Wright State athletics sees a record increase in youth basketball and soccer camp participation

The McLin Gym was filled with squeaking sneakers and cheers as elementary school students participated in the annual Wright State University Men’s Basketball Day Camp on June 17.

In recent years, the camp has averaged around 40 to 60 campers, but this year, the weeklong camp drew 90 kids entering third through eighth grade.

“To grow this camp and to have it be our largest since I’ve been here eight years, it excites me,” said men’s basketball head coach Clint Sargent.

Sargent said the growth of the camp is a testament to the success the men’s and women’s basketball teams have had on the court in recent years.

“I only want to continue to grow it,” said Sargent.

The same excitement was also taking place down the road from the Wright State Nutter Center during Wright State’s Nike Soccer Camp at Alumni Field from June 24 to June 27.

Hosted by the men’s and women’s soccer teams, the camp doubled in size from last year. Assistant men’s soccer coach Chris Garcia said the camp is a great way to connect with the community that supports Wright State athletics.

“It’s important to always connect with the community,” said Garcia. “Those are the same people that are coming out to our games and supporting us, and the more they know about us, the better.”

Almost 100 kids registered for the first week of the camp. Another youth soccer camp is scheduled in July.

Charlie Carpenter, a sophomore midfielder on the men’s soccer team, said volunteering at the camp will help him after he graduates.

“This is everything I want to do in the future, and I also want to get into coaching,” said Carpenter who majors in health and physical education.

For a full list of upcoming Wright State sports camps and clinics visit wsuraiders.com.