As the clock ticks down on yet another school year, parents and student/athletes are often reminded that being the best in anything, classroom included, takes time and plenty of practice.

The theme of this summer is magnified for those student/athletes ready to head on to college and compete in athletics and academics with so many others who head off to college in this tough economy.

With the end of school comes as a summer of learning and getting that edge. From softball to gymnastics, baseball, wrestling, basketball, soccer, basketball, goft, tennis, track and volleyball, the objective is to gain that edge.

Summer tournaments have become the thing that attracts teams, makes a few dollars and gives the athlete a barometer on how far they have to go to be at a competitive level.

Summer means girls softball tournaments that will often keep youngsters and their families on the road during June, July and August in search of the best tournaments around that have players from other states showcase their skills as well.

Basketball camps have always been huge. They are bigger than ever, and it even seems that every college in Florida has one - for boys and girls.

Soccer has always been a popular sport, and like softball or baseball, the road is a familiar place as tournaments from Disney to Atlanta put miles on the cars.

As volleyball, tennis and golf have always found a place in the sun - if you will - football is really the newest player to so many camps and other football related summer activities.

For the past few years, the momentum has gained so much when it comes to football in the summer, and now every college happens to host an event, and every brand name seems to have a 7-on-7 event.

Football in the summer is no longer an option. If you are skilled player, there are no ifs, ands or buts. The bottom line is that you will take part in the 7-on-7 program. If you happen to be a lineman, off to learn from those who can teach you new and useful things.

The BCAA hosed a free event last year that was tremendous. No times, heights, weights, etc., which has been done over and over again since January. Just learning ho to play the game better. That is the kind of camp be at.

During the summer months, I will be here every week keeping you updated on how BCAA athletes are doing in their quest to get better and keep that edge.

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at Floridakids1@hotmail.com. Blustein is the co-host of the High School Gridiron Show each Wednesday night from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM) or www.wqam.com.