By Paul Honda
Editor, hondareport.com
July 12, 2006

HAWAII KAI — Through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy, there is nothing quite like a football camp, especially when your idol is there as a coach.

From the moment I learned that Tim Chang would be at a football camp in early July, I knew my nephew would dive into the long hours and hot weather to come. He got hooked on UH football and the NCAA's all-time leader in passing yardage a few years back. My brother took him to a game, and that was it.

That's why, when we arrived at Kaiser High School for Chad Ikei's Football Camp on Friday, he was at full attention. The morning was free from tossing footballs or even running on Kaiser's grass surface. Instead, the kids — 8 through 13 for the first day — were educated about matters like proper nutrition, college preparation and basic calesthenic exercises.

After lunch, though, Chang and a number of NFL players arrived. They broke into stations and put the kids through challenging drills. The stations were split up by position, and my nephew, who was an impressive quarterback in flag football last year, was in the group with Chang.

I knew Chang would be a decent coach. He had learned under some of Hawaii's finest prep tutors, like Cal Lee, Ron Lee and Dan Morrison. His dad, Levi, was a tremendous basketball coach in his day. But I wasn't prepared to see Chang guide and lead these youngsters — with complete attention to detail, hour after hour after hour.

After my nephew got his autographs, including one from his idol, we left and had dinner at the nearby Koko Marina Zippy's. We were tired — yes, I was worn out from hours of watching these pros teach the game with great joy to the keiki — and crispy critters. It was 85 degrees for most of the day. We enjoyed dinner in that air-conditioned restaurant, and I felt good for my nephew. It was one of those days when a kid really got the most out of his summer vacation day.

We drove back into town, and I was simply in awe of Tim Chang. I think his career will continue to grow. He has gained skills as an under-center QB now that only time and reps (NFL Europe/Rhein Fire) could provide. He's a dad, a husband, and a stickler to reach his goals. But I already knew these things. What grabbed me was his dedication to the game, to these kids, the way he gently pushed them over and over, getting hands-on in his teaching, throwing the ball, working up a sweat and a sunburn all at the same time. Consistent, simple and direct for 3 hours straight.

For this middle-aged man, it was a treat to remember. In the eyes of a 10-year-old boy, it was nothing less than the perfect summer day, one that won't be forgotten. That's what legends are made of.

See photos from the camp here.