Before opening practice next week to begin the defense of its state championship, Richmond Senior football coach Paul Hoggard will make a slight detour.

Hoggard was one of 51 coaches, one from each state and the District of Columbia, to be selected to participate in the eighth annual NFL-USA Football Youth Football Summit July 28-31 in Canton, Ohio.

“It’s a great honor to be one of the coaches selected,” Hoggard said. “I haven’t been told a lot about what to expect, but I heard they are going to shut down the (Pro Football) Hall of Fame for a few hours for us to walk around.”

During his time at the summit, Hoggard said he will attend several educational seminars. Among the speakers at the summit will be former NFL and college coach Dick Vermeil, who led the St. Louis Rams to a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. Vermeil is expected to talk to the group about the impact of youth and high school football coaches on their players.

In addition to Vermeil, former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and current ESPN analyst Todd Blackledge will also address the group. Also, former NFL defensive back Harry Colon will speak about the importance of positive coaching.

The summit will also feature speakers addressing some of the stories in the headlines today, steroids and heat and hydration.

Dr. Linn Goldberg of the Oregon Health & Science University will lead a steroid education session and discuss the NFL’s ATLAS & ATHENA Anti-Steroid Education program.

Kimberly White, Ph.D. of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute will talk to the coaches about the issue of heat and hydration in light of several high school football players dying from heat stroke over the last few years.

While Hoggard is excited about going to the Hall of Fame for the first time, he is disappointed he will not be able to share the experience because the event is for coaches only.

“I know my 11-year-old son would love to go to the Hall of Fame, but I can’t take him or anyone in my family,” Hoggard said.