Don’t take our word for it. A lot of people have strong feelings about Camp Tontozona, and the professional newspapermen out there have access to them.

We were more than a bit miffed by the Republic’s underwhelming coverage of the Camp Tontozona announcement.

They responded with an article today. But we’d prefer to point you in the direction of two earlier stories first. (Since you’ve already read our take on Camp Tontozona, right?)

Always short of resources but never of determination to give the Devils their due, the East Valley Tribune dedicated the centerpiece of its front page to the announcement and even threw in a sidebar with John Cooper’s comments for good measure.

And the Payson Roundup took a nostalgic look back at an annual rite that was clearly a boon to its community’s profile and economy. The Roundup even pulled this delicious quote from former Sun Devil Rob Peterson, who survived four trips to Camp Tontozona and has memories of the landmark 1975 Fiesta Bowl win over Nebraska to show for it.

“Yes, boys went to Camp Tontozona but they came out men giving ASU the highest national ranking (No. 2) in the history of the school. We practiced three times a day, full pads, full contact in the morning, shorts and shirts right after lunch and full pads in the afternoon. There were sprints and gassers until you puked.”

Oh, and the Republic got around to writing about Camp Tontozona today. It’s a good story . Better late than never we suppose.

(Photo courtesy: East Valley Tribune)

What’s your favorite Camp Tontozona memory? Post in the comments or shoot us an e-mail, and we’ll compile the best memories for a future post.

Tags: ASU Football , Camp Tontozona, john cooper // Add Comment »