Aug 15

The 2011 Statewide Summer Tour, presented by Kia Motors, stopped recently at the Tillamook YMCA for what was supposed to be another hoops clinic for kids. It was another hoops clinic, but it turned out to be so much more. We knew when we scheduled the clinic that there were Trail Blazers fans in Tillamook, but we had no idea just how strong Blazermania was out at the Oregon coast until our visit. For the young campers and their parents, the Tillamook YMCA became a coastal Rose Garden, with intensity, energy and noise rivaling a regular season Trail Blazers game night.

The Trail Blazers basketball outreach staff, led superbly by Antonio Harvey, welcomed the attention and reciprocated the enthusiasm with drills, contests, and autographs. Antonio had a few tricks up his sleeve, introducing special surprise guests Trail Blazers alumnus and broadcaster Terry Porter and Trail Blazers alumni ambassador Dale Schlueter.  Terry and Dale each coached a station, putting the campers through the same drills they did as Trail Blazers. The love-fest ended that day with special gifts for every clinic participant - Trail Blazers cinch sacks stuffed with coupons and pencils courtesy of Burgerville, another great Statewide Summer Tour partner. The Summer Tour crew had a blast at the coast and can't wait for our next visit. In the meantime, keep an eye on the make it better blog for more stories from the road courtesy of the Trail Blazers and Kia!