By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SALEM, Ore.–  There was once a time in the not-so-distant past in which Kaden Martirano was a participant in the annual Titan Youth Camp at West Salem High School.  Remembering once learning and looking up to guys like 2019 West Salem-grad Simon Thompson. Learning about the Titan Way now as a sophomore taking part as ‘Coach’ as Thompson and those before him did all those years ago.

“It felt like it was yesterday that I was one of these little kids, playing football and now to be one of the guys that they look up to and be like  a hero to them is just incredible,”Martirano said.  “It feels good.  It feels like a lot of things are off my shoulders.”

Monday was the start of the four-day camp.  Each session is an hour long, yes, but it’s a nice little breather from the long, grueling haul of the Summer training season leading into their first practice on August 15 and their first game September 2 at Sherwood.  The campers were split up into stations as they focused on defense Monday and offense coming Tuesday evening at West Salem High School for the campers as the squad gave back to the community.

“It’s great.  It’s great seeing all the kids out here running around having fun.  It’s a great atmosphere and I can’t wait to see them when they get to High School,” Trent Ferguson said.

Ferguson, going into his junior year at West Salem, is entering his first year of football ever.  The basketball player turned football player will be on the offensive and defensive line for the Titans this season.

“Oh it’s been great.  It’s a whole different world, but I love it,” Ferguson said.

For Martirano, he has big shoes to fill following Thompson, Jackson Lowery and Brooks Ferguson as the starting Quarterback for the Titans as practice starts up here in two weeks.  Martirano got some snaps last season as a freshman, something that was helpful going into this season.

“It meant a lot.  Just knowing the tempo of it and knowing what to expect for this year.  It was big to get those reps last year,” Martirano said.

But the squad still has a few more days before the serious work begins.  In the meantime, it’s back to having fun with the kids as the Titan Youth Camp.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald