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July 21, 2010

South greats McGee, Cameron want alma mater to strive for improvement

Craig Pearson The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — Former NFL tight end Tony McGee — tough Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference schedule or not — wants badly to see his alma mater Terre Haute South win more football games.

“It’s time to get South football back. I mean, 2-8, that’s unacceptable. It’s time to get upset about that and do something about it,” McGee said after directing a voluntary practice Wednesday afternoon with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

McGee graduated from South in 1989 after outstanding football and basketball careers and Cameron left South in 1979 after a standout quarterback career that also coincided with an outstanding basketball career.

McGee and Cameron are among only three Vigo County male athletes to be two-time McMillan Award winners. Terry Dischinger was the other.

Like McGee, Cameron was a part of winning teams for the Braves, but South has had one winning campaign in the last 16 seasons. The Braves’ three three-win seasons since 2000 are the highlight of a 20-81 overall mark during that span. On the other side of the city, Terre Haute North has not had a winning season in the same span, but the Patriots have flirted with .500 several times and have a 37-72 record since the 2000 season.

It’s been an up-hill battle against Indianapolis-area powerhouses such as Carmel, Center Grove and Ben Davis, all of whom boast larger enrollments and more depth on the football field.

“It’s legit,” Cameron said of blaming the tough schedule on South’s lack of success. “It’s like playing in the AFC North. It’s a tough division. They’ve got a tough conference. They get a shot in the playoffs like everybody.

“In a system where everybody makes the playoffs, it should help you [to play that competition]. One thing we know. That schedule isn’t changing and we know we’re going to be in the playoffs, so let’s let her rip.”

Cameron and McGee worked with more than 90 South players during a morning workout and returned to the Braves’ practice field to direct only quarterbacks and receivers.

After a standout career at Michigan, McGee was a tight end in the NFL from 1992-2002, playing mostly for the Cincinnati Bengals. McGee offered advice during workouts such as finishing a route and not reaching out for the catch until the last second to run with as much speed as possible and create extra separation from the defender.

“I spoke with the guys last year, but today I actually got to go out on the field with them,” McGee said. “In the short amount of time we spent with them today, I saw a difference in the way they were running routes from when we got here to the end of practice.

“That’s our message to these guys, just get better every day.”

Cameron and McGee praised the Braves’ work ethic this summer and the South coaching staff led by Mark Raetz for getting the team prepared.

“They’re coaching a lot of the same things we are in Baltimore. Just remember that football’s the ultimate team game. The best teams win, not necessarily the team with the most talent.”

Both men preached work ethic and attention to detail to the South players.

“The issue is [the MIC opponents] are a little deeper,” McGee said. “How do you negate that? That’s cutting down on mistakes, and you do that with work and repetition.”

Teammates sticking together and fighting for the same cause is what football is all about, Cameron said.

“In any organization, it’s going through hard work together. That’s what bonds you together,” Cameron said. “Very seldom do you see people who go through things easily become close.”

Both men also stressed taking care of the football.

“Cam made the point that if you’re plus-1 on turnovers, you have a 75-percent chance of winning,” McGee said. “So right there, if you don’t turn the ball over and force one turnover, you’ve got a 75-percent chance of winning. You can do everything right, but you have to finish.”

McGee is optimistic for the Braves based on what he saw Wednesday.

“I was particularly impressed by the offensive line. The running game should be strong. The maturity level with the passing game’s going to develop as the season goes on,” McGee said. “They have to get on the same page and get the chemistry. The only thing they can do is get out here in the hot sun, the high grass and get the reps in.”

Being a productive football player also means managing small details.

“It’s the little things,” McGee said, “The nutrition, hydrate, icing after practice, getting all that stuff done on a consistent basis. If you pay attention to the details, it will pay off.”

Raetz is looking forward to another productive day today.

“Got a lot of good work, picked up some good things from coach Cameron and Tony,” Raetz said. “Just the technique and details. Our kids loved it. We just appreciate these guys taking the time to work with us.”

As a coach, Raetz enjoys picking the brain of one of the NFL’s most respected offensive coordinators.

“I learned a lot of stuff today that we’ll take with us to the season. It also verified a lot of the things we’re doing,” Raetz said. “I think that definitely helps in the kids’ eyes to hear that from these guys.”

Cameron will soon be preparing for the Ravens’ training camp and he’s looking forward to working with a young up-and-coming offense led by quarterback Joe Flacco and dynamic running back Ray Rice.

“We’ve got a good group,” Cameron said. “We’ve got talent, but what we have is really good people. We’ve got smart guys. We’ve got tough guys.”

McGee is a businessman in Florida and his daugher Hannah is an up-and-coming tennis star.

“I’m spending a lot of time with her and running my businesses,” McGee said.

Cameron hopes he and McGee can have an impact on South’s fortunes on the field.

“Mark Raetz and his staff are getting everything possible out of these guys. I can’t wait to hear about how these guys do this year,” Cameron said.

 

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