South Kitsap coach D.J. Sigurdson wants to avoid an initiation period.

With sophomores, in particular, playing at the high school for the first time, he wants to players ready to play as soon as they take the football field for fall camp Aug. 19.

That’s why the focus on the team’s five-day camp, which ends today, focuses on fundamentals, techniques and getting to know position coaches.

“Camp is just a jump start to the season,” South senior guard/linebacker Keith Grey said. “It’s a chance for the older players to refine their technique and get back to fundamentals.”

Sigurdson said he tells his players if they only can afford one of the team’s three major offseason functions — spring ball, Eastern Washington University’s team camp or the five-day camp at South — he recommends the latter.

“This is when we’re getting everyone acclimated to what we do,” he said. “This is the camp I want everyone to be at to get everyone on the same page.”

About 60 players turned out for the camp, which ran 2 hours, 45 minutes each day, and cost $70. That isn’t a large turnout for one of the state’s largest high schools, but it didn’t bother Sigurdson.

“I’m not worried about small numbers right now,” he said. “I can focus on everyone.”

The camp is optional, but senior quarterback Gordy Anderson said not attending was never a consideration for him.

Anderson, who split time with 2009 graduate Bryan Dorsey last year, said it’s important for captains to be active within the program.

“You have to be out here to support your teammates,” Anderson said. “If you’re not out here, it doesn’t look good.”

Sigurdson said he’s pleased with the leadership displayed by the seniors.

“It’s a very good group of leaders,” he said. “They’re not afraid to do the right thing versus the popular thing.”

This is the last team function involving coaches — at least on the field — until fall camp.

South participated in Eastern’s team camp after a one-year hiatus. In an effort to cut expenses, Sigurdson took his team to the University of Puget Sound’s team camp last summer.

“Our transportation worked extremely hard to get us over there,” he said. “In my opinion, it’s (Eastern’s) the premier camp in the Northwest. Not just the level of competition, but the way it’s organized. It’s really well done.”

With the work finished for a few weeks, Grey now is thinking about the Sept. 5 opener against Kennewick at Qwest Field — and beyond.

“I’m very anxious,” he said. “I think about getting out there and competing on the football field every day. Winning and bring home a title are my goals.”