Former Bison, Current Tampa Bay Guard Cody Mauch Holds FREE Camp in Wahpeton

MAUCH RETURNED TO NORTH DAKOTA TO HOLD A YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP FOR 300 ATENDEES.

WAHPETON, N.D. (KVRR)–As the summer months roll on, camps are a big way for athletes to continue to develop their skills ahead of their next sports season. Last week, former Bison quarterbacks Easton Stick and Trey Lance were in Fargo. Thursday, down in Wahpeton, North Dakota, Cody Mauch held is first camp as a professional athlete.

Mauch was a second round pick in last season draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after spending six seasons with the NDSU football program. The Hankinson, North Dakota native returned to North Dakota this week to host a camp for 3rd through 8th graders at Wahpeton High School on Thursday.

It is not uncommon for a pro athlete to give back to the community by hosting a camp for the youth, but it is not every day that the camp is completely free.

Mauch shares why that was a big point of emphasis for him and what it means to be able to give back.

“That is kind of everything,” said Mauch. “I feel like kids should not have to pay any admission fee to come to a camp like this. We are out here running around. It is raining a little bit and we are having a great time. I remember Phil Hanson used to have his camps over at the Science school [in Wahpeton]. I remember going to those and thinking it was so cool being around a former NFL player and former Bison. I just remember, even then, just being like wow… how cool would it be doing something like that eventually.”

Last week, former Bison and current Cincinnati Bengals lineman Cordell Volson held a camp and Mauch attended to help out. This time, it was the other way. Also in town to help was another former Bison and current New York Giant, Jake Kubas.

“Cordell was more than happy to do it,” said Mauch. “I went to his camp last weekend and I did not even ask him, he was like ‘I will be down at your next weekend.’ So, I was really happy for him to do that. Then Jake…I did not even know. Jake just came. I asked those guys if they wanted to help, and [Jake] just finished up his workouts with the Giants. I think he got back on Tuesday. Just one or two days back and he is down here, so I am really thankful for those guys.”

For Tampa Bay this past season, Mauch started in all 17 games and helped the Bucs reach the divisional round in the NFL playoffs. He says he learned a lot from year one in the league and is ready to go for year two.

“It was good,” said Mauch. “A lot of improvement throughout the year. It is a competition every single snap and every single game. It was a big learning experience. I grew every snap and every game, so, it was good. A lot to learn from and a lot to be excited about as well.

The Tampa Bay Bucs will open the regular season against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, September 8.