WVU School of Medicine student to host free basketball camp for kids

Former college player using event to fulfill community service requirement

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Michael Weitzeil, a first-year Pathologists’ Assistant student in the West Virginia University School of Medicine, was challenged by his obligation to complete 50 hours of community service. Thinking about what he could do, he developed an innovative solution – he would put on a free basketball camp for kids in Point Marion, Pa., where he moved with his family prior to beginning the Pathologists’ Assistant program.

The 6’9” Weitzeil has played basketball all his life. He played for Adams State University in Alamosa, Colo.  He recounted an experience in high school with an opponent who was a Nike and Adidas All-American and then played in the NBA. This player was genuine, down-to-earth, and was a good influence on others, which left a huge impression on Weitzeil. He believes that kids respond to a positive coach, as was his experience with his seventh grade coach.  

“He was a positive coach,” Weitzeil said. “He did not yell or scream, and his coaching was uplifting.”

Weitzeil hopes to continue along those lines with his camp, knowing that kids respond to instruction when done in a warm manner. He also wants the kids to learn how hard work on the court can instill discipline while providing health benefits.  

To help defray costs to allow more kids to attend the camp, Weitzeil has received generous donations from Dick’s Sporting Goods and the Rotary Club in Point Marion. Those interested in joining the fundraising efforts can visit the Point Marion Basketball Camp page on Facebook for more information.

The camp will be held July 23-26 at the Point Marion Community Center on South Main Street. It is free for boys and girls who have recently completed grades 2 through 8. To register for the camp, join the group Point Marion Basketball Camp on Facebook.