Jul 27, 2017 3 min read

CANTON, Ohio – It was a day the Charleroi football team will never forget.

The Cougars took part in an unusual opportunity Thursday as they traveled to the Pro Football Hall of Fame to learn from professional coaches. Participating in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy, along with almost 50 players internationally, Charleroi head coach Donnie Militzer’s group took it all in.

“This was an amazing learning experience for our players, our staff and myself,” Militzer said. “This is something that we will be able to remember the rest of our lives. What a great day. We got a lot of work in, and I am happy with how our guys competed.”

Former Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan, wide receiver guru Charlie Collins and former NFL defensive line coach Ted Cottrell, who recently introduced Bruce Smith into the Hall of Fame, helped facilitate the academy for players ages 16 to 20.

After hearing speakers upon their arrival, players worked on drills in stations with their teammates and international players.

After two hours of instruction, the players were treated to lunch before going back to the practice fields for a pair of 7-on-7 games against the international players.

Charleroi won both contests, 26-11 and 18-6.

It then came with a message from Collins after the game.

“Take what you have learned today,” he said. “It’s not what you didn’t do, it is what you learned.”

Rich McGuinness, general manager of Legacy Global Sports football and basketball divisions, selected Charleroi to participate.

He was impressed with the Cougars.

“This was historic,” McGuinness said. “We have never had a U.S. team come and play an international team. We chose Charleroi to play based off of how they performed in 7-on-7. Donnie (Militzer) runs a first-class program with quality kids and high-character kids. There are going to be hundreds, if not thousands of teams, who want to follow in their footsteps to come in for a day and train a little bit with pro coaches.”

The appreciation to be the team selected to have this opportunity didn’t go without notice from many of the Charleroi players.

“This has been amazing and an honor to be here,” said senior Jake Stefanick. “The coaches taught us to tighten some things up.”

Stefanick wasn’t the only senior that had a memorable day.

“This was really something,” said Ryan Workman. “We learned a lot and got to go against some talented players.

Cam Carter echoed those statements, also hoping what he learned could translate into success this season.

“They taught me a couple of techniques at receiver and defensive back that will help me in the future,” he said.

After the on-field activities concluded, the team was given an opportunity to tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame.