Over 500 young athletes attend LCU Sports Camps

[August 06, 2014]  LINCOLN - Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids in America. Lincoln Christian University (LCU) has been part of that heritage for more than 25 years, hosting summer sports camps annually throughout June and July. For four weeks, an otherwise quiet campus is quickened again with the voices and energy of junior high and high school athletes practicing and playing basketball, volleyball and soccer.

This year, the LCU Athletics department led seven summer sports camps for over 500 young people from all over the Midwest. As they played and practiced, campers were taught and encouraged by Christian men and women who coached with a genuine interest in the growth of the young athletes. During the three-day sessions, campers received instruction in the critical, fundamental skills necessary to be successful in their sport and, at the same time, were encouraged in their faith by the Christian coaches and staff around campus.

Each camp was directed by a current LCU head coach, giving these young players direct access to collegiate resources and training techniques. These coaches brought in other talented coaches, who were also alumni of LCU sports and former championship LCU coaches like Matt Collins and Jason Farr, to help with the camps.

Alumnus Matt Collins returned to help train the soccer camp athletes. Matt is a “C” licensed coach with the United States Soccer Federation who coaches at Texas Christian University. Jason Farr, alumnus and former championship coach of LCU volleyball, returned to Lincoln to bring his NCAA Div. II experience from Emmanuel College (Georgia) to enrich the girls’ volleyball camp.

This was a great year for overall participation, as nearly every camp met or exceeded last year’s attendance. The girls’ basketball camp attendance was so large, LCU Athletics is considering offering two sessions in 2015. The boys’ and girls’ soccer camp was as large as it has ever been, and as usual the junior high and high school volleyball camps sold out weeks in advance from the high demand from local teams and players.

Associate Athletic Director and Women’s Soccer Head Coach Todd Spellman expressed his thanks, “We are grateful for the support and trust parents have given as we continue to strive to offer the best of a high-quality sports camp in a Christian environment.”

[Text received; CHRIS THOMAS, LINCOLN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY]