We embark on the 2012 AAU season, twice as large as last year. During the off season we were approached by some very talented and sought after youth basketball players. They were looking for an organization, we were just honored to be asked. Our coaching staff has grown too. Though we started out with some of the best talent in coaching I've ever seen, we add experience and reputation. This carries the UH name ever further respected. What is respect? Respect is dominance. Respect is what we earn. Respect is what we deserve. Our coaching staff, our members, our players will get that respect sooner than later. I've watched them practice. Respect is the inevitable.
The tryout process was detailed and meticulous. The players came with passion and determination. There was a stillness in the air during the tryouts which froze time. Frozen time melted away by the heat of the players who tried out. They were quick and talented. Every player hitting the court like the court was there waiting for them; ready for players' directions. It wasn't the wind blowing in from the doors that cooled down the gym, it was the shuttle pass to a waiting player down the court. The silence of the room only breaking when the ball slammed against the hardwood with force. Those boys owned the court. Run, slam, shoot, jump.... tryouts were quickly over, but satisfied, we found our 2012 players. We found our 4th, 5th, 6th and newly created 7th grade Uptempo Hoops teams.
There's no time to rest and enjoy the moment of making the team. Now it's onto the UH exclusive strength and conditioning courtesy of Precision Athletics. This gives our players the edge. All players came ready to workout. As ready as they were, they didn't expect it to be this challenging. Coaches Bobby Sangco and Chris Bermudez created a positive, energetic environment with one motto "don't give up". It was repeated without a word being uttered. You just knew that was the expectation.
I heard moans and groans during the workouts. I saw tears and kids flop to the ground on the first night. Was it too tough? By the 3rd night I heard grunts of determination. I heard "this is fun". I heard gratitude. Was it too tough? Maybe, but it was worth it. Not one boy left that strength and conditioning regretting one moment. As a matter of fact, it is because of the S&C that these players are both emotionally and physically stronger. They actually wanted more. My son, specifically, being as young as he is, learned at a high school level (he's in the 3rd grade). He had more energy during school hours, he wanted to eat right and he became more coordinated. His coordination skills can be lacking. He, out of anyone, would recommend this to anyone....to everyone. Again, this is exclusive to the UH Family.
Rain poured loudly outside and the smell of fresh baked pizza filled the air. We had our first season fundraiser at Mountain Mike's Pizza in Union City. It was a success. At one point, there was standing room only. The staff said they hadn't seen it this crowded ever. We raised more money than we expected. There were families, coworkers, friends who came and bought food in the Uptempo name. The place filled with laughter, discussions and cheers for March Madness. The arcade glowed with laughter of the UH players. March Madness played on three screens with young basketball enthusiasts glued to them. The food was fresh, hot and delicious. Everyone walked away with full stomachs and well fed souls. The money raised, as always goes 100% to supporting our children. This made us very proud to be supported and appreciated.
What's next for Uptempo? There will be more team bonding, not team building, events. Practices move to AMS where the boys will break down into their teams. Of course, there will be tournaments in the near future. The future is boundless for these boys. What's next? No one can predict the future. I don't have a crystal basketball, but I can promise this season will be a fun, exciting season which will prove to be one of the most memorable for these boys.
I once received a fortune cookie which vaguely read "good things are in your future". I finally know what that means. My next fortune will surely read "good things are here Uptempo style".
~ncarlton
