News : Vikings build teamwork, expand dietary choices at Camp-Out

Picking corn is part of the camp-out at the Womochil farm.

Addyson Chvala and Devin Womochil help prepare the batter for the fish fried for the VS camp-out.

Coach Womochil and players cut up carrots for their meal.

Steve Henry and some teammates used a tarp and large tree branch to convert his truck into a camper.

Players us a net to find minnows in thehshallow channel along the river bank.

Snake over the fire. A few Viking football players tried it; most said they liked it.

Drew Wiley and Eric Studer attend to the snake as it cooks.

Viking football players watch as Eric Studer takes the first bite of bull snake during the camp-out.

Catfish was on the menu for the second annual Vinton-Shellsburg football camp-out at the Womochil farm.

The players also added a few other impromptu menu items -- staring with a bull snake.

Someone saw the snake slithering near the Cedar River as players set up camp. Soon the beheaded reptile was skinned and placed on a barbecue grate placed over an open fire.

While some teammates looked on Eric Studer was among the first to try the snake. Others followed; most said they liked it. The expected phrase "taste like chicken" was of course among the descriptions players offered.

Team members also found and grilled live clams, frog, a small catfish and a bass caught by player Warren Rouse.

The camp takes place at the Womochil farm, where coach Jim Womochil grew up. Players dug potatoes and carrots and picked corn, then helped prepare the meal. The main dish was catfish, although it was not from the Cedar River. Coach Womochil also supervised the making of "hobos," potatoes grilled with carrots and onions, and covered with butter, salt and pepper.

Former school board members Todd Wiley and Tim Bird helped with the cooking of the meal. Players' parents sent chips and cookies, as well.

The event is both a way for the players to have fun at the end of camp and before official practice starts, as well as work on team-building skills, said Womochil.