Grace College Basketball Clinic Returns to Milford with a Bang
The Grace College men's basketball team brought their A-game to Milford Elementary School on Saturday, October 11th, for a free basketball clinic that was a hit with the community. The team, led by Pastor Lee Compson and team chaplain, showcased their commitment to serving and helping others. Compson shared, "It was a lot of fun. The team is all about serving and helping others, so putting on a free clinic is right in their wheelhouse."
The clinic wasn't just about basketball; it was a holistic experience. Noah Rutherford, a team manager, emphasized the importance of incorporating faith into the event, stating, "Mainly just incorporating the faith was really important. I really love that. Just being a part of the community. It’s more than basketball. Life is a lot more than just shooting hoops."
The event's success is largely attributed to the strong working relationship between Compson, Rutherford, and Milford Elementary School Principal Michael Casey. This is the fourth year they've collaborated, and Casey's staff has been incredibly accommodating, reserving the school and setting up the building for the team's use.
Twenty-two kids from second to eighth grade participated in a variety of basketball drills, and a significant portion of the Grace roster has ties to the area, with players from Warsaw, NorthWood, Lakeland Christian, and Manchester on the team. Compson believes that this proximity adds an extra layer of motivation to give back to the community.
"They are really good at teaching the fundamentals at these ages," Compson said. "Grateful to be able to give back to the Milford community and help the kids have a lot of fun. Learn a little bit about the game of basketball and the game of life."