EX-SUPER BOWL CHAMP TO VISIT TIGERS' CAMP

Jerome Sally knows a thing or two about winning.

And first-year Cape Central head football coach Lawrence Brookins is hoping some of Sally's knowledge will spill into the minds of the Tiger football players.

Sally, who won a Super Bowl with the 1987 New York Giants and played football at the University of Missouri, will be a special guest speaker and instructor for Cape Central's first day of varsity football camp on Monday.

Sally rubbed shoulder pads with teammates such as Lawrence Taylor, Harry Carson, Tony Galbreath and Phil Sims. He also played under coach Bill Parcells.

Brookins and Sally were both assistant coaches at Columbia-Hickman High School from 1993-96 and the two became friends.

"He can be as forceful or as nasty as you can be," Brookins said. "At the same time, he'll sit and brush and braid his daughters' hair and sing to them and read nursery rhymes to them. He's also a gentle giant."

Brookins hopes that his players soak in the football knowledge that Sally possesses and enjoy his playing-days anecdotes. But more than that, Brookins wants his Tigers to learn what it takes to be a winner off the field.

Brookins said Sally grew up in a rough environment in Chicago and had some problems off the field. The former NFL defensive lineman reversed his ways and became a productive member of society.

"He can share all the football talk you'd ever want to hear," said Brookins. "But he's also going to hit them in the belt with some life experiences too. He'll tell them that at one time he was considered a bad kid. A number of things changed his course. A number of people and things helped turn him around."

In addition to his inspiration, Brookins said he won't let Sally get away without teaching his players some on-the-field techniques.

"While he's here, I'm going to put him to work," said a grinning Brookins.

The varsity camp runs from 6-8 p.m. Monday through Friday next week on the practice field. There will be no fee to attend the camp.

Those who plan to participate in football this upcoming season are expected to attend this camp. Participants will don helmets and shoulder pads and those who have not yet received their gear should contact Brookins after the morning and evening weight-lifting sessions.