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BOUNTIFUL — The rhythmic chant of the Haka, a traditional Maori dance, tells players and visitors alike that they are not at just any prep football camp.
The All Poly Camp held annually in Bountiful, Utah, has blossomed into a must-attend event for high school football players from around the West, and that was something that founder Alema Te’o never intended to happen.
“I was concerned about the graduation rate of Polynesian students in Utah," Te’o said. “I went to community meetings and the state offices for help trying to use football as the incentive for our kids.”
While officials shared Te’o’s concern he got no assistance.
“I was upset so I made a few phone calls and we put this camp together with 30 kids that first year,” said Te’o.
The 2011 All Poly Camp now hosts nearly 450 student athletes from around the United States with kids coming all the way from Florida. The camp includes coaches from nearly 30 colleges and represents conferences including the Pac-12, Mountain West, WAC, ACC, Big East, Big Sky, Conference USA as well as independent BYU.
The camp was founded on education and it continues to be about education today. Players are taught what Te’o calls the 3 A's: attitude, academics, and athletics.
"You guys need to be grateful for this opportunity and the people that made it possible," Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham told the kids at the end of camp. "The spirit of this camp is incredible."
“Our goal is to change the attitudes of these kids," he said. "They come from a generation of entitlement and they need to understand that hard work in the classroom is what will make them successful. When they get their attitudes and academics right, their success in athletics will just come naturally.”
Despite the All Poly name and the abundance of Polynesian coaches and players, the camp is open to players, regardless of race or ethnic background.
“This camp is about breaking down barriers,” Te’o said. “It allows us to share our culture and our style of football.”
During the week the coaches at the camp explain that Polynesians play fast and furious: “That warrior mentality or mental toughness has made us successful in football we share that with all the campers,” Te’o said.
Parents at the camp share the enthusiasm of the coaches and players.
“I like that they focus on life and academics, football comes third,” said Bill Quick, whose son Brad is the youngest player in camp. “They teach them to respect their elders, choose good friends and make good choices. It is about character.”
Brad, a freshman this year at Bountiful, said he will be back next year even if he has to pay for it himself.
Clarence Love brought his son Dominque, a talented defensive back, from Oceanside, Calif.
“We have loved the culture of this camp, and they focus on education and they play real football,” the elder Love said. “I tell my son, ‘if you don’t get an education there is no football’ and these guys preach that.”
NFL Super Bowl champion Edwin Mulitalo was at the first All Poly Camp 12 years ago.
“This maybe the only camp these kids get because most camps are so expensive,” he said. “This camp has five-star coaches without the five-star price.”
Mulitalo is encouraged by the progress the camp has made: “This used to just be a camp for linemen but now we are producing some great skill position players as well.”
Top college programs are also taking notice sending coaches to volunteer at the camp.
Former Utah and current Weber State head coach Ron McBride has high praise for the camp.
“What Alema and the All Poly Camp have done is special,” he said. “They really focus on making these kids better athletes and better kids.”
Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham spoke to the kids at the end of camp about character.
“You guys need to be grateful for this opportunity and the people that made it possible,” he said. “The spirit of this camp is incredible.”
Whittingham explained to the participants and their parents that Utah only looks at a players that have high character and accountability — a message that mirrored the messages being taught throughout the camp.
Robb Akey, head coach at the University of Idaho, also spoke to the campers.
“This is a big time camp, it teaches about the importance of family,” he said. “Family is what our program is about.”
Nike has been a sponsor of the camp for the last six years.
Forrest Sherman, Nike Sparq Trainer said: “This camp teaches the kids about hard work and fitness, from a brand standpoint this camp is a perfect fit for Nike.”
A few years ago NFL Pro Bowler Troy Polamalu approached Nike about doing a football camp in American Samoa. Nike officials, who had already helped Te’o take his camp to Hawaii, introduced the parties and at the end of June Te’o will coordinate the Polamalu camp in American Samoa.
“This will mean so much for the people of Samoa,” Te’o said. “They are a very humble people who have a lot of talent and ability but limited resources.”
