Upward program teaches life lessons

Sondi Eden, an alum of Morehead State University, talks to the players in the Upward youth program. (Courtesy Photo)

The beginning of the spring season brought about the end of a youth basketball program, which has had a recreation division in Putnam County for four years.

The focus of the Upward Sports Recreation Program is to teach the game through healthy competition while building athletic foundations that prepare athletes for the next level of play. Through age-appropriate team play, athletes begin to build positive character traits that will allow them to encourage and strengthen themselves and their teammates.

Shannon and Greg Hammond brought the league to Putnam County and this season the Upward program was split into three leagues for kindergarten through the fifth grades. The recreational league ended in the second week of March with its game night on the Thursday before the schools went on spring break.

Greencastle senior Ryan Coble (center) and Chris Williamson (far left) watch as Rick Deer imparts his knowledge onto the Upward players. (Courtesy Photo)

Shannon Hammond, who organizes the schedule for Upward, said she believes there is a lot that children involved in this program who can gain from the league.

"Obviously there's exercise," Hammond said. "Socially being around other kids can help. I think mentally there are learning the skills of basketball and then spiritually they are discovering life's purpose."

Upward isn't a program solely focused on basketball, though the local youth in attendance will have the benefit of learning from some individuals with great knowledge of the game including Greencastle senior basketball player Ryan Coble, and Morehead State University alum Sondi Eden.

The goal of the Upward program is threefold.

"One is obviously gaining basketball skills," Hammond said. "Two it's for the kids to have fun and enjoy it as they learn. Third is spiritually it's a Christian program. So we talk to kids about Jesus and how much he loves them. We really try to encourage the kids in that way."

Encouragement from the coaches, who include different high school players and local volunteers, is in no short supply and Hammond said the coaches who volunteer are great role models who are positive and helpful.

"I think it's the added experience and knowledge that the coaches have," Hammond said. "I think it's been fun for feeding off of each other. It's a synergy type of thing. People are getting different ideas and drills from experience. I think the coaches had a lot of fun too."

Next season sign-ups for the program will start in January and interested persons can contact Shannon Hammond. More information about the Upward Sports programs can be found at Upward.org.