ASU Football: Off-Grid Bonding Amidst Spiders

The Arizona State Sun Devils football team is currently embarking on their annual trip to Camp Tontozona, a tradition dating back to 1959. This remote location, situated 20 miles east of Payson, deliberately lacks amenities such as televisions and reliable internet to encourage player bonding. The team boarded buses on August 11, with practices commencing at the camp the following day.

This year's camp is particularly vital for team cohesion due to a significant influx of new athletes. With many returning starters departing, the team is integrating approximately 40 new players. This tradition provides a unique environment for these athletes to connect through shared experiences like hiking and campfire gatherings, fostering a stronger team dynamic before the season begins.

The upcoming Saturday scrimmage at Camp Tontozona is open to the public and is expected to draw over 3,000 spectators. This event serves as a culmination of the team's bonding efforts. Senior players, like running back Kyson Brown, emphasize the importance of the camp in creating a "one deep brotherhood" by stepping away from daily comforts and building genuine connections.

While the experience is designed to be challenging, with players like safety Adrian Wilson advising rookies to "bring a fan," it is seen as essential for developing team chemistry. Wide receiver Omarion Miller, a transfer, noted that despite hearing "nothing but bad" things about camp, he understands its purpose in building teammate connections and understanding each other's motivations.