Ex-UH QB to head camp for passers, receivers

A group of former college football players will put on a one-day camp at Aloha Stadium with a twist: There’s no fee to register or participate.

Former University of Hawaii quarterback Sean Schroeder and several individual donors will pay for the insurance, rental and operational costs for the June 23 camp for high-school-aged quarterbacks and receivers. Each camper will receive a dry-fit shirt.

“Our form of payment is seeing kids succeed, like we were able to when we played,” said Schroeder, who was the Warriors’ starter in 2012 and 2013.

Quarterback specialist Vince Passas, former Notre Dame receiver Robby Toma, and former Warriors Jeremy Higgins, Cayman Shutter, Miah Ostrowski, Ricky Lumford, Jeremiah Cockheran and Schroeder will serve as instructors.

Schroeder earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at Duke before transferring to UH in August 2012. He earned a master’s in human resource management in three semesters at UH.

“That’s something we try to instill in the camp,” Schroeder said. “You have to compartmentalize things. When it’s time to play football, you give 100 percent focus and effort to that. When it’s time for school, give focus to that. When it’s time to step back and recharge the batteries, stay focused on that. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. But if you can compartmentalize and focus on certain tasks at hand and not get distracted by a million other things, that’s a valuable lesson.”

Schroeder underwent back surgery following the 2012 season. He said he spent part of his recovery time exploring Oahu.

“I was able to get to know some the people outside the football area,” he said. “I really fell in love with the culture and Hawaii in general. It definitely left an indelible impression on me, even when I left.”’

Last year, he formed the non-profit 808 Passing Academy with the intent of holding a free camp annually in Hawaii. Last year’s inaugural camp was on the UH campus. Because of NCAA restrictions, this year’s camp will be at Aloha Stadium.

“We wanted to make it inclusive to everyone,” Schroeder said. “No matter what someone’s background or upbringing is, we didn’t want that to impede them from participating. It’s a way for all the coaches involved to give back. We realize sometimes somebody needs that advocate in life to believe in them and help them along. If we reach one kid, that’s great, that’s the goal. If we reach more, obviously, that’s better.”

For details on the camp, go to 808passingacademy.com.