Blackhawk hoopsters train in skills and character

Young athletes learn from former Razorback

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

— Giving back to his community and encouraging children to listen to their parents and coaches, to be respectful and make good grades, former Razorback star Clyde Fletcher received cheers from the nearly 80 youngsters who filled the Pea Ridge High School gymnasium last week during basketball camp. The elementary-aged students were coached by high school basketball players under the watchful eye of senior high boys’ basketball coach Charley Clark.

Fletcher was the surprise guest during the awards ceremony Friday culminating a week of hard work.

He led the young hoopsters in cheers Friday and told them that learning - and practicing - good sportsmanship would provide them with character qualities needed as adults.

Fletcher, now of Pea Ridge, played basketball as a forward for the Razorbacks “when they were winning,” Clark said. He played from 1989 to 1992. A graduate of White Haven High School in Memphis, Tenn., Fletcher also attended WestArk College before going to the University of Arkansas. He and his wife, Marla, live in Pea Ridge with their three children, Torie, Justice and Mia.

They are members of New Life Fellowship church.

“I love to talk to the children. This is my way of giving back,” Fletcher said, adding that participating in sports teaches discipline, teamwork and good sportsmanship.

“It prepares them for the real world,” Fletcher said.

All participants received a certificate.

Sports, Pages 7 on 06/16/2010