Cominsky youth football camp ‘here to stay’

PHOTOS BY RANDY FORST

Retired NFL player John Cominsky runs a youth football camp each summer with Coach Tony Gotto, his staff and players.

By RANDY FORST
BGNN sports editor

Barberton athletics has long been blessed with alumni who return to the community to contribute to the Magic youth.

Coaches Tony Gotto, Ken Rector, Jack Greynolds Jr., Jeff Janiga and players like Ken Robertson and Mike Soyars – just to name a few – have come back to coach and run camps for our young athletes. Once again, this year, retired NFL player John Cominsky is back to running his youth football camp, along with Coach Tony Gotto and his staff and players.

Cominsky, after playing for the Magics (as a quarterback), went on to star at the University of Charleston (West Virginia), then was drafted as a defensive end by the Atlanta Falcons. From Atlanta it was on to the Detroit Lions, again as a defensive end.

Due to injuries, he was forced to retire after playing five years in the NFL.

On Friday, June 27 Cominsky once again was at Sharkey stadium for his camp. It is easy to see how committed Cominsky is to the youth of the city. When asked about that he replied: “The John Cominsky Youth Football Camp is an event I am excited about every year. It brings kids and parents from the area into Sharkey Stadium and gives everyone a place to be free and have fun. We moved it to Friday night, so we could include Friday night lights. The lights add an extra element of excitement to me and everyone there. This event is free for all participants, so it allows for an equal opportunity to participate every year.

“This camp represents my commitment to the youth and the city. As long as we get our kids signed up, the John Cominsky Youth Football Camp is here to stay.”

Barberton Head Football Coach Tony Gotto had this to say about John Cominsky and his camp: “Barberton’s own John Cominsky did it the right way, through hard work, from being a quarterback in high school to a defensive lineman in the NFL. From a Division 2 school to the NFL is pretty impressive. Through all this he maintained a 3.8 GPA in school. John did it the right way! After he became an NFL player he came back to the city and gave to the youth, and he’s done it every year. John and his agent are hands on and really give 100% to their camp, from having a plan, getting sweaty, and interacting and coaching the kids. He makes sure they have a great time, and he feeds them all afterwards. He has done it every year as a pro and is still willing to continue after his retirement.”

Ken Peterson, former Canton McKinley, Ohio State and NFL player spoke to the campers this year. The camp is growing, after 96 sign-ups in 2024. This year there were 130. Yes, the Magic City and its youth are fortunate to have John Cominsky. He cares about the city, about the school, its athletic programs, and especially the city’s youngsters.