By Joice M. Dunn
The 14th annual Wilbert Ellis Baseball Camp took place at Fraser Field in Ruston despite the inclement weather in the area. The camp was free to all families with children ages 4-15.
After welcoming over 280 campers last year, Coach Ellis, the Hall of Fame icon in Grambling, Ruston, Lincoln Parish, State of Louisiana and beyond, expecting another strong turnout, failed a little short.
“I set a number goal to achieve each year, but it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the campers and their families,” explained Ellis.
As Coach Ellis opened the camp for business with words of welcome and thanks to all involved. He paused to give honor to four men and their family members present: Robert ‘Demp’ Smith, first Black coach at Ruston High; Benjamin Williams, served on championship team as assistant to Coach Ellis, as well as instructor for the camp; Dr. Richard Ballard, worked as physician for the athletes and Johnny Maxwell, a friend before the camp and during the camp. He played an extreme part of keeping the camp going but now have passed on.
Santora Black, General Manager for Hitz Radio, served as MC, lifting the spirits of the crowd and keeping events on point.
The campers were given shirts at registration and later broken down in groups to go through instruction drills.
Grambling State head baseball coach Davin Pierre lead the instruction portion of the camp, splitting campers up into age groups.
Instructors included Pierre, GSU assistant baseball coach Perez Knowles, and former GSU and MLB players John Lewis, Ralph Garr, Ronnie Lewis, Bobby Dupree, Gary Eave, and Ira Tuell, among others. The instructors used their skills learned as players of college ball, minor or major leagues to set the basics for the campers. The camp also used skills of current GSU baseball players fresh off winning the SWAC Tournament title and Lincoln Prep volunteer players.
Between the showers, the campers continued to sharpen their knowledge of the baseball game.
Parents of the campers received some enrichment time of their own. Present to enlighten and encourage parents of the campers were a variety of companies.
Many present learned that Landon Hut of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, offers a three-day camp for sixth – eighth graders.
Chris Burney, DART representative, let the group know that the company serves a seven-parish area free for men and women.
The Grambling Juneteenth Queens made an appearance to welcome the campers.
A representative for the Tax Assessor’s office passed out information about Homestead exemption and the 65 Freeze plan. Mental health services (Rising Care Counseling) were also present. The Boys and Girls Club representative explained the Prime time for trouble among young people. There were Ministers, pastors and judges to offer assistance when needed. Patrick Jefferson made a stop by the camp to offer his words of encouragement to campers by letting them know They Matter, They Can and They Will, before its closing ceremonies.
“I feel the Wilbert Ellis Baseball Camp was a great Success with just under 300 participants. It was exciting to see them win baseball gloves, headphones, bicycles and even new school laptops. While several parents won new televisions as well. Thanks to all our community sponsors,” said Morris Winters, Local business owner, Morrison Graphics.
“The camp was definitely a success and a great experience for all. The opportunities Coach Ellis and his amazing staff are offering the youth is definitely character building and an overall fun experience,” said Jamila Dominguez, program director/digital media director of Hitz 96.3
“The importance of this camp is to connect the community we all live and work in. Kids get to connect with athletes to learn life skills outside of sports such as discipline, instructional learning and they get to have fun doing it. There are so many resources available for people to learn about and use,” explained G. Denise Dupree, former Grambling City Council woman.
Door prizes were given during the closing ceremonies, but only those who registered and remained on site for the camp were eligible to win. Door prizes were given to each camp level as well as adults.
Sponsors for the camp included True Care Dental, LLC., Squire Creek, HBCU Boosters, Ruston Housing Authority, 22 HandsUp, Wings Stop (Ruston/Monroe), Origin Bank, Louisiana National Bank, JPMS, LLC. among others.