Boys and Girls Club defeats Red Wolves in dodge ball
The Indiana University East men's basketball team visited the Boys and Girls ClubRichmond, Ind.-The Indiana University East men's basketball team visited the Boys and Girls Club on Thursday, December 11, 2008 to perform a basketball clinic and to speak about staying in school.
At the Boys and Girls Club, players were introduced and then Steve Shepherd (Indianapolis, Ind. / Arlington) talked to the youth about the importance of staying in school. Shepherd started his speech with some group participation by asking what the kids wanted to do when they grow up. The responses included one child being a lawyer while another wanted to play professional sports.
Shepherd explained that it is important to stay in school no matter what career you want to pursue.
"If you succeed in school then a foundation is set to succeed in your career" Shepherd said.
After the speech, the Boys and Girls Club challenged the men's basketball team in a game of dodge ball. The Red Wolves were no match for the club members and were defeated.
"It was a good experience because I like working with kids," said IU East player Tyler Rigby. "I want to be a teacher, so anytime we get to interact with kids who look up to us for doing something positive, it is a good thing," said Rigby.
After the dodge ball game, the players signed some autographs and displayed their basketball skills by shooting around with the kids and throwing down a few dunks.
"It was definitely really cool getting to play dodge ball and basketball with the kids. It was a great experience," said IU East player Nate Fraley.
Henry Baker, a member of the Youth Development Staff at the Boys and Girls Club, said the experience was a good opportunity for the youth involved in the program. "Having the IU East men's basketball team visit is great. The kids think they are giants like Shaquille O'Neal, so this is a nice positive experience for the kids," said Baker.