Fred Smiley, a Territory Manager in Sales for U.S. Food Service, sold the program to the City Commissioners and public, creating sponsors for this "free basketball camp". As a non-profit entity, our participants receive an "Inkster Legends" shirt, special trophies, food, and awards, along with coaching and instruction from some of the best basketball players to have ever played the game!
The Coaching Staff consists of former Inkster High School basketball players from different eras.
The original "Legends" coaches consisted of Fred Smiley, Rich Walker, Eartha Faust, Duane Fox, Victor Diehl, Albert White, Anthony White, Woodell Payne, Chester Hicks, Barry Hardy, Darryle Green, William Springer, and (Robichaud Coach) Warren Woods.
Since our inception, we've added Bill Kilgore and his daughters, Ryan and Kristen Kilgore (Eastern Michigan University), Fred Bivens, Bernard Bonam, Michael Newman, Herb Buckley, Pierre Hudson, Jason Malloy, Jesse Hardy, Tyrone Orr, and Khaili Sanders.
There are so many helpers, starting with our Foster Grandparents Program, headed by Mrs. Geraldine Calhoun. These volunteers assist in distributing fruit and nourishment prior to the children practicing in the gym.
Many former Campers come back to help and participate in the camp. Chris Henderson and his staff prepare the food provided by U.S. Food Service in our picnic area.
Margaret Williams and Charles Stephens, along with their personnel, handle the registration process. As with other processes, many volunteers assist in this procedure as well. A special thank you goes to Ron Wolkowicz and his staff, especially Carol, Debbie, and Leah, for all the work they do.
George Blaha
Detroit Pistons Play-by-Play Announcer George Blaha has attended our camp for the past eight years. Occasionally, Mr. Blaha would formally speak to our young participants, and other times he would bring former NBA Players to speak to our kids, like former Piston Rick Mahorn and legendary NBA star Spencer Haywood. Recently, speakers have included: Detroit Pistons Basketball Hall of Fame Member Dave Bing, Detroit Pistons Player and Announcer Greg Kelser, former Detroit Piston Willie Norwood, and former Cleveland Cavalier Campy Russel.
Much much more to be found in our Photo Gallery!
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IN MEMORY OF
Mrs. Geraldine Calhoun
A few words from Fred Smiley Honoring William Kamdilian Jr, Little Bill~
A few words from Fred Smiley Honoring Anthony Nick Jones~
A few words from Fred Smiley Honoring Sheriff Benny Napoleon~
