The annual Grimes Parker Basketball Camp had another successful year, with eager newcomers as well as campers who faced the fact that this would be their last year at camp.
Coach Clement Fleming had big shoes to fill since Grimes Parker is no longer with us, but Grimes would have been proud. The camp schedule coincides with the coaches’ schedules, and it isn’t always easy to fill coach spots.
Coach Erich Epps has been with the camp every year, and we will count on him to continue his good work. He is a familiar face, and we appreciate him and his wife, Carla, for everything they do for the camp.
Coach Brianna Evans volunteered for the camp with some of her players, and boy, she takes control. She has a clear, commanding voice and repeats herself so the campers can understand. I like that about her. We hope we can benefit from her expertise for many years to come.
Coach Kruger was gracious enough to spread his enthusiasm and talent on our court this year, even though he had to leave early. The younger campers got special attention from him as he played one-on-one, taught defense, and gathered several into a group for a hands-up chant. Very personable coach who brought new skills to the court, and the campers really liked him.
When the camp first started, it ran from 9:00 to 3:00. Now the camp runs from 9:00 to 12:00. We look at each other now and ask ourselves, “How did we do that?” It takes a team to make the flow happen, and they are always there. From Sheila Taylor’s team, who checks the campers in, hands out uniforms and keeps it organized, to Cooleemee PE teacher Russell Hilton, who is always there for support, and Jan Coleman, who is always sitting in her chair by the bathrooms to monitor everything is ok.
The students of Cooleemee Elementary School meant a lot to the late Grimes Parker, and this camp is honored by his family to show they care, to keep this camp going and offering a wonderful experience for the kids to meet new friends, develop confidence, learn the skills of basketball, and to give them something to talk about to their future kids.
Thank you to all who have taken part in the camp for whatever reason; the family is very grateful.
Feel free to contact me at www.cooleemeenews@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!
