Derrick Davis | The Valdosta Daily TimesFormer Valdosta High offensive line coach Jerry Don Baker speaks to campers on Day 2 of Lil 'Cats Camp on Wednesday in the home locker room at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta High has hosted Lil ‘Cats Camp to give the community’s youth a chance to feel what it’s like to be Wildcats for a day.

But on Day 2 of the 2017 iteration of the camp, the campers proved they’re Wildcats at heart more than anyone could have previously imagined.

Inclement weather once again altered plans on Wednesday, again forcing the campers off the field at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium after some quick testing and ‘Cat ball and into the home locker room.

Inside the locker room, the kids watched former Valdosta offensive line coach Jerry Don Baker proudly display the state and national championship letterman jacket he earned in his playing days and listened to him speak about what it means to play for the Wildcats, mentioning the Valdosta name is recognized all around the world.

Some of the campers have parents or grandparents that have helped establish the Valdosta name, including Tallen Tarpley, the grandson of Wildcat Hall of Fame member Charles Tarpley.

Valdosta is the most winningest high school in the nation, and even though nearly all the school’s championships occurred before even the oldest camper at the camp was born, the group was able to recited the number of region (42), state (24) and national championships (six) the Wildcats have earned in their illustrious history.

Since the campers were so well-versed in their Wildcat history, it should have come as no surprise the kids idolized the Valdosta players that played a role in the first state championship run they’ve been a part of.

During a question and answer session, one of the players asked the defensive backs about interceptions. When head coach Alan Rodemaker stated all-state safety, and camp assistant, Jalen Everett made six interceptions last season, and three in one game, the campers oohed and aahed.

The feeling of excitement amongst the campers is something Everett hoped to create one day after standing in their shoes years prior.

“It’s a good experience,” Everett said. “When I was younger, I came out to the camps and stuff, and watching the players, I wanted to be there one day.

“Today I finally get my chance, so I just want to give back to the community and just be a good example for the kids.”

Wildcats quarterback Hunter Holt was another fan-favorite at Lil ‘Cats Camp on Wednesday after the campers watched him help guide Valdosta to a state title as a junior a year ago.

Working with the quarterbacks, Holt said he saw four or five really good looking players out on the field over the past two days.

“I love doing this,” Holt said. “It’s so fun to see how the kids react to these things that they do, and it’s so funny to see what they do… Sometimes they don’t pay attention, and it’s funny, but a lot of them actually look pretty good.

“I’m excited for this team and what it’ll look like in years.”

Lil ‘Cats Camp Compete Card top scorers:

5-6-year olds:

40 — Andre Scruggs: 6.21

Shuttle — Bryson Johnson: 5.95

Broad — Griffin Womach: 4’9″

Punt — Tallen Tarpley: 12 yards

Pass — Tallen Tarpley: 15 yards

Kick — Tallen Tarpley: 12 yards

7-8-year olds:

40 — Travis Wakefield: 5.3

Shuttle — Roosevelt Roberson III: 4.91

Broad — Kaveon Thomas: 6’3″

Punt — William Moseley: 19 yards

Pass — Travis Wakefield: 25 yards

Kick — Kaveon Thomas: 18 yards

9-10-year olds:

40 — Jeremiah Francois: 5.4

Shuttle — Tyler Arnold: 4.71

Broad — Karon Massey Jr.: 6’3″

Punt — Cayden Collins: 21 yards

Pass — Karon Massey Jr.: 31 yards

Kick — Aiden Sefon: 25 yards

11-12-year olds:

40 — Paxton Ledwitch: 6.2

Shuttle — Paxton Ledwitch: 4.98

Broad — Paxton Ledwitch: 5’8″

Punt — Hayden Futch: 24 yards

Pass — Paxton Ledwitch: 26 yards

Kick — Hayden Futch: 24 yards

Derrick Davis is the sports editor at the Valdosta Daily Times.