On a bright Saturday morning at Ruston High School, community leaders, coaches and volunteers came together to launch the first ever Jerrod Baugh and Robert Demp Smith Football Camp, a tribute that blended sport with mentorship.
Honoring a Legacy
The gathering, organized by the Ford-Jackson Community Development Foundation and supported by the Pi Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, drew roughly fifty young athletes eager to learn the fundamentals of the game.
Participants rotated through offensive and defensive drills under the watchful eye of Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh, while volunteers like Jonathan Millage managed field operations and ensured safety.
The camp paid homage to Robert Demp Smith, the school’s first African American head coach, who led the Bearcats in 1975 and left an indelible mark on the community before his passing in October 2023.
Speakers Sonny Cumbie and Mickey Joseph, head coaches at Louisiana Tech and Grambling respectively, addressed the campers, emphasizing leadership, perseverance and the broader impact of sport.
Korick Wilkerson, one of the event’s organizers, described the camp as a platform to inspire youth and foster a sense of belonging, a vision that grew from conversations with fellow organizer Eric Outley Sr.
A hand-drawn portrait by local artist Reggie McLeroy was presented to Coach Baugh and members of the Smith family, a touching moment that underscored the community’s appreciation.
Future Vision
Organizers hope the inaugural camp will expand, attracting more participants and deeper partnerships, ensuring that the legacy of Demp Smith lives on through every youngster who steps onto the field.