Fort Gay, W. Va. — For the third straight year the Tolsia Boys basketball program put on a free camp at Rebel Arena for the youth in the area this week.
On Monday and Tuesday the 5 year olds to 9 year olds were in Rebel Arena.
On Wednesday and Thursday the 10 year olds to 14 year olds were in Rebel Arena.
Around 50 boys and girls ages 5-14 descended on Rebel Arena the last four days to learn from the Tolsia coaching staff and players the basic fundamentals and have a little fun as well.
Cayson Ratliff was all smiles during Tolsia Rebel Free basketball camp this week.
Every kid that participated during the free camp went home with a basketball, a t-shirt and a big smile on their face.
Huxton Perry practices a dribbling drill at the Tolsia basketball camp this week.
Tolsia Head Coach Brian Stacy
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… Like I just told the parents, this is one of my favorite weeks of the year. We brought the younger ones in on Monday and Tuesday and that really gets the week off to a good start. Just to see their smiles and the effort that everyone of them give a is a sight to see. On Wednesday and Thursday we brought the older group in and the atmosphere in Rebel Arena is off the charts. I don’t have practices is here that have that much energy. Our boys could learn something from this group. It’s our way of giving back and we get as much out of this as the kids do.”
“… We were hoping to go a little bit earlier in June but this week worked out great even though a lot were on vacation and we were down a little on numbers it was still a great week. My coaching staff and players were here all week and it went well. For those guys to show up after the three weeks we just went through, most guys would like to take a break and go to the pool or sit in the cool air but not our guys. And that shows a lot honestly. I ask a lot of our older guys to get comfortable with doing the uncomfortable.”
“… I told my dad years ago that the Tolsia job was my dream job. And I’ve been overlooked a few times and that is all behind us. I told him if I ever get a high school job that I would have a free camp for the area youth and give back. Fort Gay and Crum areas are not rich but both communities are special to me just like they are you. When I came in here three years ago a dad told me if he had to pay for gas and the camp we couldn’t have come to the camp and that is one of the reasons it is free. We don’t need to make any money off of this. We have great sponsors that help out tremendously with this. And all we need is money for the shirts and the basketballs. We love giving back.”
