SUMMIT — Highlighted by 125 youngsters, and sunny weather, thefourth annual New Orleans Saints Michael Lewis skills andfundamentals camp, was held on the campus of Southwest CommunityCollege Saturday. It gave several boys and girls a chance to workwith a pro for a day. The New Orleans Saints star widereceiver/kick returner was more than happy to share his influenceson and off the field with those in attendance.

“This camp is all for the kids,” said Lewis. “This is my fourthyear to have it, and every year I try to teach them something newabout the sport of football and about life in order for them to besuccessful in the future.”

At 5-foot-8 and 175-pounds, Lewis is not your typical proathlete. His journey to stardom began at the tender age of 29.Blessed with speed and a knack for never giving up, Lewis, who didnot attend college, held a variety of jobs. He also played in theArena Football, NFL Europe, and Indoor Professional FootballLeagues. The New Orleans native drew the attention of Saintsmanagement during a tryout in 2000, where he popped off 40-yarddash times of 4.22 and 4.19.

“I thank God every day for where I’m at and for having the heartto never quit,” added Lewis. “I try to express that to these kidsby having a camp like this.”

Lewis played in only two games last season for the Saints,before tearing the ACL in his left leg on a non-contact playagainst the Giants in the Meadowlands.

In 53 games with Saints, Lewis has averaged 24.2 yards a returnon kickoffs and 10.9 yards a return on punts. He has scored fourtouchdowns as a return man, three coming during the 2002 seasonwhen Lewis was a Pro Bowl selection.

“I can’t wait to get back out there,” continued Lewis. “Weshould have a good team this year.”

The Saints have made a number of moves in the off-season, mostnotably drafting Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush to play runningback and return kicks, plus signing former San Diego Chargersquarterback Drew Brees. They also have a new head coach in SeanPayton.

For Lewis, he looks forward to the competition that willsurround him battling Bush for the top return man spot.

“When we picked Reggie, I felt that was the best pick for us,”said Lewis. “He had a great college career at USC, and I’m excitedto have him as a teammate.”

Lewis re-signed with the Saints in April, as an unrestrictedfree agent. He feels Coach Payton and the addition of Brees willonly help the team.

“I look forward to playing under coach Payton,” added Lewis.”From day, one when he was introduced to us (players), he set thetone for what we have to accomplish.

“Drew did really well in minicamp. He, I, and other players areplanning to get together a week before training camp to go over theoffense and workout.”

As for the Saints moving their training camp to Jackson’sMillsaps College, Lewis says it’s nothing new to him.

“It’s really nothing new,” Lewis continued. “During my firstyear, we trained in Thibodaux (Nichols State University). Then thenext year we trained in New Orleans. Really, location doesn’tmatter. It’s what we do on the field every Sunday that does.”

The Saints will begin training in Jackson later this month. Theywill play host to the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 26 at Jackson’sMemorial Stadium.

“I just can’t wait to suit back up,” said Lewis. “The preseasonwill be here next month.”

Lewis’ camp lasted nearly five hours Saturday at Southwest. Campdirectors Rudolph Joseph, Lewis’ former high school coach at NewOrleans Grace King High; Fred Johnson, Kyle Hinton, and EugeneBarnes oversaw the days activities.

“This is all for the kids, said Joseph. “Any time they can learnand meet a pro athlete, it’s always going to bring a smile to theirfaces.”

The camp, which was free to attend, allowed the campers to learnfrom Lewis and the directors that ran it. All campers were given aT-Shirt, and lunch as well.

“If I can teach one thing,” said Lewis. “It’s never to giveup.”

Lewis is affecting the hundreds of children he’s camping with ina positive manner.