Reggie's inspiration

Published: Friday, March 30, 2007 2:44 PM PDT

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Reggie Bush was justifiably proud of his first free Reggie Bush Camp 619 that attracted 2,000 kids March 24 at Qualcomm Stadium.

Well, Reggie, imagine the pride you'll feel 10 or 20 years from now if a young NFL player starts a free camp based on his experience at Camp 619.

When Bush, the New Orleans Saints running back from Helix High announced his camp, he said his inspiration was attending the Martin Bayless camp when he was a kid. Bayless, a former Chargers safety who is now a Houston Texans assistant coach, started his free camp in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, in 1986 and brought it to San Diego in 1990 when he joined the Chargers.

Bayless' 18th annual camp in San Diego is Saturday and Sunday at Southwestern College.

"It's a great feeling to take a dream 20-some years ago and then take it across country," Bayless said. "I'm proud of Reggie giving back to his community. A lot of times you don't see the next generation giving back, but I'm seeing it with Reggie."

A few years ago Bayless added La'Roi Glover as his camp partner, and it's now known as the Martin Bayless/La'Roi Glover Football Camp. Glover, a St. Louis Rams defensive tackle, is a six-time Pro Bowler from Point Loma High and San Diego State.

Glover, like Bush, attended Bayless' camp as a kid.

"San Diego is the place that bred us as football players," Glover said. "Reggie and I both want to do something to give back to the community."

-- TOM SHANAHAN