• Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Picking corn is part of the camp-out at the Womochil farm.
    Picking corn is part of the camp-out at the Womochil farm.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Addyson Chvala and Devin Womochil help prepare the batter for the fish fried for the VS camp-out.
    Addyson Chvala and Devin Womochil help prepare the batter for the fish fried for the VS camp-out.
  • Article Photo. Coach Womochil and players cut up carrots for their meal.
    Coach Womochil and players cut up carrots for their meal.
  • Article Photo. Steve Henry and some teammates used a tarp and large tree branch to convert his truck into a camper.
    Steve Henry and some teammates used a tarp and large tree branch to convert his truck into a camper.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Players us a net to find minnows in thehshallow channel along the river bank.
    Players us a net to find minnows in thehshallow channel along the river bank.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Snake over the fire. A few Viking football players tried it; most said they liked it.
    Snake over the fire. A few Viking football players tried it; most said they liked it.
  • Article Photo. Drew Wiley and Eric Studer attend to the snake as it cooks.
    Drew Wiley and Eric Studer attend to the snake as it cooks.
  • Article Photo. Viking football players watch as Eric Studer takes the first bite of bull snake during the camp-out.
    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.