Chiefs player makes an appearance at Storm youth camp

RIO RANCHO — Last week’s Cleveland High School football youth camp is one the participants likely won’t forget anytime soon.

CHS alumni Tre Watson, a tight end who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in the spring, was a special guest of the camp that ran June 23-24.

“It was great getting back out there and seeing the youth,” Watson said, who graduated from Cleveland in 2020.

Watson was the first Cleveland Storm graduate to make it to the NFL and spoke to attendees about the importance of having fun while playing football.

“Y’all just keep working and have fun. Remember, football is always a game; never let it get too big,” Watson said.

Young players in first grade through eighth grade went through various strength, speed, agility and coordination drills to further their game.

“I had a great time working with the kids, and the future looks bright for these kids,” junior offensive guard Wyatt Lohr said.

Lohr will play right guard this season and is primed for a breakout year. In May, Lohr squatted 550 pounds, which was a school record.

Many current Storm players went through youth camp circuits when they were younger, and many players made sure to be solid role models and teachers for the next generation.

“It’s just a blast to be able to be around all the kids and a good chance to kind of give them a taste of what Storm football is all about,” said senior quarterback Jordan Hatch, who is the reigning District Player of the Year.

After workouts, the Storm players made sure to autograph various items for the kids, including Hatch and University of New Mexico commit Elijah Richards.

“I love working with kids. It just helps them learn how to be better athletes and progress as young men,” Richards said.

At the conclusion of camp, the campers ate lunch alongside the Storm players and coaches.

The first Storm home game of the season will be 7 p.m. Sept. 5 against Clovis.