By Scott D. Johnston

For the sixth consecutive year, former NFL strength and conditioning coach and part-time Ocean Shores resident Dana LeDuc invited a whole bunch of his football buddies to a weekend at the beach and a huge “party with a purpose,” that supports a memorable football camp for as many as 200 young athletes throughout Grays Harbor.

A sold-out scramble tournament at Ocean Shores Golf Course Saturday and dinner and auction that evening at Quinault Beach Resort and Casino did most of the fund-raising for the Sunday football camp at Olympic Stadium in Hoquiam and to help various other Grays Harbor Youth Athletics activities.

LeDuc was on the coaching staff of the St. Louis Rams when they won the Super Bowl in 2000, and several Rams alumni usually participate. This year that group included head coach Dick Vermeil and assistant coaches Jim Hanifan and John Ramsdell. Including LeDuc, they own of five Super Bowl champions rings between them. Hanifan was wearing both of his Saturday. LeDuc was also on the Seahawks coaching staff for several years, and a number of ex-Hawks also participate in his event.

All of the Rams coaches cited the opportunity to give back and offer positive examples and encouragement to young athletes in a struggling, rural county as compelling reasons to turn out for LeDuc’s event. And they all agreed they enjoy reconnecting with old friends and teammates.

Vermeil, who gave an energetic and enthusiastically received talk at the dinner, said he came to Ocean Shores “because of the people who invited me. It’s a way to say thank you to Dana, Jim, John, people I know personally and have a lifetime of debt to repay.”

Ramsdell, who was quarterbacks coach when Kurt Warner burst onto the scene to lead the Rams’ record-setting offense, said simply, “Dana’s the one.

“We were all good friends in St. Louis; we’re gonna do anything we can for him!” He also said, “the kids — they’re so grateful. And the community here is outstanding, just a very warm, friendly environment.”