A Milestone on the Gridiron
The Cardinal Football Camp at Fairmont High School is celebrating its 20th year, a milestone that reflects both community support and the steady hand of head coach Mat Mahoney.
Open to students from fourth through twelfth grade, the camp runs two distinct sessions: a morning slot from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. for younger players and an evening slot from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for older participants, a schedule reshaped this year to accommodate extreme heat.
Coach Mahoney, who has led the program for two decades alongside longtime assistants Brad Johnson and Terry Ehlert, emphasizes continuity while also welcoming new voices such as Jesse Walters, a former senior in Mahoney’s inaugural year who now helps guide campers.
Beyond skill development, the camp serves as a conduit for families, with Mahoney noting that he has coached multiple generations of the same households, reinforcing a sense of tradition that stretches across the town.
The heat adjustment also underscores the camp’s flexibility, ensuring safety while maintaining a focus on introducing newcomers to the game and reinforcing fundamentals for seasoned players.
Looking ahead, the first official practice of the high school fall season is slated for Monday, August 17, marking the next step for campers ready to transition to the high school field.
As the camp enters its third decade, its blend of tradition, adaptability, and community focus continues to shape the next generation of athletes in Fairmont.