Sheriff Scores Again with 6th Annual Sports Camp
by Bonita Harris
Play hard in sports, but work hard in school first. That was the main message at Sheriff McCabe’s 6th Annual Norfolk Youth Sports Camp. The week jump started on June 28th with record hot days, but it was all about ICE – Integrity, Commitment and Excellence.
This year’s addition of a basketball camp was a slam dunk. For the first two days at Lake Taylor High School, renowned basketball coach “Zeke” Avery and his team of volunteer coaches taught the young athletes some of the same moves they taught pros like Bruce Smith (back in the day) - a stand-out basketball player, before going on to play in the NFL and getting inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.
Coach Avery said he was honored to head up the inaugural basketball camp. “I feel really good about it because the kids are learning a variety of skills and they feel good about it.”
The kids, from 10 to 14 years old, also heard words of wisdom from former NBA stand-out Bobby Dandridge, who earned championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Washington Bullets. Known as one of the best forwards to ever play in the NBA, Dandridge played with other basketball greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Magic Johnson and Larry Byrd.
Other local legends included Johnny “Pep” Morris who set the national record for highest points scored in a high school basketball game in 1961, when he scored 127 points for Portsmouth’s Norcom High School. Old Dominion University Associate Head Basketball Coach Jim Corrigan also took time to encourage and enlighten the kids.
On June 30th and July 1st, the sports camp moved to its traditional football skills and drills, led by Maury High School Coach John Quinerly, at Powhatan Field, behind ODU. Fortunately for everyone, the temperature dropped to pleasant 80 degree weather both days. But there was no slacking off of the tough lessons on and off the field. More of Norfolk’s best coaches and athletes stepped up to volunteer for the football camp, including college players from Norfolk State and Old Dominion; local stand-outs like Bobby Rome, drafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers, as well as William Fuller and Tommy Graves – local businessmen who played in the NFL. Andrew Heidelberg, one of the prominent “Norfolk 17” who integrated Norfolk Public Schools and varsity sports with superior athletic skills also showcased his moves and provided inspiring remarks.
11-year-old Shamar Eaton said, “It’s hard work! It keeps our muscles strong, helps us learn not to give up and to get our education first.”
“It’s been fun to play football with college players and learn from the pros,” added 14-year-old Kendrick Reynolds. “To play college football and get into the NFL, you gotta do your work, keep up your grades and do well on the SAT’s.”
13-year-old Brooke Baez was one of the few girls who proved she could hang with the fellas for all four days. “It’s given me more conditioning for soccer and cheerleading,” she said, “and I get to learn new skills and make new friends.”
Congrats to Sheriff and all the volunteers for another successful camp!