Training Camp Getaway

[Longtimefan]

This may not be a topic everyone cannot relate to from a comparison standpoint because I don't know how many of you have had the opportunity to visit Redskin Park for Training Camp. I would actually like for everyone to weigh-in and express your views as to whether or not you think getting away to an unfamiliar environment has advantages over remaining local and dealing with the many distractions that present themselves primarily the result of being so closely surrounded by the local fan base.

During Shanahan's Press Conference he took a moment to speak about his preference, based on his response to a reporters question I think it's safe to say if he had his way, he would choose to get away. He touched on how getting away had played an important role in his success.

Personally, through the years I've had the pleasure of visiting Training Camp in both Carlisle Pa. as well as Frostburg Md. The experience was memorable in both places but my fondest memories are of Carlisle because we spent so much time there. I like Shanahan, have always felt that for that period of time called Training Camp teams need as few distractions as possible. Getting away from the friendly confines of Redskin Park in Ashburn Va. absent much of the local media, family and friends to a place where they can properly train, condition, bond and focus as a unit is extremely important and instrumental as well to the coming together of a team.

I don't know if it was the the players, the coaches, or the point in time, but to me the approach to the seasons following Training Camp in Ashburn as compared to the other two places where Camp has been conducted has been so dissimilar.

Discuss the pros and cons of how you feel about Training Camp being conducted locally, or in a more distant location.

[53Fan]

I never had the pleasure of going to any of those places but to hear former players talk about it, it was a great bonding experience. I think to do it the way it used to be done is a good idea. I think it helps to build a feeling of "Team". Any time you can do that it's a positive.

[Hog1]

In building the NEW team culture, it is important to break with the past.......
Back to Carlisle!!

[rbanerjee23]

Whatever Shanny thinks is best is cool by me...frankly I would like it to be at Carlisle because at least it gives the appearance of being a little further from Danny's control

[tryfuhl]

ship it out I guess.. I don't want to see vets getting to go home, etc

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

ship it out I guess.. I don't want to see vets getting to go home, etc

The point you make is the very same one Doc Walker made in a Comcast interview, and partially contributed to me starting this thread to see what others thought about it. It was Doc's contention that the type distractions of which you speak have proven to be contrary to what training camp is supposed to be about.

Someone also mentioned the point of which rbanejee23 spoke in reference to the watchful eye of Daniel Snyder. I did not see him in Carlisle though he only had one season there after he purchased the team, neither did I see him in Frostburg Md. Not saying he wasn't there at all, he just was not there the times we went. Many believe his lack of presence in either place is the reason why the Training Camp situation is what it is now. He prefers it that way because it's convenient for him, not so for the team.

[Beemnseven]

Whatever we've been doing over the last 10 years -- let's do something different.

[Lotus]

I think going away to camp is the best. There are fewer distractions, players can eat and drink football, and the team can bond.

[skinsnut]

Having to go to camp not only takes you away from media distractions and redskins park, but it also takes you away from your family, etc.

In my opinion, this is an additional pressure that is removed from a DAD so he can focus on just one thing....becoming a better football team.

I think doing away with training camp was Spurrier's idea...you all know how lazy he was.
I think putting training camp in town is no different that mid season practices at home...they wake up at home, they practice and come home to their family.

Training camp is more like military...aint no kids, aint no women....just the guys.
I like camp being isolated myself.
Think of all our superbowl teams...all went away for camp.

I'd be interested in knowing the records of the teams that went away to camp vs those that didn't.

[mlmdub130]

^ i agree with you, they need less distrctions, i really liked how cincy ran their camps during hard knocks this year, staying in a empty complex and waking everyone up with a megaphone at 545 in the morning...awesome

[budw38]

Go back to Carlisle , and let Riggins keep the kegs of beer cold in the old tool shed , the players who have the best practice's get to enjoy a cold one at the end of the day

[killromo]

I was just discussing this with a friend the other day, and we came to the unanimous decision we are all for going away for camp. It eliminates distractions and brings the teams together as a unit. I think the value of going away as individuals and coming back a team is understated today. I have been fortunate enough to make it Carlisle twice when i was in middle school. It was awesome, got henry ellard's autograph, reggie brooks, etc. And hey we were better then. If Shanny can make this change I will sing his praises.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by Hog1

In building the NEW team culture, it is important to break with the past.......
Back to Carlisle!!

I'd LOVE that, because I live near Carlisle!


My wife wants to take me to Fan Day in Ashburn this year anyways, but I'd be there all the time if back in Carlisle.

I've never been to any training camp events yet. This must change.

It's been in Shanny's mind at least.

Redskins Insider - Will Shanahan take the Redskins back to Carlisle?

VIDEO: Redskins Training Camp Returning To Carlisle? - Video - WGAL The Susquehanna Valley

[SmootSmack]

It was kind of interesting that Shanahan said he wants training camp away because unless I'm mistaken the Broncos held training camp in Englewood, just 20 minutes from Denver while Shanahan was coach there

[sportscurmudgeon]

Originally Posted by skinsnut

Having to go to camp not only takes you away from media distractions and redskins park, but it also takes you away from your family, etc.

In my opinion, this is an additional pressure that is removed from a DAD so he can focus on just one thing....becoming a better football team.

I think doing away with training camp was Spurrier's idea...you all know how lazy he was.
I think putting training camp in town is no different that mid season practices at home...they wake up at home, they practice and come home to their family.

Training camp is more like military...aint no kids, aint no women....just the guys.
I like camp being isolated myself.
Think of all our superbowl teams...all went away for camp.

I'd be interested in knowing the records of the teams that went away to camp vs those that didn't.

The idea to have training camp here in the DC area was Danny Boy's. That idea came at the same time he decided to charge admission to fans who wanted to attend training camp.

That new "revenue stream" lasted only one year because having practices open to the public for an admission fee also allowed rival scouts to go to Skins' practices to see what they were doing.