C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
Summer Sports CampsYMCA sports camps teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and skill development. Your child can choose from a variety of half-day and full-day sports camps this summer, including:
Summer Sports CampsYMCA sports camps teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and skill development. Your child can choose from a variety of half-day and full-day sports camps this summer, including:
YMCA: When did you first get involved with the Y?
Mark: Before I had any children, I would go to the Y to work out. As time went on and I had kids, the YMCA became a great place to get my boys involved in sports because of the many programs and classes offered there. As my boys got older, I began coaching their sports. Baseball, soccer and basketball. The camps for kids are great too.
What’s your experience been like?
The YMCA is like a home away from home. My boys and I love going there. The staff are all super friendly, and it’s a fun place to be. I’ve met many friends through my times at the Y.
What’s your favorite thing about the Y?
The friends I’ve made. The ability to workout while the kids have fun in Kids Corner. I love coaching the boys’ sports as well.
Who’s your favorite ballplayer?
Jake Arrieta from the Cubs. I love how confident he is.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m an avid Star Wars action figure collector.
Which TV show can you watch over and over again?
That’s an easy one. Seinfeld!
If you could travel to any place on earth, where would you go?
Give me a beach and warm water and I’m good. I’d like to get back into scuba.
Michael Taylor is the first Sports and Fitness Director in Galowich Family YMCA history. With an impressive background in sports, Michael is sure to make a huge impact in his new position. Learn more about his career with the Y, his plans for the future and more:
When did you get involved with the Y?
I got involved with the Y about seven or eight years ago. I applied, and I didn’t even make it home before I got a call back. I started in the Sports Department [at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA].
What was your role over there?
I did sports classes, camps, refereeing—anything of that nature. Then in the Youth and Family Department, I did Kidz Zone and Summer Camp. Then I transferred back to Sports to do a little internship there, where I did equipment managing and had responsibilities other than just teaching.
Now that you’re here at Galowich, what do you have in mind for the future?
We’re building the Sports Department from the ground up. Our main thing right now is Youth Basketball. But I’d also like to add a Spring Soccer League and even bring in Flag Football. That’s a big one at Avery. I also want to start implementing morning classes for the smaller kids. From a fitness standpoint, I want to build from the classes we have now. We’re eventually going to add Insanity.
What’s your favorite sport?
Basketball’s my favorite sport. I like football a lot. Baseball’s cool when the playoffs come around, but the games are too long for me [laughter]. I like boxing.
You played basketball in college, right? Tell us about that.
I played basketball a year at JJC [Joliet Junior College] down the street [from the Galowich Family YMCA]. Then I transferred to Trinity Christian College and played ball there. I played point guard, and I played shooting guard here and there, too. We had a couple of 20-win seasons. And I finished my degree in Sports and Exercise Studies with a minor in Psychology and Coaching.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
Yeah, I played football. I played basketball, baseball, soccer…I played them all. In high school, I did basketball and track.
Do you still play basketball?
Oh yeah—I’m in a couple adult leagues. Then I play at open gyms and stuff like that, so I’m playing basketball a lot.
Bulls fan?
Definitely. I’m excited to see what Derrick does this year. People might hate this, but I like LeBron. So I’m leaning with the Cavs a little bit too.
On July 12, Pat Sullivan will bring his famous one-day basketball clinic to the Smith Family YMCA in his hometown of Joliet. Sullivan is a Hall of Famer and former University of St. Francis basketball coach who has more than 500 victories under his belt. We recently had a chance to catch up with Sully and ask him a few things about his camp:
The Y: This is your first time teaching camp at the Y. Are you as excited as we are for this opportunity?
Coach Sullivan: Absolutely. I’ve done camps throughout our county, and in Belgium, Greece and Austria. I have lots of experience doing these camps and hope to provide the kids at the Y with a great clinic.
Tell us a little bit about the clinic. What kind of things do you teach?
We’re totally focused on fundamentals. I’ve always felt that in the camps, the most important thing to give the kids is the fundamental skills. We begin with balance—starting, stopping, and pivoting. I believe it’s the lost art of basketball. Dribbling, passing, shooting—all of these skills emanate from balance and footwork. For each skill, we teach for 10 to 15 minutes and then drill for 10 to 15 minutes.
What will kids benefit from the most in your camp?
Without question, it’s the fundamentals. We feel it’s our obligation to teach the fundamentals. You’d be amazed how many coaches don’t teach balance and footwork.
Have you ever had any well-known players or coaches attend camp?
Of course. [Current LA Clippers head coach] Doc Rivers came to camp. Jerome Whitehead, who played at Marquette University. We’ve been blessed to have some very good players in our camps over the years. [Former Utah Jazz head coach] Jerry Sloan. These guys would come and teach. Some great people as well as outstanding players.
Designed for kids, grades 3-8, Pat Sullivan’s co-ed basketball clinic will cost $65 for community members, $20 for YMCA Program Members and $10 for YMCA Full Members.
ACHIEVING MORE TOGETHER AS A TEAMWhen kids play sports, they do more than just exercise. Besides being physically active, they develop higher self-esteem, perform better in school and work better in groups. The Y’s Youth Sports program teaches kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. Above all, kids who participate in YMCA youth sports have a lot of fun.
Volunteer with the YMCA
Use your talents to encourage, guide and train young athletes at the Y. We rely on volunteers to coach sports leagues throughout the year. Contact your local branch for details on how you can make a difference in the life of a Y kid.
Maria Freeh
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 217
JC Wagner
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 317
Chris Interial
[email protected]
(815)-513-8080 ext. 514
