By Eric Terrazas

www.411Whittier.com

Young, aspiring football players will have the opportunity to learn from Southern California’s winningest high school football coach.

Whittier High School, 12417 E. Philadelphia St., will host the Marijon Ancich Youth Football Camp, which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. The camp will be open to children ages 6 to 14.

The camp, which returns after a one-year absence, will be making its first visit to Whittier High after a long stay at St. Paul High.

“It was held at St. Paul for 28 out of 29 years,” said Ancich, who served three stints as St. Paul’s head coach from 1961 to 1981, 1993 to 2005 and 2009 to 2011. “I’m excited we’re taking it to Whittier High School. It will be a brand new experience. They just got a new field. It’s really nice.”

Whittier head coach Visko Ancich, son of Marijon, will also play a major role.

“The camp was at St. Paul until Marijon retired (after the 2011 season),” said Visko Ancich, who took over the Cardinals’ head coaching duties in 2012. “Last year was the first year we didn’t have it. We felt it wouldn’t serve the community as well as in the past because of the transition. We’re excited to get it going again.”

The registration cost is $50 per camper. According to Visko Ancich, a group discount is available if the group has 10 or more children.

The camp includes a T-shirt, photo and lunch. Participants are recommended to bring cleats.

“We’ll have basic football skill drills and position-based drills,” Visko Ancich said. “We’ll have lunch on both days. One of the things we’ll do is put them through drills for every position. We want to give them a chance at other positions.

“It should be pretty fun. We’re looking forward to it. Hopefully, the kids will have as much fun as the coaches have.”

Marijon Ancich added, “Twenty-five percent of the group has played football in some shape or form. Seventy-five percent want to learn. It’s a positive thing for the area of Whittier. We’re trying to promote the game of football.”

Marijon Ancich, who also coached Tustin High from 1984 to 92, recorded 360 wins during his coaching career. His teams captured three CIF championships and 27 league titles, along with producing 115 All-CIF, 35 All-American, 10 NFL and more than 300 college players.

For more information on the camp, call 562-698-8121, Ext. 2122 or visit www.facebook.com/groups/ancichcamp.com.