Mentorship on the gridiron
The 2026 Kickoff Weekend Youth Football Clinic transformed the campus of North Central High School in Spokane into a lively hub of mentorship, where more than two dozen of the Big Sky Conference’s top college players gathered to teach children from second through eighth grade.
Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood, who still remembers the thrill of his first successful pass as a youngster, took the field alongside his peers, emphasizing the joy he feels watching youngsters light up when they finally nail a throw.
Eastern Washington running back Malik Dotson, fresh off a promising season, relished the chance to swap stories with teammates from across the conference, noting that those connections will fuel a spirit of respectful competition when the teams meet on the field later this fall.
Big Sky deputy commissioner Dan Satter praised the event as a testament to the conference’s commitment to community, highlighting how the players’ enthusiasm creates a ripple effect that extends beyond the game and builds lasting friendships among rivals.
The clinic’s seven rotating stations gave kids hands‑on experience with every position, from quarterbacks to linebackers, while also allowing the college athletes to bond over shared goals. As the weekend unfolds with additional media sessions and the upcoming State of the Conference address, the players are already looking ahead to a season where on‑field performance will speak louder than any preseason hype.