Graham Steers baseball camp sees success

One of 10 options on the list of athletic camps available for local youngsters this summer was the Graham High School baseball program’s threeday session this week. Open to area children grades two through nine, about 40 campers were on hand to learn the fundamentals and skills from Steers head coach Jim Bob Williams as well as assistants Bubba Brewster and Kyle Wheeler. The young athletes were split into two sessions. The early session was for second through fifth graders while the group after featured incoming sixth through ninth grade youngsters. “In the early session, we wanted to teach them the basic fundamentals of baseball and just tried to keep them corralled as far as learning but also to have fun as well,” Williams said. “With the older kids we go more in depth and begin to get into the hitting drills on the different stations they go through. “ While learning about the game and getting better with the basics, the camp also featured competition and games. The last day of the camp featured kids getting the chance to earn prizes given out by the coaching staff. Williams emphasized the importance of going to summer camps offered by the school so that when a young athlete gets in high school, they will already be familiar with the way things are run. “I think it’s good that they get to see us and interact with the coaches more,” he said. “We have some of the varsity players here this week helping and when the campers get to know them and ask questions, that goes a long way. “Another reason to come out is for them to be able to get on a high school field like ours. A lot of them are used to Little League fields and for them to get a chance to get out on a big field like we have is a big deal. Our maintenance crew does a terrific job of getting this field ready for us every game and I hope they have a vision and dream about playing here when they get older.” The Steers are coming off another playoff appearance this past season. Graham graduated six seniors from a squad that went 18-15-1. While the season didn’t end the way they would have liked, there are high expectations heading into next year. Luke Stone and Owen Loesch will return.... For the rest of this story, subscribe to our print or online edition.