The Southwestern College men’s basketball team along with the Winfield Recreation Commission recently hosted a basketball camp for first-grade to ninth-grade boys and girls.

Matt O’Brien, head men’s basketball coach at Southwestern College, along with his staff and players Andrew O’Brien and Abe Rodriguez led the camp.  According to O’Brien, 45 campers participated in the basketball camp.

“We wanted to provide a service to the community,” O’Brien said. “We want to get to know the community and give them an opportunity to get to know our staff and our players. Mostly, we want to build a relationship with the community and let them get to know us and what our program is about. Hopefully, they see something they like and want to come out and support us.”

Campers learned fundamentals such as shooting and ball-handling, but above that was a chance for them to have fun with kids their own age playing basketball.

“This camp is more about having fun,” O’Brien said. “We want to teach the kids, and we want them to learn, but having fun is the most important.”

O’Brien, the winningest coach in Southwestern College men’s basketball history, is grateful to team up with the Winfield Recreation Commission to put on the camp.

“I am so thankful to partner with the Winfield Rec, who does so much to provide awesome opportunities for our youth to stay active in our community.”

Numerous awards were handed out to the campers on the last day of camp for various skill competitions.