July 21, 2009

More than 70 youngsters take part in Cowley Basketball Camp

Conducting the first ever Success is a Choice boy’s basketball camp July 13-16 inside W.S. Scott Auditorium, Cowley College men’s basketball head coach Tommy DeSalme and assistant coaches Donnie Jackson and Anthony Shavies had more than 70 youngsters take part in the camp.

The first session of the camp for players entering first through fifth grade had 45 participants. The afternoon session, which consisted of players entering sixth through 12th grade, had 28 individuals.


“I was really excited about the turnout and thought the camp went really well,” DeSalme said. “The kids worked really hard, learned a lot of basketball and had a great time.”

With DeSalme set to enter his first season as head coach of the Tigers, he was pleasantly surprised by the outcome of the camp.

“We appreciate the community support and the college letting us conduct the camp,” DeSalme said. “It is a special deal for the college to get that many kids here for the camp. We hope to make it even bigger next year.”

The purpose of the camp was to teach and build upon basic fundamental skills through repetition, drills, and league competition in an atmosphere of encouragement and fellowship.  During the week, campers learned dedication, sportsmanship, and teamwork. This facilitates the development of sacrifice, pride, discipline, and respect, all of which attributes that contribute to successful athletic competition, as well as personal growth.

“The kids were willing to learn and work hard,” DeSalme said. “We gave them some things to work on when they got home.”

The Tiger men’s basketball team will open their season Monday, November 2 when they host the Tabor College JV at 7 p.m.