North Schuylkill Grad and Penn State Linebacker Tyler Elsdon returned to his alma mater on Sunday to teach up and coming football players the fundamentals of football.
FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - Tyler Elsdon, a standout athlete hailing from Frackville and a 2020 graduate of North Schuylkill, made a triumphant return to his old stomping grounds on Sunday. The talented young linebacker, who achieved great success under the guidance of Coach Wally Hall, returned to Spartan Stadium to impart his football knowledge on aspiring young players.
Elsdon's exceptional performance during his high school years opened the door to Penn State, where he earned a coveted spot as the starting middle linebacker for the Nittany Lion defense in 2022.
Throughout his college season, Elsdon showcased his prowess on the field, recording an impressive stat line that included 44 tackles (25 solo), three tackles for loss, a sack, two quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup.
The football camp organized on Sunday was a dream come true for Elsdon, who had long envisioned giving back to the school that had given him so much. The event catered to young athletes ranging from grades 3 to 8, and Tyler was eager to share the knowledge he gained during his time at Penn State.
"Hosting a camp like this for these kids is super special to me," Elsdon said. "Since the day I left North Schuylkill, I knew I wanted to give back to the community that supported and nurtured me throughout my journey."
The primary focus of the camp was on the fundamentals of football, and Elsdon stressed the importance of these basics, even at the highest levels of the sport. "When I joined Penn State, I quickly realized that the fundamentals are just as crucial as they were in high school. I'm here to teach these young players essential techniques, proper form, and drills that will help them develop their game over time," he added.
Supporting Elsdon throughout the camp were members of the current North Schuylkill Roster, North Schuylkil Graduate and current Villa Nova Defensive Lineman, Jack Green as well as the current North Schuylkill coaching staff, including Coach Wally Hall.
"Tyler really understands what it's like to give back to the community and where he played. He's a great image for all these younger kids." Coach Hall said.
Coach Hall also was happy to have future Spartans playing on the high school field. "It's great to get these kids down here. We have our high school and college players here. The kids get to see these guys in person and get to understand what the program is all about." Hall added."
As the camp concluded, Tyler Elsdon's mission to give back to his community and alma mater was realized. The young athletes left the field with newfound knowledge, motivation, and the ambition to follow in the footsteps of the remarkable linebacker who once graced Spartan Stadium. The event will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the participants and serve as a beacon of hope for the next generation of football stars emerging from North Schuylkill.
Story and Photos by J. Reed / Skook News
