Articles

One more year of successful operation for Champion youth programs

Category: 'Y' Published on Thursday, 01 October 2009 09:47 Written by Bill Neal - Courier Sports Columnist

Champion Enterprises wrapped up its 34th annual “Safe Summer” youth programs with the Hard Work Basketball Camp held at the Penn Hills YMCA.

The camp operated in both junior and senior youth divisions for boys and girls, ages 8-16.

A star-studded coaching staff returned intact, including former 14-year NBA veteran and star head coach Armon “the Hammer” Gilliam, a former University of Nevada-Las Vegas star who has gone on to coach at several Division I programs; Karen Hall, and the namesake of the camp, European basketball talent, Chaz McCromman.

HAMMER TIME—NBA legend Armon “the Hammer” Gilliam was one of the guest speakers at this year’s Hard Work Camp.

This year’s camp hosted 87 boys and girls from all over the region.

ALL-STARS SHINE—The 2009 “Dave Smith Chevrolet Youth All-Star Team” in a group photo.

All efforts of the camp have been made possible by the following:

Dave Smith Chevrolet; Greater Pittsburgh YMCA, Penn Hills Branch; Vocelli’s Pizza; Dollar General; the Plum-area McDonald’s; and a host of other sponsors including the New Pittsburgh Courier.

(D.W. Howze contributed to this story)