In late 2006 a group of local churches sought an alternative way to bring youth basketball leagues for kindergarten through sixth grade to Trigg County and also teach Christian fundamentals at the same time. By early 2007 these churches found a program called Upward Basketball founded Caz McCaslin, a recreation minister in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He placed emphasis on Christ-likeness and good sportsmanship, not championships. Changed hearts and lives were seen in both those who played basketball and those who administered the league.

The Trigg County program celebrated its players and their families on Monday night in Wildcat Gym. Every player was introduced to the crowd that came out. Many parents helped coach their kids taking great pride in helping teaching their child and other children the meaning of sportsmanship and goodwill.

“Upward Celebration Night is where Upward Basketball players, coaches, volunteers and their families celebrate the 2008 season,” according to Jason Strickland, Associate Pastor of Cadiz Baptist Church and minister to students. Strickland hosted the event featuring a highlight film and slide show put together by TCHS AV students, with video from parents and photos provided by Monty Stagner. Jason also got to “play Santa Claus” as well this night as the program gave a refund of participation fees to families that had a parent deployed by the military during this season. Several parents receiving these refunds were in tears at the kindness and generosity shown by the program.

For the rest of this story, read this week's Cadiz Record.