The stories below are the fruits of the 2008 crop of Jr. Bears Reporters.
The Junior Bears reporters gather with their interviewees after practice on July 31. From left to right is D'von Randle, Molly Knapper, Bears tight end Desmond Clark, Nick Usewicz, Bears coach Rob Boras, Courtney Wolfe and Brandon Hanners. — Erin McCormick of the Chicago Bears
Wants to practice with Bears
By Brandon Hanners/Watseka
As a junior Bears reporter, I got the chance to interview Bears tight end Desmond Clark and tight end coach Rob Boras.
I asked Clark if his favorite team was the Bears when he was a kid. His response was no, the Dallas Cowboys were.
I also asked if he played other sports as a kid and he said he played basketball and baseball.
I also interviewed Rob Boras and asked him if the Bears were his favorite team. He said yes.
I also asked what his favorite food was and he answered steak.
I had a great time watching the practice with Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton as quarterbacks.
I also saw how far punters can punt! I don’t think I’ll ever kick that high and far.
A lot of players were tall and big –probably five times me!
Watching those great throws, catches and tackles made me want to go on the field and practice with them.
All in all, it was great experience I shall never forget.
Madden, Guitar Hero make the video game cut
By D’Von Randle/Kankakee
On Thursday, July 31, I got the chance to attend the Chicago Bears Training Camp as a Junior Bears reporter for The Daily Journal.
During the practice, the Bears scrimmaged in order to improve their skills for the upcoming season.
After the practice I got to interview tight end Desmond Clark and tight end coach Rob Boras.
Here are the questions and answers from my interview:
* Q: What is your favorite book? Desmond Clark: “Makes Me Wanna Holler.”
Rob Boras: “Simple Genius.”
* Q: Do you have any pets?
Desmond Clark: No pets
Rob Boras: Yellow Lab named Bell.
* Q: What is your favorite video game?
Desmond Clark: Madden
Rob Boras: Guitar Hero
* Q: Who/What is your favorite cartoon character?
Desmond Clark: Roadrunner
Rob Boras: Mr. Incredible
* Q: Will the Bears make it to the Super Bowl this season?
Desmond Clark: Yeah, every year without a doubt
Rob Boras: Yes.
After my interview, I got the chance to get a few autographs and a picture with the Bears’ Mike Brown. This was a very exciting experience.
Confident in both QBs
By Courtney Wolfe/Chebanse
On July 31, I went to the Bears camp to interview Desmond Clark and Rob Boras as a Junior Bears Reporter.
When I asked them what they liked best about the training camp being in Bourbonnais, they both answered they like the great facilities and fan support.
When I asked Mr. Clark who their competition for getting to the Super Bowl would be, he answered that the Packers and the Cowboys are the main competition.
Mr. Boras thought the Cowboys and the Vikings would be their competition.
When I asked them which quarterback would take them all the way, they were fully confident in both quarterbacks.
They both said the defense will be more dominating and neither believed the Brett Favre situation would affect their season.
I think that the Bears are going to do very well this season, and I would like to thank Mr. Clark and Mr. Boras for letting me interview them and The Daily Journal for letting me enjoy this wonderful experience.
Clark, Boras like blowouts
By Molly Knapper/Bourbonnais
Standing 6-foot-3 with 10 years of experience behind him, tight end Desmond Clark is a formidable opponent. But to his fans, he is a really friendly guy.
Luckily, I had the honor of interviewing him, as well as his tight end coach Rob Boras.
* Question one: Do you prefer games that are really close in score or games where you are winning by a lot?
Desmond Clark: “Win by a lot, because then it is not a contest and you can relax.”
Rob Boras: “Winning by a lot, because then you can relax.”
* Question two: When you step out on the field, what goes through your head?
Clark: “The assignment I have and who my opponents are.”
Boras: “The excitement of the upcoming game and the fact that we worked hard at practice and now it’s time to focus.”
* Question three: What does it feel like to know that so many people look up to you and support you?
Clark: “It makes me feel good. When the fans cheer for me, I feel a sense of accomplishment.”
Boras: “It feels amazing and makes me want to put forth even more effort.”
* Question four: What is it like to see the plays you worked on at practice work in a game?
Clark: “It is the ultimate feeling.”
Boras: “It’s a great feeling knowing that all the hard work has paid off.”
* Question five: When did you first realize you had a passion for football?
Clark: “When I was six, my first year playing football.”
Boras: “In fifth grade, when I first started playing. I began to consider coaching as a sophomore in college.”
Prediction — 13-3!
Nerves, sweaty palms aside, interview went well
By Nick Usewicz/Peotone
After practice, I got to ask my questions to Desmond Clark, who was a complete class act and stand-up guy.
My palms were sweaty and I was really nervous, but I got through the interview OK.
I walked away with memories of a lifetime that I will never forget and tons of pictures to capture the “best day of my summer.”
* Q: Do you get to pick your number for your jersey or do they assign you a number?
Desmond Clark: “I got to pick my number, my favorite No. 88.”
* Q: When you were young, who was your favorite player? Do you consider yourself a role model?
Desmond Clark: “My role models growing up were Walter Payton and Tony Dorsett. Yes, I consider myself a good role model to kids.”
* Q: Is it hard to run with all the gear, pads, helmet and spikes?
Desmond Clark: “No, it is not.”
* Q: What is your favorite pre-game meal? Do you eat more carbs or proteins?
Desmond Clark: “I eat more carbs like pasta.”
* Q: How old were you when you started to play football?
Desmond Clark: “I was 6 years old.”
