LIFE SKILLS: SPORTSMANSHIP & WORKING HARD
| 2015 Q2 | story by BOB LUDER    | photos by STEVEN HERTZOG |
Sports

Kan Do Hoops


KAN Do Hoops is a basketball academy in Lawrence where young boys and girls go to learn the X’s and O’s of the sport. Scores of aspiring athletes are taught the fundamentals – dribbling, passing and shooting. On a recent rainy spring evening at Lawrence High School’s West Gym, about 30 boys in fifth through seventh grades were shown in repetitious detail the finer arts of moving away from the ball, setting proper screens and running around those screens.

All that replication of the basics, the blowing of whistles, breaking down the game’s smallest details is when KAN Do Hoops Owner, President and Head Coach Nick Marshall is fully in his element. He’s a basketball coach, a teacher of the game.

Yet, those aren’t the moments of practice Marshall covets most. Even more important are the group-huddle sessions, typically held at the beginning, middle and end of practice. While that’s when Marshall perhaps most resembles a teacher leading class, he does NOT talk about basketball, at least not directly. These are the moments Marshall feels he is fulfilling the true mission of KAN Do Hoops – to mold upstanding young men and women who one day will make significant contributions to the community.

At the beginning of this particular practice, Marshall started by asking his players if they were working hard, not only on the court during practice, but in school. One youngster blurted out that he was making A’s in all his classes. Marshall led the entire huddle in an enthusiastic round of applause.

“We have as our motto – play hard, play smart, play together, have fun,” Marshall says. “We’re not big on wins and losses. We stress education, education, education. We want to mold good, strong young people who do well in school and are good citizens. “Not everyone is going to make it to the big leagues.”

Don’t believe Marshall? Then just ask Lee Ice, Youth Sports Supervisor with the City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department, who is quick to produce a sheet of paper sent to him from a colleague and culled from a recent sports journal. It looks at six sports: men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football, baseball, men’s ice hockey and men’s soccer and, among other things, shows the percentage of high school and college athletes who make it to a professional league. Among high school athletes, 0.03 percent of men’s and women’s basketball players make it to the pros. Football is 0.08 percent. Really want to make it to the top levels of your sport? Become a baseball player; 0.50 percent of high school players make it.

Ice, who’s been at his current job for 26 years, typically has his hands full scheduling and administrating hundreds of games, teams, tournaments, camps and clinics for sports ranging from basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and indoor soccer. Much of that activity has brought a huge surge to the Lawrence economy, filling hotels, restaurants and other businesses.

For instance, with volleyball alone, there were 11 weekends through the first five months of 2015 where tournaments filled the Sports Pavilion, each with anywhere from 60-94 teams. Some of those tournaments have brought about bookings of up to 200 hotel rooms in town, and many local businesses have reported business has doubled during these weekends. In fact, Ice has had to send some teams visiting for tournaments to hotels in Topeka and Kansas City because all local hotels have been filled.

Sports

Jeff Hawkins coaching his youth basketball players.

Ice says it’s impossible to handle teaching every kid in his programs life and leadership skills. Instead, he teaches his coaches during periodic meetings and clinics what’s truly important to the kids.

“Teaching athletic skills is the easy part,” Ice says. “The harder part is, what’s a kid going to use later on in life? What are they going to use 10 years from now?”

That’s why Ice says, in his countless meetings with coaches, he always emphasizes keeping everything in perspective. It’s not about winning and losing, but more on teaching values such as respect, being on time and teamwork.

“What coaches should be proudest of,” Ice says, “is when a kid comes back years later and is a doctor or lawyer or successful in whatever field they’ve chosen. Kids I used to coach are now coaching for me. To see them pass on things I taught them is very gratifying.”

Kathy Allen, Club Director of the Lawrence Juniors Volleyball Club, couldn’t agree more with Ice’s last statement. While she says LJVBC is a sports club and doesn’t offer any specific classes on leadership skills, she hopes her girls – 10 teams ranging in age from 11-under to 18-under – pick up those skills by playing volleyball.

“I’ve been in this business 25 years,” Allen says. “We’re in our second generation and have kids who have played here now coaching in our program. That’s a great source of pride for me.”

When parents approach Ice with interest about their children one day earning college scholarships, he says typically he encourages another avenue.

“If you want your kid to get an education paid for, then go to the library,” he says. “There’s a lot more (scholarship) money there than in athletics.”

One (athletics) can lead to the other (academics), however, according to numerous studies done on the subject. A recent study completed by a couple of women at the University of Kansas analyzed high-school testing, graduation and attendance data and found that the state’s student-athletes go to school more often and have higher graduation rates (98 percent to 90 percent) than non-athletes. A study done by Dr. Roger Whitley in collaboration with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association showed that the average grade-point mean average of student-athletes was 2.86 compared to only 1.96 for non-athletes, while attendance, discipline referrals and dropout rates also favored athletes.

A couple of local coaches who did pay for their education through playing basketball are pushing the same values as Ice.

With his Kansas United program, Jeff Hawkins, who played guard for the Kansas Jayhawks from 2001-06, “hangs his hat,” as he puts it, on his young athletes performing community service. When joining the program, each student-athlete is presented with a list of expectations. At the top of that list is a requirement that each perform at least one community service project per season. Other expectations include attending all games, practices and meetings on time, respecting authority and maintaining control and good physical condition.

Sports

Owner Matt Duncan giving pitching instruction.

“Our biggest thing is giving back to less fortunate,” Hawkins says, whose mother was a long-time educator in Kansas City, Kan. “We want to teach kids to take care of things they can control, like attitude and effort. We want to teach them skills they can use for life after sports. We sneak in that message through basketball.”

One of Hawkins’ teammates at KU was former All-America forward Wayne Simien. Simien serves as Campus Director at KU for a ministry with the moniker Called to Greatness. Simien discovered a faith in Jesus while a student-athlete at KU, and today he not only passes along his skills and knowledge to young people through a series of basketball camps sponsored by the ministry, but also shares that faith and what it has meant in his life after sports.

Matt Duncan, Director of Operations at Next Level Baseball Academy, which has 400 boys ages 8-18 in Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City, believes his sport is perfectly suited for life and leadership skill-building. The slower pace of the game allows for more time for such interaction, he says.

“The cool thing about baseball is that players really spend more time together,” he says. “There’s a social aspect. Quiet kids get on the field and get comfortable. I’ve seen kids blossom socially on a baseball field.”

Because baseball is not a full-scholarship sport at most colleges, academics are always stressed in his program, Duncan adds.

“I make a promise to parents that, at the end of the day, your kid is going to be a better player and a better person,” he says.

Duncan’s Next Level Baseball is headquartered at Team Performance, an indoor baseball/softball training facility in south Lawrence that, not yet one year into its existence, already serves 1,300 youngsters looking to improve their batting and pitching skills, as well as strength and conditioning.

“We want to be clear that Team Performance is not just a building,” says Aaron Clopton, managing partner. “Our core is programming, and that programming revolves around maximizing total performance. We take a holistic approach. We want to raise standards, but spread it around to a lot of various areas.”

One of the areas Clopton says Team Performance focuses on is leadership. Every youngster who comes into Team Performance has an opportunity to join a leadership group which meets monthly and learns, among other things, how to present, communicate and raise funds.

“Our whole business model is on delayed gratification,” Clopton says. “Putting in time when no one else is. That there’s an investment in waiting until the end for the payoff.”

Share.

91 Comments

  1. I do not even know the way I finished up here, however I assumed this submit was once good.
    I don’t recognise who you’re however definitely you are going
    to a famous blogger if you are not already. Cheers!

  2. Attractіve section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accessіon capital to assert that Іget in fact enjoyed acϲount
    your bⅼog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you acccess consistenty quickly.

  3. Howdy wρuld yоu mind letting meе know whіch
    weƅ host you’re using? I’ve loaded your bloց in 3 compleeⅼy different browsers and
    I must say this blоg loads a ⅼot quicker then most.
    Can ʏou recommend a ց᧐od hosting proνider at a
    honeѕt price? Cheers,I appreciate it!

  4. Ꭻust want to ѕay your articdle is aаs astoniѕhing. The
    clarity in your post is just spectacular and i can assume you’re ann expert on this subjеct.
    Well with your perissіon let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
    Tһanks a million and please keep սp the enjoyable work.

  5. It’s truly a nice and usefuhl piece of info. I’m glad that you just
    shared this helpfuⅼ information with us. Please keep us up to date lioke
    this. Thank you for sharing.

  6. It іs the best time to make sоme plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
    І’ve reaɗ this post and if I could I want to
    suggest you few inteгesting things or sսggestions. Maybe yоu ⅽould writte next
    articⅼeѕ referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!

  7. Hеllo, tһe whoⅼe tһing is going fine here and ofcourse every one іs
    sharing data, that’s actually gⲟod, keep uр writing.

  8. Іts like you read mʏ mind! You seem to know ѕo mսch abut this, like you wrote the book in it or sߋmething.

    I think that you could do ѡith a few pics to
    drive the messaɡe home a bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog.

    A great read. I will certainly be back.

  9. Hі there everʏ one, here every onee is sharing these knowlеdge, so it’s faѕtidious
    to read this weblog, and I usҳed to goo to ѕee this blog
    everyday.

  10. Amazing blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?

    I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or
    go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally overwhelmed ..
    Any suggestions? Thanks!

  11. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with
    the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Cheers!

  12. An ߋutstanding share! I have just fоrwarded this ߋnto
    a friend who was doing a little homeԝork on this. Annd he aⅽtuaⅼly ordered me lunch due to
    the fact that I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this….
    Thanks foг the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discusѕ
    this subject hee on your blog.

  13. Ꮋowdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
    Thhe words in your content seem to Ьe running off the scгeen in Opera.

    I’m not sure if tyis is a formatting issuе or something to doo with
    web browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to lеt
    you know. The layout look great though! Hope үou ɡet the
    proble solveɗ soon. Thanks

  14. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your
    weblog. You have some really good articles and I feel I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some content for your blog
    in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested.
    Regards!

  15. Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog?
    My website is in the exact same area of interest as yours
    and my users would certainly benefit from some of the information you present here.

    Please let me know if this alright with you. Many thanks!

  16. It’ѕ a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate
    to this outsanding blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking andd
    adding your RSS feed to myy Google accοunt. I
    look foгwarԀ to fresh updates and wilⅼ share this site wіth my
    Facebook group. Talk soon!

  17. Hello i am кavin, its my first occaѕion to commenting anywhere, ᴡhen i read
    this piece of writing i thought i could also mame commenht due to thіs sensible paragraph.

  18. Wow, superb blog structure! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for?

    you make running a blog look easy. The full glance of your website is great, as well as the content!

  19. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better!
    Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate!

    He continually kept preaching about this. I will send this information to
    him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a great read. Thanks for sharing!

  20. Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having
    a tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m
    looking for something unique. P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  21. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.

    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent
    post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  22. If some one needs expert vіew regarding bloggging after that i suɡgest him/her to ppay a quick visit this web site, Keep up the fastidious work.

  23. Aсtually no matter if someone doesn’t be aware
    of afterward its up tto ߋther visitors thwt they will helρ,
    so here it takes place.

  24. Ηi there, I think your blog could possibly bee having
    Ƅгowser comрɑtibility problems. Whnever I look at youur sire in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet
    Explorer, it has some overlapping iѕsues. I merely
    wanted tо give yoᥙ a quick heads ᥙp! Other tthan that, exϲedllent sіte!

  25. I was suggested this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether
    this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed
    about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!

  26. Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up
    and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.

  27. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog.
    You have some really great articles and I feel I would be
    a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really
    like to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link
    back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested.

    Regards!

  28. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic but I
    was wondering which blog platform are you using for this
    site? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  29. I do agree with all the concepts you’ve offered to your post.
    They are very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for starters.

    May you please lengthen them a bit from next time? Thank
    you for the post.

  30. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any
    widgets I could add to my blog that automatically
    tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a
    plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe
    you would have some experience with something like this. Please
    let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I
    look forward to your new updates.

  31. Hello very nice web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful ..

    I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also? I am glad to search
    out so many helpful info right here in the put up, we’d like develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.
    . . . . .

  32. Hey I am so thrilled I found your web site, I really found you by error, while I was browsing
    on Yahoo for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thank you
    for a fantastic post and a all round entertaining blog (I
    also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it
    all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so
    when I have time I will be back to read a lot more,
    Please do keep up the awesome jo.

  33. Greate pieces. Keep posting such kind of information on your
    blog. Im really impressed by your site.
    Hey there, You have performed a fantastic job.

    I will definitely digg it and for my part suggest to my friends.

    I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.

  34. My brother suggested I may like this web site.
    He was once totally right. This submit truly
    made my day. You cann’t believe simply how much time I had spent
    for this info! Thanks!

  35. Superb website you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of
    any message boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
    I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get feed-back from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
    Thanks a lot!

  36. Today, I went to the beach front with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4
    year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She
    placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely
    off topic but I had to tell someone!

  37. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came
    to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things to
    enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your
    ideas!!

  38. hello there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up something new from right
    here. I did however expertise some technical issues using
    this site, since I experienced to reload the web
    site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly.

    I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that
    I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect
    your placement in google and can damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
    Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for much
    more of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you update this again soon.

  39. Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I in finding It
    truly helpful & it helped me out much. I am hoping to give something back
    and aid others like you aided me.

  40. Wonderful site. Plenty of helpful info here. I’m sending it to a few buddies ans
    additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your sweat!

  41. Wonderful goods from you, man. I have remember your stuff
    prior to and you are simply extremely magnificent. I really like what you have obtained here, certainly like what you’re saying and
    the way by which you are saying it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.
    I can’t wait to read much more from you. That is actually a great website.

  42. Right here is the perfect website for anyone who really
    wants to find out about this topic. You know a
    whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa).
    You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that’s been discussed for decades.
    Excellent stuff, just great!

  43. I will immediately clutch your rss feed as I can’t in finding your email subscription link or newsletter service.

    Do you have any? Kindly let me recognise in order that I may subscribe.
    Thanks.

  44. Right here is the perfect web site for anybody
    who wants to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with
    you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa).
    You certainly put a brand new spin on a topic that has been written about for ages.
    Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

  45. Thanks for some other wonderful post. The place
    else may anybody get that type of info in such a perfect approach of writing?
    I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the search for such information.

  46. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very
    long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say wonderful
    blog!

Leave A Reply

Contact to Listing Owner

Captcha Code