Bay Village native and Browns punter Dave Zastudil gives some pointers to campers at last Sunday’s kicking camp. Proceeds from the camp went to the Rise Above It Foundation, an organization that seeks to create an immediate, positive impact in the lives of adolescents and young adults affected by cancer. (West Life photo by Larry Bennet)

Zastudil, Dawson run a camp for a cause
By Jim Horvath
Sports
Published June 16, 2010

Throughout his playing career in the National Football League, Dave Zastudil has made it a point to give back to his hometown community of Bay Village.

Last Sunday, the Browns’ punter and his teammate, place kicker Phil Dawson, joined forces to put on the first Dave Zastudil and Phil Dawson Kicking Camp at Bay High School. The camp, run with the help of Mike Randall and MAR Sports Marketing, hosted 35 young punters and kickers and provided classroom instruction and film analysis as well as one-on-one instruction out on the field at Memorial Stadium.

More importantly, all proceeds from the four-hour camp went to the Rise Above It Foundation. RAI, based in Bay Village and run by Bay High graduate Ryan O’Donoghue, is an official non-profit organization that helps in the fight against adolescent and young adult cancer.

“I’ve been close friends with Ryan since school,” said Zastudil while Dawson was analyzing camp film in a nearby classroom. “I’ve been involved with RAI off and on over the years, and I’ve spent more time with it recently.

“It really is a local grassroots organization,” Zastudil said. “What I want to do is try to generate more funds for the foundation and advance its message the best I can.”

RAI was created after O’Donoghue’s brother, Colin, passed away due to cancer at the age of 27. This information from the organization’s website explains it’s mission:

“The strength in spirit of its founder, Colin O’Donoghue, guides RAI in its efforts. As a friend, teacher and coach, Colin deeply enriched the lives of others. After his cancer diagnosis, he demonstrated a true passion for the cause of beating cancer in young adults. His sincerity in helping those with cancer, and the transfer of his attitude together resulted in real opportunities for others.

“RAI continues this practice with the same enthusiasm and vigor Colin brought to every aspect of his life. Colin always believed that enjoying life and embracing a positive attitude were essential components of happiness. Using this principle as inspiration, RAI devises fun and positive events that raise money to accomplish its primary objective: to provide meaningful support to young cancer patients.”

Browns place kicker Phil Dawson demonstrates correct form during last Sunday’s camp at Bay’s Memorial Stadium.

Last Sunday’s was one of those types of events, and one that Zastudil plans on bringing back year after year.

“I think it went great today,” he said. “The turnout, from a teaching aspect, was perfect. We got a late start marketing the camp this year, but we had a good environment to teach the kids. We were able to give them a lot of instruction. We’re definitely looking forward to having it again next year.”

After introductions, the campers were taken to a classroom inside Bay High for some instruction from the Browns’ kicking duo. Then it was out to the football field for two-plus hours of hands-on teaching from two of the most successful kickers in the game today.

“There is no aspect of the kicking game that Phil and I haven’t done during our pro careers,” Zastudil said. “For all the kids who want to punt or kick, there’s no better venue than what he and I offer. A lot of people who teach kicking just don’t have our experience.”

Zastudil was a standout football player for Bay and Ohio University before getting drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2002. He came to the Browns in 2006 and had been a Pro Bowl-caliber performer until an injury shortened his 2009 season.

Evan Erb of Akron approaches the ball under the watchful eye of Dawson.

Dawson, a native of Dallas and a former Texas Longhorn, has been the Browns’ place kicker since they returned to the NFL in 1999. He and Zastudil, along with the rest of the team, recently completed mini camp out in Berea, although Zastudil was limited to rehab sessions due to the injury. Training camp begins next month, and the former Rocket said he should be ready to go.

“Rehab is rehab,” he said with a smile. “There’s a time for everything, and they pretty much have a program all mapped out for me. I’m doing everything I can to make sure I’m ready to go.”

Zastudil also said fans should not downplay the team’s four-game winning streak to close out what otherwise was a bleak 5-11 season.

“People don’t realize the carryover affect those four wins had on this team,” he said. “Plus, we had a great draft class and the guys are really getting along and working together. Now we just have to get better collectively.”

Zastudil said he was anxious to get back onto the field and contribute.

“Each year, I want to come out and compete,” he said. “I’m looking forward to coming out and helping this team win this season.”

Zastudil also encouraged fans to check out the RAI Foundation website at www.raibenefit.org. “People should take a minute or two of their time, go to the website and see what the organization is involved in,” Zastudil said. “It really is an organization that wants to help people.”