Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Current Crusader players and coaches will staff five different boy's basketball programs at the Athletics-Recreation Center this summer for dedicated players of all ages.

The first program, Valpo's one day Elite Camp, is scheduled for Saturday, June 17 from 1:00 ? 6:00 p.m. and is intended for athletes between ninth and 12th grade who are currently competing at a high level. Campers will take part in an NCAA seminar on academics and athletics, participate in contests, skill testing, 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 play. Cost for this camp is $30 per player.

Younger players can get involved June 19-22 and the Valpo Mini Camp and Valpo Basketball School. Campers age 5-7 can take part in the mini camp from 9:00 ? 11:30 a.m. daily, designed for fun and games in a relaxing basketball atmosphere. For players age 8-14, the Valpo Basketball School includes daily teaching sessions from current Crusader players and coaches, training in the fundamentals, 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 play, and daily contests and prizes. Cost for the Basketball School, which runs daily from 9:00 a.m. ? 12:00 p.m. is $145 per camper, while the Mini Camp rate is only $95.

The Valpo Team Camp is also available for clubs looking to get a head start on next season against top-flight competition. At $475 per team, the camp guarantees at least seven games in one of four divisions: Freshman, Junior Varsity, Small Varsity and Large Varsity, and runs from June 23-25. All games will be held at the Athletics-Recreation Center and officiated by NCAA or NFHS certified referees. Teams will enjoy six games of pool play before a single-elimination tournament. Registration is limited to 32 teams regardless of division.

The final program of the summer is the Valpo Basketball Academy, a full 9:00 a.m. ? 5:00 p.m. camp for ages 8-14, July 31 ? August 4. The academy features daily teaching sessions from Crusader players and coaches, an emphasis in fundamentals, a 3-on-3 league, daily 5-on-5 games and more. The cost for the Basketball Academy is $275 per player.

Players at all camps will receive a free Valpo/Nike Camp t-shirt and unlimited Gatorade drink, and lunch can be purchased at the Valpo Basketball Academy if desired. Children of single parents may also be eligible for the Von Tobel Scholarship, which will cover the cost of either the basketball school or academy.

For more information or to reserve a spot in any of the individual Valpo basketball programs, contact Sherry Williams in the men's basketball office at (219) 464-5254 or Sherry.Williams@valpo.edu. To reserve a spot in the team camp, please contact Jack Gabor at (219) 531-1233.