Barth brothers give back to Wilmington through annual kicking camp
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Young kickers and punters from across North Carolina spent Thursday sharpening their skills at the 11th annual Kickin’ It with the Barths Summer Camp, where former collegiate and professional specialists Connor and Casey Barth returned to their hometown to teach the next generation.
The camp, hosted by the Wilmington natives and Hoggard High School graduates, provides athletes with instruction in kicking, punting and the mental approach required to succeed at the position. Participants worked alongside the Barth brothers and guest coaches throughout the day, receiving hands-on training and feedback.
Connor Barth, who went on to play in the NFL after a standout career at Hoggard High School and the University of North Carolina, said the camp began as a way for his family to give back to the community that helped shape his career. “Casey and I and my dad were asking ourselves how can we give back … to the community, to Wilmington? Kicking has been a big part of our lives, so we decided to start the Barth Brothers Kicking Camp.”
Barth also shared one of the defining moments from his playing career, recalling a game-winning kick against Miami during his freshman season at North Carolina.
“Freshman year against Miami, I hit a game winner. They were top five in the country. That was a heck of a weekend.”
While campers focused on improving their mechanics, Casey Barth stressed that success at the position is just as dependent on mental preparation as physical ability. “We say kicking is 90% mental and 10% physical. The body will follow what the brain tells it to do. A lot of it, is about seeing yourself being successful.”
The camp welcomed athletes from a variety of backgrounds. Topsail High School punter Peter Field, who moved from Australia to the United States four months ago, is making the transition from rugby to American football. He spoke about why it’s so valuable to him to get this sort of training.
“American football is a bit different. The ball’s a different shape. There’s a different point where you have to kick the ball. It’s interesting.”
Along with newcomers, longtime attendees returned for another year. Hoggard High School equipment manager Martin Irwin has watched the camp grow since its early days and said its continued expansion has been rewarding to witness. “Day 1 was pretty big, but it wasn’t as you see it now. Kids over there, kids over there, kids over there. I am so blessed to be a part of it.”
Now in its 11th year, the camp continues to bring aspiring specialists to Wilmington each summer while giving them the opportunity to learn from coaches who have competed at the highest levels of college and professional football.
