On the evening of February 26, the St. Michaels Elementary School Cafeteria was filled excitement and anticipation. Over 150 people, student athletes cheered on by their family, friends, coaches and volunteers, packed the room for this Sports Banquet and celebrated the end of their first season of the St. Michaels Community Center Youth Basketball League . An entire table was loaded with impressive participation trophies. In November, the St. Michaels Community Center sponsored 6 teams of students from St. Michaels and Tilghman. These 61 athletes ranged in age from Kindergarten to grade 6. The players practiced one night during the week and the games were held on Saturday mornings at the SMES gym. Each team had 2 volunteer coaches and several SMHS basketball players volunteered to officiate. According to Kevin Baum, SMES Coordinator and Gym Teacher, “In his welcoming remarks, he thanked the parents who “cheered for all the kids, not just their own child’s team. They honored all athletes. It was an unbelievable turnout, greater than we ever expected. We noticed kids, who were not interested in sports before, just blossom in this program. There was excitement throughout the week about the games.” Pam Phillips, SMCC Youth Program Coordinator agreed,”we were pleasantly surprised by the number of children who participated and the great volunteers we had to make this program so successful. Parent support was great and as Kevin stated, everyone cheered all the teams on – we hope to continue to grow this program each year!”
Kevin Baum, addressing crowd at St. Michaels Elementary School.
Adam Rowe and coach Referee Maddie Baynard hand out awards.
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