It’s 10 a.m. on a crystal clear Saturday morning in Malibu and a whistle echoes in the distance at Malibu High School. As the sound of the whistle becomes louder and more distinct, so does the voice.
A group of 25 young boys scamper from cone to cone, drill to drill, at the instruction of former NFL player Ricky Hunley. Welcome to the Malibu Sharkies’ third football clinic.
With the season fast approaching, Malibu’s newest tackle football program invited the two-time Super Bowl participant to share his football knowledge and wisdom.
Hunley played seven years in the NFL for the Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders, starting at linebacker for the Broncos who reached the Super Bowl in 1986 and 1987.
“I feel very fortunate, happy and really blessed that we got Ricky Hunley to teach these kids,” said Michael Bonewitz, president of the Malibu Sharkies, a nonprofit organization. “I’m super excited for all these kids to come out and learn some football skills with a former NFL player and master linebacker.”
Right from the outset, Hunley oozed with enthusiasm, energy and a pure love for the game. Boys ranging in age from eight to 13 were treated to a clinic that would have had players from over the hill jealous and full of wishful thinking.
As Malibu brings back youth tackle football for the first time since the mid-1980s, an emphasis on fundamentals and terminology is at the forefront. Former Malibu Mustangs and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Perry Klein guided the first two clinics.
Hunley, a two-time All-American linebacker at the University of Arizona and current assistant coach at the University of Memphis, was eager to coach this group of Malibu Sharkies.
“It’s always exciting to coach kids. It’s the foundation of the game,” Hunley said. “You have to give them a good base and help them understand that football is fun and that it is the greatest game in sports.”
Hunley provided an atmosphere of intense yet fun competition. He taught the kids how to improve their speed, agility and quickness through cone work. Not to be overlooked was the discipline and attention to detail he was instilling in the boys.
“It requires a lot of discipline so you have to be firm with the little things — having their attention, following instructions, getting them in lines,” Hunley said. “I want to teach them to be technically sound. Players are creatures of habits. You want to make sure they have good habits, not bad ones.”
One enthusiastic youngster was Sebastian Seaman, 13, who previously played for the Westlake Braves and Agoura-Oak Park Chargers programs for four years but chose to play his upcoming eighth-grade season for his hometown Malibu Sharkies.
“Malibu hasn’t had a football program in like 25 years so I’m really excited that they are bringing it back to town,” said Seaman, a huge Arizona Cardinals fan. “I’m ready to play for the Sharkies. I look forward to playing quarterback. It’s important that there is leadership and to have good relationships with your teammates because that is what will help the team win.”
While the players and parents were treated to a special day of ‘Football 101,’ all of the boys were being fitted for helmets and pads as the inaugural Sharkies’ season kicks off in August.
Eleven-year-old Quade Cowan soaked in the entire experience as he tried on a helmet.
“It was awesome and cool because he is professional,” Cowan said. “I learned how to strip the ball away and do different drills. He taught us how to stay low and do your best.”
The Sharkies will either be members of the Pacific Youth Football League or the Gold Coast Youth Football League. The safest distribution of players based upon age and weight will determine which league Bonewitz decides to play in.
“I’m excited to get to the point where we are on the field and having fun,” Bonewitz said. “I can’t wait until practice starts and especially games. Malibu has a lot of talent. I’m looking at these kids and we have some cream of the crop. I believe we will have super teams even though it’s only the first year.”
The sounds of whistles will become the norm when games are played at MHS on Saturdays during the fall. For more information, visit malibuyouthfootball.com.
