chris Corders, a former NC State standout receiver, transitioned to coaching after a knee injury derailed his playing days. Patrick Lennon, the 1986 North Carolina High School Athlete of the Year and a first‑round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners, also shares his journey as a motivational speaker and occasional gospel preacher.
Adding local flavor, former Whiteville High School basketball coach Glenn McKoy, celebrated for guiding the Wolfpack to back‑to‑back state titles, offered instruction on the field, alongside rising stars Nikotis Gordan and Cee Jai Batten, who helped run drills and mentor participants.
Beyond skill development, the camp served as a community gathering, reinforcing the region’s commitment to youth sports and personal growth.