If you play basketball and have grown up in Maryland, then there is a good chance you have attended Mr. Weber’s basketball camp: Weber’s Bulldogs. This past summer, I had the opportunity to return to the camp, but instead of playing, I was there to be a coach. It was a truly unique experience, having attended that very same camp just 10 years prior. The experience inspired me to interview Mr. Weber about his motives and the deeper meaning of the camp.

Regarding his inspiration for creating the camp, Mr. Weber talked about his time attending various camps, and what it meant to him. He said, “I attended camps at the University of North Carolina and Michael Jordan came to speak at that camp. I also worked in many basketball camps including the Mason Dixon Basketball Camp which was held annually each summer at Mt. St. Mary’s University. This camp was run by Coach Morgan Wootten. I wanted to put together a camp that had elements from all of the camps I experienced and put together a camp that all kids could learn and have fun while playing the game of basketball.”

Mr. Weber said that his favorite moment from the camp was when Rudy Gay from the Utah Jazz came and spoke to the kids and put on a dunk show.  He claims, “Gay told the kids that hard work, effort and being a good person is what leads you to success.” NBA player, and former Spalding Cavalier, Rudy Gay conveyed a very important, life-long message to those kids.

Mr. Weber’s camp has been running strong for 24 years, and he is looking forward to celebrating their 25th year this summer! On behalf of the Spalding community, we are proud of what you are doing, Mr. Weber!