Summer sports camps pair students with Dartmouth High coaches

Jul 3, 2018

Zack Arelo can’t wait until the new school year. The incoming Dartmouth High freshman plans to be on the football team, and he’s already getting to know his coaching staff.

It’s all through the school’s summer sports camps. Each week in July, coaches, mostly Dartmouth High staff, host a new set of clinics for their sports. With football and tennis week from July 2-5, Arelo received instruction from Dartmouth High coach Justin Zexter.

Throughout the week, Zexter worked to build up about two dozen kids’ fundamental football skills -- a challenge because he had a diverse group of kids of varying ages and skill levels to work with, ranging in age from 7-13.

“We just work on hand skills, teaching them proper forms, agility, and footwork,” Zexter said.

On July 3, he ran the kids through various agility drills, including traditional jumps and runs along mats.

“I hope they come away from this with a solid understanding of playing football, and have fun with it,” Zexter said.

A short distance away, Dan Sadlowski was busy teaching his crop of students the basics of tennis. He coaches throughout the state, but lives in the Berkshires.

“The main thing is to get the kids out and have fun,” he said. “They’re learning some drills, they’re working on skills and getting exercise. It’s about having fun and building good habits.”

Sam Madden has been running the camp for the past four years, but the camp dates back to when the Dartmouth High alum was still in school. He said the biggest benefits are allowing students to try out sports they might not have thought they’d like, and connecting with Dartmouth High coaching staff.

Registrations are still being accepted for the camp’s upcoming programs. Girls lacrosse and boys basketball are July 9-13, volleyball and soccer are July 16-20, and softball and track and field are July 23-27. Registration and information links can be found at the Dartmouth High School website, dartmouth.school.