THUNDER TURNS BIRTHDAY PARTY INTO TRAINING CAMP

FRISCO, Tex. (May 1, 2008) -- It was Jake Baldwin's party and he could run routes if he wanted.

The Frisco Thunder also let him quarterback, play defense and showed him and some friends how to become better football players at his seventh birthday party.

Jake's mother, Susan, wanted a football theme for his party and contacted Thunder coach Troy Esprit. Recruiting some of his assistants and a few players, Esprit devised a training camp theme that had the attendees learn how to run basic pass routes and agility drills on defense.

After the drills, Thunder coaches and players had a ``draft'' -- referring to the players by whose jersey they were wearing (Example: ``I'll take `Keyshawn' and you get ` LaDamian''') -- to select two teams and coached a 5 on 5 game. Jake's team won -- imagine that -- 35-14.

It was hard to figure out who was having more fun -- the kids or the Thunder.

``Jake was so happy,'' said Susan Baldwin. ``This is a memory he'll never forget.''

Esprit was happy to provide a fun day for everyone.

``We had a blast,'' Esprit said. ``This is why I got into coaching -- to help players of all ages enjoy the game and become better at it.

``All of us with the Thunder are very committed to being involved in the community,'' Esprit added. ``Any opportunity like this, we're glad to help out.''

If your son or daughter would like to have a football training camp theme at their next birthday, contact the Thunder at (972) 731-6968 or e-mail coachspree@friscothunderifl.com