News Summary
In honor of their son Calvin ‘C.J.’ Dickey, Jr., who died tragically during a football practice, his parents are launching a free clinic focusing on health awareness for young athletes, particularly offensive linemen. The clinic will educate attendees on safe conditioning and vital health issues such as Sickle Cell Trait and heat exhaustion, aiming to prevent tragedies in the future. With limited capacity, the event provides a chance for focused training and awareness, continuing C.J.’s legacy within the community.
Tampa, Florida – The parents of Calvin “C.J.” Dickey, Jr., who tragically died at 18 during his first football practice at Bucknell University, are honoring their son’s memory by launching a free football clinic focused on health awareness. The clinic is scheduled for next weekend from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Trench Academy.
This event specifically caters to offensive linemen, the position that C.J. played, and will provide attendees with both position-specific training and essential safe conditioning tips. Alongside athletic training, experts will educate young athletes on how to remain safe during both practices and games.
Nicole Dickey, C.J.’s mother, emphasized that the camp aims to raise awareness regarding Sickle Cell Trait and heat exhaustion, conditions that can be particularly dangerous for athletes. The Dickeys hope that by conducting this clinic, they can potentially save lives. Nicole stated that if the camp saves just one life, it would be worth it.
C.J. was a promising athlete, having graduated from Carrollwood Day School, before enrolling at Bucknell University to pursue his football career. However, his journey was cut short last July when he collapsed in the weight room during his first training session and subsequently passed away two days later in the hospital.
Before attending Bucknell, C.J. was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Trait, a condition that affects hemoglobin in the blood. Despite this diagnosis, he had been cleared to practice football at the university. In the wake of C.J.’s death, his parents raised concerns about the management of the practice and how the university responded to the incident. Earlier this year, they filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bucknell University, seeking accountability for their son’s untimely passing.
A spokesperson for Bucknell University expressed condolences to the Dickey family and assured the public that the institution is committed to enhancing student health and safety in light of these tragic events.
For those interested in attending the clinic, there is a limited capacity of 50 participants, emphasizing the importance of providing focused attention and resources to the attendees. Registration for the clinic remains open, offering young athletes a chance to learn vital safety practices while honoring C.J.’s legacy.
The memory of C.J. Dickey continues to resonate within the community, and this health awareness camp represents a proactive measure to ensure that other young athletes are educated about the importance of health, safety, and awareness in sports.
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- JoeBucsFan: Baker Mayfield Let Your Kids Enjoy Sports
- Buccaneers.com: Over 200 Girls Participate in Flag Football Clinic
- Buccaneers.com: Buccaneers Open Applications for 2025 National Coaching Academy
- Wikipedia: Health Awareness
- Google Search: Football Safety Training
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