July 9, 2004
Columbia, Mo. - The first Mizzou Nike Tennis Camps have just concluded on the University of Missouri campus. "We've wanted to run a camp for a long time, and this really went well for a first year," said MU Coach and Nike Camp Director Blake Starkey.
For two weeks, all eight of the brand new indoor and outdoor courts at the Green Tennis Center were filled to capacity as campers converged on Columbia from here in town and all over the state of Missouri. Campers also came in from Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Both weeks of camp eventually had to be capped.
Campers enjoyed top level instruction from a top-notch staff comprised of college coaches and current collegiate players who have competed at a very high level. Morning sessions featured structured drill sessions and Starkey's own videotape analysis where each camper was able to watch themselves execute various strokes in slow motion on video as the coaching staff provided feedback.
In the afternoons, the campers had match play and participated in a mini week-long tournament. They also got a dose of off-court conditioning that top-level tennis players told them is vital if they want to become great. During match play, campers also received competitive feedback from the coaching staff, who was roving the courts.
The campers stayed at Banks Hall and enjoyed the comforts of great food, air conditioning, internet access, as well as ping pong and numerous X-Box stations during their down time. The campers enjoyed organized activities each night such as Columbia's Twilight Festival, a movie night at the 14-plex, swimming, and of course, a tour of Mizzou's campus and athletic facilities.
"We all had a blast with this and all in all, I'm just happy Mizzou has finally been able to provide a top-notch camp for young kids in our community and the state," said Starkey. All campers received hats, t-shirts, a handwritten evaluation, Powerbars, competitive notebooks, and writing pads. When camp ended, a lot of friendships had been made, and a lot of young people had gotten to experience the University of Missouri for the first time.