Uniting young men of diverse backgrounds the aim of 'One Team' football camp in Avon

AVON — A football camp being held this week in Avon is aiming to help athletes from four area high schools improve themselves off the field as well as on it. On Tuesday evening, athletes from Avon, Glenville, North Olmsted and John Hay High Schools were invited to the Avon Aquatic Facility after working on their skills at the "One Team" camp earlier in the day. With so much division existing in the world along racial and economic lines, organizers believe sports are one of the greatest unifiers, said Nobles Darby, Cuyahoga County Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which presented the camp. "If we're able to bring together young athletes and coaches from different communities for the sake of unity, we feel that is a positive start in the right direction," he said. U.S. Census estimates show significant demographic differences between Avon, North Olmsted and Cleveland — where Glenville and John Hay High Schools are located. Five-year data from 2015-2019 shows the median household income in Avon was $109,916, compared to $64,236 in North Olmsted and $30,907 in Cleveland. Racial demographics also show differences between the communities. The most recent Census estimates state that more than 90 percent of Avon and North Olmsted residents were white, compared to 40 percent of Cleveland residents. Nearly 49 percent of Cleveland residents were Black, compared to just over 2 percent of North Olmsted residents and nearly 5 percent of Avon residents. The diversity was reflected in the players who voluntarily came to the camp and event at the pool Tuesday. Avon football coach Mike Elder challenged players to get to know someone different than themselves and listen to each other's stories. John Hay football coach Rodney Decipeda spoke to the athletes, urging them to remember the importance of face-to-face interaction in pursuing unity. "If someone tells you, 'I'm about racial reconciliation,' I say to them, 'When was the last time you had somebody different looking than you have a meal at your house?'" he said. "If you're interested in political and economic unity, when was the last time you had someone who made more or less money than you at your house?" "Until you get together and meet face-to-face, it's not going to happen," he said. Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen also invited several Avon residents, some of whom played football in their high school and collegiate days, to address and inspire the players. Robert and Dr. Denise Douglas, whose son Ross Douglas is on the New England Patriots quality control staff, spoke about the importance of education and doing the right thing when nobody is watching. "Education is absolutely critical," said Denise Douglas. "Just think about it. One day, football will end for everyone, regardless. At some point, it's going to be over. What you do have and what no one can take away from you is education." This is the first year for the camp but hopefully the first of many, Darby said. Contact the reporter Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.