Royal grad gives back

By David McIver

Rosetown Royals alumnus Jonny Kampen believes he will be starting in his fourth season of junior football with the Regina Thunder this fall.

But he knows that's not guaranteed.

Kneeling for the next play. Jonny Kampen instructs his flag football team -- from left Emmett Husband, Tyson Cowell, Harrison Macey and Layton Herring -- during their last game of the season on Wednesday evening. Kampen, a Rosetown Royals alumnus, returns to the Regina Thunder for his fourth season this summer. PHOTO BY DAVID MCIVER

Eyes on the prize. Andries Duvenage tries to dodge a pursuer during one of the last flag football games of the season last Wednesday evening. PHOTO BY DAVID MCIVER

"There are guys coming up that are good . . . vets coming back from injuries. It'll be a battle," said Kampen, who plays all three positions on the Thunder's defensive line.

"You've got to show up. You can't just be given your spot," he said last Wednesday, after the final games of the flag football season.

Kampen had coached one of the teams.

"I usually come out to (coach) every year when I'm back . . . Just give back a little bit . . . teach younger generations, I guess," he said.

The Thunder run a flag football program in Regina, and Kampen brings that connection home to Rosetown, where he works as a welder in the off-season.

Training serves two purposes for him. It keeps him game-ready through team workouts and weight sessions, and the Thunder emphasizes mobility through stretching and warm-ups before lifting.

The second reason is simpler.

"Being in the gym and throwing weights around. I've always loved that," said Kampen.