When it comes to role models, All-Pro Defensive Tackle Luther Elliss of the Detroit Lions certainly readily accepts that awesome responsibility. The Mancos product was readily there to talk about football and life as a Christian athlete to area youngsters who came to the third annual Luther Elliss Sports Camp, this year held on his home field at Mancos High School.

The MHS standout and University of Utah All-American, gladly signed autograph after autograph. He personally signed some 200 photographs, which were all handed out at the end of the camp. Elliss also signed footballs, jerseys, plastic helmets, tee shirts, programs and anything else fans wanted signed.

"Foremost this camp is something I like to do for the kids around here," he said Saturday, May 13, while signing autographed sports memorabilia in the MHS Old Gym. "But I would like to thank the volunteers and staff who put this camp together. All I really did was just show up. Every year this thing has grown and I want to thank them and all the sponsors as well."

The camp was sponsored by the Mancos Recreation Department and the Re-6 School District. Many other organizations, such as First National Bank of Cortez, which provided a barbecue, contributed to the successful event.

"The Luther Elliss Sports Camp was a huge success," Jennifer McWilliams, Mancos Recreation director, said. "We can’t express enough how much it meant to have such a positive, caring sports hero as Luther visit with the kids (and the adults) of our community."

More than 170 boys and girls showed up for the camp. A volleyball camp for girls was conducted in the Old Gym while the boys (and a few girls) went to the football camp at the football field. The camp was such a huge success plans are already under way to bring it back next year.

"I can’t really show the girls much since I don’t play volleyball. But I can show the boys a few things about football. I will show them some basic techniques and hopefully they will gain a little more understanding about the game. But most of all I just want this to be a fun day," he commented.

The kids worked on various drills through the morning and then were fed hot dogs or hamburgers and sodas for lunch. They broke into groups and attended more drills. Elliss spoke to all the youngsters about life in the National Football League and about life in general. He challenged them to be the best citizens they could. It was a moving speech by a top role model. Members of the Mancos High School football staff and players conducted the football camp while members of the Mancos Middle School (Ramona Shepherd, new head volleyball coach at MHS, was ill) and several MHS players conducted the volleyball camp.

"I really enjoy coming back to Mancos. I wish I could spend more time here. This trip is going to be short because I have to go to Grand Junction to watch my brother, Ben, and his wife, Brandi, graduate from Mesa State. But I do hope to come back here before the season starts," he said.

Elliss, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound defensive tackle, is coming off an outstanding 1999 season as he helped the Lions to an 8-8 record and a berth in the National Football League playoffs. He had 45 tackles, 29 solo, and 16 assisted. He averaged 3.5 sacks, 2 fumbles recoveries, 1 touchdown. He started 14 games.

A tireless worker whose engine is always running at full speed. He is one of the cornerstones of Detroit's defense. Elliss has been in the starting lineup along the defensive line since entering the league. Huge, physical presence on the field, Elliss can easily carry more than 300 pounds. Has physical ability to take over a game and often demands attention from more than one offensive lineman. Lions'' first-round selection in 1995 NFL Draft (20th overall pick).

"It was nice to be honored (chosen All-Pro) and get to spend some time in Hawaii (where the game is played). It was a fun year for me," he added.

As for this season, he is looking forward to it. He will attend some voluntary camps and then he will report to preseason training camp on July 19.

"We need to establish more of a running attack (since the departure of Barry Sanders) this year. I think the offense will be much better, especially with Charlie Batch improving all the time.