After eight years at Southeastern Louisiana University, the Manning Passing Academy will have a new home when it opens camp on the University’s campus today, running through Sunday.The camp, which is 10 years old, had 1,037 campers enrolled as of June 9, according to David Boudreaux, vice president for institutional advancement.
Of the 1,037 expected, 752 will be staying overnight while 285 will participate as day campers. Boudreaux said the number of staff members is approximately 100.
Robert Bernardi, director of athletics, said the staff will consist mainly of Division I college coaches who have been with the camp for a few years. Included in that group are offensive coordinator H.T. Kinney and linebacker coach Steve Ellis, both Nicholls football coaches.
Bernardi said the Nicholls training staff has been hired for the camp, and head trainer Jeff Smith will be serving as the head of the training staff. Additionally, he said probably a few assistant trainers who are full-time employees and athletic training students will help out with the camp.
Dean of Student Life Judy Daniels said the entire student life and residential staff will be assisting with the camp.
Bernardi said practices will be held on the land between the hospital and south of Barker Hall.
He said fans will be able to come and watch the practices free of charge, but as far as obtaining autographs, he believes the Mannings do not think that is the focus of the camp.
“I think they take the camp very seriously and focus on providing an experience for the campers,” Bernardi said. “As gracious as they are and they are very gracious, they don’t want them (the fans) to be the focus of the camp. They want the campers to be the focus of the camp. They don’t want themselves to be the focus of the camp.”
David Wait, general manager of Sodexho, said when the campers eat they will be split into three groups with extra hot lines also being set up in accordance with the menu for the camp.
He said the three groups would go to lunch at 11:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. respectively, finishing lunch at 12:45 p.m.
Daniels said the overnight campers will be staying in the residence halls and staff members will be staying in both the residence halls and La Maison du Bayou.
“Aside from Zeringue Hall (where Upward Bound is staying) and South Babington (where summer school students are staying), every available bed space is expected to be occupied by the Manning Passing Academy,” Daniels said. “We have about 1,000 beds designated for the passing academy. La Maison du Bayou is housing some of the staff. Exactly who, I am not sure. Other coaching staff will be scattered around campus to assist with supervision.
