In an effort to build values among the young men of the city’s West Side, Kevin Frank and his colleagues invigorated the basketball team at St. Lucy’s Church by entering it into competition in the CYO League. A grant from the Community Foundation allowed the team to upgrade from flip charts and a stopwatch to a new electronic scoreboard. The grant also provided the team with new uniforms.
“The contribution the Community Foundation made to us this year was very significant to our mission and vision. When we give children positive role models and create an environment that enriches their dignity, we will then see children grow and develop into compassionate and respectful persons who are willing to share their talents with and for others,” said Kevin Frank, Pastoral Associate and Basketball Coach at St. Lucy’s Church in Syracuse.
The team was started, in part, to mentor local teenage boys so that they would become successful men. Besides teaching them the fundamentals of the game, the coaches make sure the boys are eligible to play by staying in school and keeping their grades up. Report cards are checked and tutoring is provided when needed.
The St. Lucy’s CYO Basketball team entered into its third season in 2008. In sharp contrast to past years when the team’s large number of technical fouls jeopardized most games, the team won the Dick Klein Sportsmanship Award at the end of its 2007-2008 season.