Sports

Jim Leonhard helps mentor football stars of the future

Posted: 3:41 PM Jul 16, 2012
Reporter: Justus Cleveland

Jim Leonhard helps mentor football stars of the future

On a hot summer day at Flambeau High School, 200 kids crowded the gridiron to get the chance to learn from local legend and NFL safety Jim Leonhard at his annual football camp.

This camp here at Flambeau High School is a chance for Jim Leonhard to give back to the area and help produce the next football stars here in northern Wisconsin.

"It definitely means a lot to comeback and help out that next generation coming up, you never know if they are going to make it in sports or not but you try to teach them the right things on and off the field and hopefully they grow to be successful and that is a win for everybody. "

As his camp, Leonhard tries to teach the kids how to do things the right way and make good choices as they develop their skills and the kids like Glen Flora's Zach Montwill are listening to him.

"Your whole life you just have to be dedicated, you can't do back choices, you just have to be good."

Leonhard thinks it's an attitude like that which has help bring him his success on and of the field.

"If you work hard and treat people the right way, you will have success. Things are going to happen, it means a lot to comeback ad talk to these kids, bring back some other coaches to share their stories. it's always great to have role models, positive people in the community for these kids to look up to."

And the former Badgers great also tries to be just on of guys when he is back home, which is a thrill for the younger athletes like Tom Madlon.

"Once and awhile he just comes to school and walks around and works out with us in he weight room, comes around a lot."

Flambeau head football coach Mark Stamper is amazed at how grounded Leonhard is.

"When he comes back here, it's an event and he is always cordial no matter how many autographs he has to sign or whatever it is people ask him to do, he is just a great guy."

Leonhard is definitely somebody who has not forgotten where he has came from..

"Just glad to comeback and give back to this local community that gave so much to me when I was growing up."