With the football field as their classroom, more the 40 student-athletes from schools around Montgomery County learned what success really is and how to achieve it.

Gerald Irons Sr., a former NFL player with the Oakland Raiders, speaks to campers during the Gerald Irons Sr. Football and Leadership Development Camp at College Park High School.

Gerald Irons Sr., a former NFL player with the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns, encourages campers during the first Gerald Irons Sr. Football and Leadership Development Camp at College Park High School.

Campers practice proper running form during the Gerald Irons Sr. Football and Leadership Development Camp at College Park High School.

The first Gerald Irons, Sr. Football and Leadership Camp was held Friday and today at College Park High School, where Irons and an array of guest instructors taught football skills, teamwork and leadership qualities. Class of 2014 College Park High School graduate Stephan Johnson encouraged the boys to listen to their parents and to their family.

“The reason I got my scholarship is because I listened,” Johnson said. “There is a difference between hearing and listening. I listened to everybody; my parents, my church…” Johnson graduated with a 3.6 GPA and received a scholarship to Texas State University.

“College Park is one of the hardest schools to attend,” Johnson said. “I had to study and work for it. You need to study, study, study.”

Camp participants learned to be the best student-athletes, with the power to take control of their own destiny, Irons said. “It is the mission of our camp to build character, develop a work ethic, leadership skills, self-discipline, teamwork and a commitment to excellence,” he said. Click HERE for complete story and Photo Gallery