Editor’s note: Brendan McMahon, a Lanthorn sports staff writer who is also a sophomore defensive back on the football team, shares the experience he had at the 2016 GVSU fall camp this August.

An afternoon in the middle of August in West Michigan usually means you’re at the Grand Haven beach basking in the sun with some friends, playing some beach volleyball, walking the pier, all without a worry in a world.

For the Grand Valley State football team, an afternoon in the middle of August is another opportunity to for the Lakers to improve as a unit and work toward their ultimate goals for the season.

The Lakers finished the 2015 campaign with a 12-3 record and an appearance in the national semifinals. Ranked second and third in the Sporting News and AFCA preseason polls, respectively, the Lakers arrived at Robinson Hall Wednesday, Aug. 10 to begin fall camp with high aspirations for the 2016 season.

Fall camp is a time for programs all over the nation to prepare for their upcoming season. Camp consists of countless hours spent on the practice field and in the film room. In many instances, it’s a team’s last opportunity to get squared away before the season begins.

“Camp is great time for coaches to put us in situations where we need to show grit and bond as a unit,” said GVSU junior receiver Brandon Bean.

From an individual standpoint, fall camp is a highly anticipated time for players who spent the winter, spring and summer months working out and practicing for the season. Players train year-round for an opportunity to compete for a spot on the team.

With 120 players competing for 22 starting positions, every moment of camp can determine one’s playing time. One missed assignment on the field could make or break an opportunity to claim a spot.

“You can’t take your spot for granted,” said GVSU sophomore quarterback Bart Williams. “You’ve got to come and compete every day.”

The Lakers have a surplus of depth at each position, one reason why they are competitive each and every year. It is a unique situation, competing day in and day out against your teammates. Internal competition may seem hazardous to team chemistry, but in all actuality, it brings the team closer.

“Competition is how we gel as a team. That’s how we’ve all gained each other’s respect, by competing against one another,” Williams said. “We all do a good job of leaving the competition on the field and maintaining strong bonds off of the field with each other.”

The Lakers’ team chemistry reaches far outside the white lines. Some of the greatest memories of a football season are made during down time in camp. Anything from team meals to euchre tournaments to messing around in the football center, the team always finds a way to create a family atmosphere.

However, it is not all fun and games when the pads come off. It’s not long into camp until you’re physically tired, it’s hard to rest because it is extremely hot and your body aches. It takes hours of treatment to maintain playing condition. Hours are spent in ice baths and on training tables to prepare for the next rep.

“Camp is not punishment,” Bean said. “We have to fight together and grind together as a team to get through these adverse situations in order to be successful.”

Although challenging, camp is a vital part to the Lakers’ success in the upcoming season.

“It can be exhausting at times, but really you just look forward to playing football everyday,” Williams said.

The Lakers concluded camp and open their season against Tiffin University at Lubbers Stadium Thursday, Sept. 1.