What are the day camp activities offered at Springfield College. How does the Challenge Course benefit campers. What skills can children develop through archery. How does Project WILD promote environmental education. What aquatic programs are available for campers.
Diverse Activities at Springfield College Summer Day Camp
Springfield College offers an engaging summer day camp experience for children ages 5-13. The camp provides a variety of activities through a block rotation system, ensuring that campers get to experience different aspects of outdoor recreation and skill-building over the course of two days.
Some of the core activities include:
- Challenge Course
- Archery
- Project WILD
- Boating
- Aquatics (swim lessons and free swim)
- Outdoor Games
Additionally, an open block allows for activities such as arts and crafts, music, woodworking, and theater. This diverse range of activities ensures that campers have a well-rounded and enriching experience during their time at the camp.
The Challenge Course: Building Teamwork and Confidence
The Challenge Course, also known as the ropes course, is a key component of the Springfield College summer camp experience. This activity is designed to foster teamwork, problem-solving skills, and personal growth among campers.
Team Building on the Low Ropes
In small teams, campers work together towards common objectives on the low ropes course. This collaborative environment helps develop essential skills such as communication, leadership, and trust.
Personal Growth on the High Ropes
The high ropes course offers individual campers the opportunity to challenge themselves and expand their comfort zones. By conquering obstacles at height, children can boost their self-confidence and overcome fears in a safe, supervised environment.
How does the Challenge Course benefit campers beyond just physical activity? The ropes course provides a unique platform for personal development, helping children:
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Enhance leadership abilities
- Build trust in themselves and others
- Improve communication skills
- Gain confidence through overcoming challenges
Archery: Precision and Focus
The archery program at Springfield College summer camp introduces campers to the art of using traditional recurve bows. While many find archery more challenging than expected initially, dedicated instruction helps campers quickly develop proficiency.
What skills can children develop through archery?
- Hand-eye coordination
- Patience and perseverance
- Focus and concentration
- Goal-setting and self-improvement
- Safety awareness and responsibility
The archery experience combines quiet concentration and calculated adjustments, punctuated by the exciting moment when an arrow hits its target. This blend of focus and reward makes archery a popular activity among campers.
Project WILD: Fostering Environmental Awareness
Project WILD is an integral part of the Springfield College summer camp curriculum, focusing on conservation and environmental education with an emphasis on wildlife. This interdisciplinary program aims to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills related to the natural world.
How does Project WILD promote environmental education among campers? The program uses hands-on activities and interactive lessons to:
- Increase understanding of ecosystems and wildlife habitats
- Teach the importance of biodiversity
- Encourage responsible behavior towards the environment
- Develop critical thinking skills about conservation issues
- Foster a sense of stewardship for the natural world
By participating in Project WILD, campers gain valuable insights into their role in protecting and preserving the environment, setting the foundation for lifelong environmental consciousness.
Aquatic Adventures: Swimming and Boating
The aquatics program at Springfield College summer camp is comprehensive, offering both swimming lessons and boating activities to campers.
Swimming at the Art Linkletter Natatorium
Campers are transported to the Art Linkletter Natatorium on Springfield College’s main campus for swimming activities. Here, certified water safety instructors guide campers through various swimmer certification levels, ensuring safety while promoting aquatic skills development.
What aquatic programs are available for campers?
- Structured swim lessons for various skill levels
- Free swim periods for practice and enjoyment
- Water safety education
- Opportunities to progress through swimmer certification levels
Boating on Lake Massasoit
The camp maintains a fleet of canoes and kayaks for adventures on Lake Massasoit. All boating staff members have completed industry-recognized training to ensure camper safety and maximize individual learning experiences on the water.
Through these aquatic activities, campers can:
- Improve their swimming skills
- Learn water safety practices
- Develop confidence in and around water
- Experience the joy of paddling and exploring
- Build teamwork skills through group boating activities
Outdoor Games: Active Fun and Collaboration
Physical activity is a core component of the Springfield College summer camp experience, with outdoor games playing a significant role. These games range from slow-paced to high-energy activities, all designed to promote teamwork, collaboration, and physical fitness.
What benefits do outdoor games provide to campers?
- Improved physical fitness and coordination
- Enhanced social skills through team play
- Development of strategic thinking
- Stress relief and emotional well-being
- Opportunities for friendly competition
The outdoor games block also includes a cooling station, which proves to be a favorite among campers, especially during hot summer days. This thoughtful addition ensures that children can stay active while remaining safe and comfortable in the outdoor environment.
Creative Expression: Arts, Crafts, and More
Springfield College summer camp recognizes the importance of creative expression in a child’s development. The open block provides opportunities for various artistic and creative activities, allowing campers to explore their interests and talents.
Arts and Crafts
Campers can express their artistic side through various arts and crafts projects. These activities not only foster creativity but also help develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
Music and Theater
For those interested in performing arts, the camp offers opportunities to engage in music and theater activities. These can range from simple sing-alongs to more structured drama exercises, helping children build confidence in self-expression.
Woodworking
Woodworking activities introduce campers to basic craftsmanship skills, allowing them to create tangible objects while learning about tool safety and project planning.
How do these creative activities benefit campers?
- Encourage self-expression and imagination
- Develop problem-solving skills through creative projects
- Build confidence in artistic abilities
- Provide opportunities for collaborative creativity
- Offer a balance to the more physical camp activities
The open block activities are flexible, with counselors working alongside campers to determine interests and assist in the process of group consensus and decision-making. This approach ensures that the creative activities remain engaging and relevant to the campers’ interests.
Daily Schedule and Logistics
The Springfield College summer day camp follows a structured daily schedule to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all campers. Understanding this schedule can help parents and campers prepare for each day at camp.
Camp Hours and Extended Care Options
The core camp day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., with additional options for early and late care:
- Early Care (optional): 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
- Regular Drop-off: 8:30 a.m.
- Pick-up: Begins at 4:15 p.m.
- Late Care (optional): 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
These extended care options provide flexibility for working parents or those with scheduling constraints.
Daily Activity Blocks
The camp day is divided into four main activity blocks, interspersed with opening and closing ceremonies:
- Opening ceremonies: 8:45 – 9:00 a.m.
- Activity Block 1: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
- Activity Block 2: 10:30 a.m. – Noon
- Lunch: Noon – 1:00 p.m.
- Activity Block 3: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
- Activity Block 4: 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
- Closing Ceremonies: 4:00 p.m.
This structured schedule ensures that campers have a balanced day filled with various activities while maintaining a consistent routine.
College for Kids: STEM and Arts Programs for Older Youth
In addition to the day camp for younger children, Springfield College offers the College for Kids program, targeting participants between 11 and 16 years old. This program focuses on exposing tweens and teens to learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, as well as arts and sports.
Art Basic Design Program
One of the featured programs in College for Kids is the Art Basic Design course. This five-day program introduces participants to the fundamental concepts of two-dimensional design, providing a foundation for various visual arts disciplines.
Program details:
- Dates: June 26th – 30th
- Times: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Ages: 11-14
- Cost: $189
- Program Capacity: 10 kids
What do participants learn in the Art Basic Design program?
- Exploration of formal design elements: line, shape, value, texture, color, space, and form
- Investigation of design principles: balance, rhythm, proportion, movement, variety
- Engagement with various visual problems and creative processes
- Development of foundational skills applicable to multiple visual arts disciplines
This program offers a unique opportunity for artistically inclined youth to deepen their understanding of design principles and explore their creativity in a structured, supportive environment.
The College for Kids program at Springfield College demonstrates the institution’s commitment to providing diverse educational experiences for youth of all ages. By offering specialized programs like Art Basic Design alongside the traditional day camp activities, Springfield College creates a comprehensive summer learning environment that caters to a wide range of interests and age groups.
Day Camp | Springfield College
2023 Day Camp Dates and Rates
During the day, all campers have the opportunity to experience a variety of activities through a block rotation. Over the course of two days, campers will participate in the Challenge Course, Archery, Project WILD, Boating, Aquatics (swim lessons and free swim), Outdoor Games, and an open block that may include, but is not limited to, the following: arts and crafts, music, woodworking, theater. This camp is for children ages 5-13 years old.
Life at Camp Massasoit
Arts and crafts
Campers can express their artistic side through arts and crafts.
Life at Camp Massasoit
Get to know the ropes
Camp Massasoit offers campers the opportunity to get in on the fun through our ropes challenge course.
Life at Camp Massasoit
Get in on the fun
There’s no shortage of laughter and fun at Camp Massasoit.
Life at Camp Massasoit
Confidence builder
Through our ropes challenge course, campers learn more about trust and continue to develop their confidence.
Life at Camp Massasoit
Friends forever
There are a lot of memories that come from Camp Massasoit, but we think the best part is really the friendships.
The Challenge Course (Ropes)
Small teams of campers work together toward a common objective and learn problem-solving skills while developing their leadership abilities. Individually, campers will have the opportunity to challenge themselves and expand their comfort zones through the high ropes course.
Archery
Using traditional recurve bows, campers have the ability to develop their archery skills. Most campers find archery to be more difficult than expected. However, after some one-on-one instruction, campers quickly find themselves becoming extremely proficient within a short amount of time. Quiet concentration and calculated adjustments are interrupted by the thrill of hearing the arrow slap the target.
Outdoor Games
Being physically active is a core component in this activity block. Through a variety of slow- and fast-paced outdoor games, campers will learn the importance of working together and collaborating. No doubt, the cooling station will be a favorite part of this program area.
Project WILD
Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. The goal of Project WILD is to assist campers of any age in developing awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment to result in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.
Small Craft (boating)
The camp has a fleet of canoes and kayaks ready for any adventure that Lake Massasoit may hold. All boating staff members have completed industry-recognized standard training to ensure camper safety and maximize individual learning.
Aquatics (swimming)
A full aquatics program is conducted at the Art Linkletter Natatorium on Springfield College’s main campus. All water safety instructors are certified and encourage campers to progress in swimmer certification levels. A contracted professional driver within a standard bus provides transportation to the pool for day campers.
Open Block
During certain blocks in the day, the counselors are responsible for planning and presenting activities for the group. These activities could include interesting arts and crafts projects woodworking, theater, or music. Counselors work with the campers to determine their interest in possible activities and assist with the process of group consensus and decision-making.
Day Camp Schedule* | |
---|---|
Early Care (optional) | 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. |
Drop off | 8:30 a.m. |
Opening ceremonies | 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. |
Activity Block 1 | 9 – 10:30 a.m. |
Activity Block 2 | 10:30 a.m. – Noon |
Lunch | Noon – 1:00 p.m. |
Activity Block 3 | 1 – 2:30 p. m. |
Activity Block 4 | 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. |
Closing Ceremonies | 4:00 p.m. |
Pick-up begins at | 4:15 p.m. |
Late Care (optional) | 4:30-5:00 p.m. |
College for Kids Summer Youth Programs
College for Kids is a summer program that exposes participants between 11 and 16 to learning opportunities available in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Some of the available programs focus on arts and sports.
College for Kids will give tweens and teens the chance to have fun and learn.
Programs
Art Basic Design
Dates: June 26th – 30th
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 11-14
Cost: $189
Program Capacity: 10 kids
Register
This studio course is an introduction to the basic language of two-dimensional design, providing the foundation needed to engage students with a variety of visual problems and creative processes. Working through a series of visual exercises, students will explore the formal elements of design: line, shape, value, texture, color, space, and form. Additionally, students will investigate the design principles: balance, rhythm, proportion, movement, variety, emphasis, contrast, harmony, and unity in conjunction with a variety of compositional concepts, including: symmetry, asymmetry, cropping, bleeds, figure/ground relationship, and abstraction. A grounding in the history of graphic arts will be established from outside reference sources as well as individual assignments.
Basketball and Physics
Dates: June 26th – 30th
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 11-14
Cost: $189
Program Capacity: 30 kids
Register
The Springfield Ballers will help players of all abilities develop their athletic skills and enhance their skill set in all positions. During this summer program players receive personalized instruction, defensive/offensive instruction, participation in scrimmages, proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, and health and nutrition fun facts. Our staff will be college basketball coaches. The Springfield Ballers’ core values are a focus on academics, respect, community, and leadership. We will work with your child by enriching their intellectual and social skills through sports in a challenging and safe environment. Each child will walk away from this summer program with drills and skill development routines to progress their individual basketball skills with the purpose of creating a complete and well-rounded student-athlete.
JUS10H University
Dates: July 10th – 14th
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 13-16
Cost: $189
Program Capacity: 15 kids
Register
Will be a class educating fashion on a totally new and unique level. Pulling Fashion 101 out of the box, creating, developing, and teaching Fashion and Style basics. This class will also teach basic fundamentals in sewing, modeling, and styling. Last but not least, this class will educate participants on how to build a long lasting career in the fashion industry.
Theater
Dates: July 10th – 14th
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 11-14
Cost: $189
Program Capacity: 20 kids
Register
What makes theater so powerful is that it teaches us to discover how we feel while giving us the courage to express ourselves. Throughout this class, our main goals will be building self-awareness, cultivating self-confidence, and exploring our inner creativity. Students will learn teamwork through theatre games, acting exercises, and improvisation. A large portion of each day will be spent on the creation of a short, original performance piece. There, students will learn how to create, stage, and work together to put on a production for family and friends at the end of the week. It is our hope that each child will leave the class with a newfound belief that there are no limits on our own creativity.
It’s Your Turn, Take the Mic
Dates: July 17th – 21st
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 11-14
Cost: $189
Program Capacity: 15 kids
Register
A workshop in public speaking that seeks to empower your girls to have more confidence and self-esteem and develop the poise and communication skills needed to engage in effective public speaking. The program includes a series of three two-hour workshops that focus on topics that shape the girls sense of self and presence and includes instruction on dressing for success, body language and the mechanics of public speaking. After the second session the participants will be assigned a speaking topic and asked to prepare a three to five minute speech to be represented at the final session. Presentations will be evaluated not only for preparation and presentation, but the participant’s personal presence during the speech.
Airbrushing
Dates: July 24th – 28th
Times: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 13-16
Cost: Free
Program Capacity: 8 kids
Register
Does your child love painting? Using vibrant colors and designs, students will learn how to operate an airbrushing machine to design projects.
This program is offered in partnership with the STEM Starter Academy and HSI STEM.
Create Mobile Apps
Dates: July 24th – 28th
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 13-16
Cost: Free
Program Capacity: 24 kids
Register
This session is an introduction to the exciting world of developing apps for mobile and tablet devices. Students will create applications for mobile computing devices that culminate with a student portfolio of Android Apps.
This program is offered in partnership with the STEM Starter Academy and HSI STEM.
“Who done it”? (Forensic Science)
Dates: July 31 – August 4th
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 11-14
Cost: $189
Program Capacity: 20
Register
This course is a modern-day twist on crime scene investigation. Children will actively engage in data collection, observation, analysis, and problem-solving while performing a fun interactive group-style investigation. Using crime scene activities, books, and investigations children will learn life skills and most of all learn to love STEM education the Extreme Science Way.
Say It Loud!! (Great Debaters)
Dates: August 7th – 11th
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 13-16
Cost: $189
Program Capacity: 20
Register
This special course gives children a voice to debate topics of interest while exploring the fundamentals of respectful insightful conversation. Children will learn critical thinking skills, respectful dialog, research techniques, and fact-checking tips for making valid thought-provoking points that may help change the world around them.
Lunch
Lunch will not be provided. Parents are responsible for providing lunch and students should come prepared with a packed lunch. Peanut products are not allowed.
Questions?
Please contact Lidya Rivera-Early, Director of Community Engagement at 413-755-4787 or [email protected].
For questions about the Create Mobile Apps or Airbrushing programs please contact Marta Burgos-Vega at [email protected] or 413-755-5424.
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New England Basketball.
Springfield Fame – Blogg on the floor Magee, globetrotter Gus Tatum, and player, coach, basketball manager Satch Sanders. The Basketball Hall of Fame is naturally located in the home of basketball, New England. Namely, in the city of Springfield, Massachusetts.
The Basketball Hall of Fame, also known as the Naismith Hall of Fame (to distinguish it from the FIBA Hall of Fame), was founded in 1959 but did not open until nine years later. In the 60s, raising money for a basketball event was not an easy task, and it was not until 1968 that the founders of the Hall were able to get the necessary amount to organize the Hall. By that time, many players, coaches and organizers had already become members – from James Naismith himself to the first black New York Renaissance team in full force.
The Hall of Famers team was the first to appear in the city. Given that the members of the Hall of Famer did not play for her, the name was somewhat out of place
17 years after opening, in 1985, the Hall of Fame moved from the premises of Springfield College to a new building. In that place, the Hall lasted another 17 years, and in 2002 again moved to a new location. Nevertheless, despite the relocations and other upheavals, the Hall of Fame has been located in the vicinity of the city of Springfield for all 52 years of its existence. It would be surprising if a professional basketball club would not be organized in such a basketball atmosphere.
However, the fate of the basketball teams in Springfield was not at all as remarkable and bright as that of the neighboring Naismith Hall of Fame. The first team to appear in the city was the Springfield Hall of Fameers. Given that the members of the Hall of Fame did not play for this team, the name was somewhat out of place. Hall-of-famers appeared in 1968 (as did the Hall of Fame exposition itself), although the franchise itself existed before, based in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Sprigfield Hall of Famers played in the Eastern Professional Basketball League. Although “acted” is a strong word. 0 wins, 7 losses, withdrew from the tournament. ..
1985
Nevertheless, rightly judging that it couldn’t be worse than last time, Springfield enthusiasts decided to once again plunge from the abyss of niche basketball leagues. They formed a new team, calling it simply “Springfield Fame”. We read in the newspapers about the establishment of a new USBL league. And since it was established exactly at the time of the opening of its own Hall of Fame building, then God himself ordered to participate in it. The United States Basketball League was the lowest tier of professional basketball in the US at 90th. So low that at the end of its existence (and it closed in 2008) they were looking for referees for games right before the matches and paid them separately before each game. No organization, no glory.
Gerald Oliver has been appointed head coach. This man worked as an assistant in the NCAA, ABA, and even the NBA (in Cleveland and Milwaukee), but he only worked in the minor leagues as the main one. However, at this level, he was more than competent and eventually earned the title of best USBL coach in 1985 at Springfield.
One of the assistants on his coaching staff was Sam Worthen, who was featured in the last issue. Another was one Andrew Jester. Now he runs the Court Jesters Comedy Basketball show troupe, sort of like the Harlem Globetrotters, only less basketball and more circus. At the Springfield Fame, his position was called “assistant general manager and assistant coach.” He signed players, signed advertising and sponsorship contracts, did promotions, PR, sold souvenirs, and from time to time also coached. In general, quite a typical character for a minor basketball league.
As it happened more than once within the framework of this cycle, the first season was at the same time victorious.
Michael Adams started his career at Fame. Later, he will become famous in the NBA – in the 1990/91 season he will score 26.5 points and 10. 5 assists per game for Denver, then he will move to Washington, once he will make 9 interceptions in one meeting, he will hit NBA All-Star Game in 1991 and would end his career with top three-point shooting (top 100 in attempts and top 50 in hits) and assists (40th in league history in assists per game).
But in 1985 he was still a nobody. During the season, he managed to play in the NBA for the Kings, and in the CBA, and in the USBL. At Springfield, he earned the title of best rookie (it is not known how they determined the rookies in the season, which was the first for the entire league), immediately got into the second symbolic team of the league, and led the league in steals both of his seasons. In 2005, he was included in the list of the 20 best players in USBL history (and there is one). In 35 games in the blue and red Fame uniform, Adams averaged 20 points, 3.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists. Well, 5 years after that, Michael Adams made a giant leap in development.
As we’ve seen throughout this cycle, the franchise’s first season was also a winning one. In 1985, the Springfield Fame won the USBL Champion (no playoffs) with a 19-6 record, and Adams earned a checkmark on his resume.
There were no other bright players in the first part of Springfield. One of the basketball players of that squad, Dan Trant, was drafted in 1984 by the Celtics under the last, 228th number. This is the lowest draft pick in NBA history. Trant had Irish roots, and later had a good basketball career in Ireland, even playing for the national team. He was originally from Springfield, and Boston drafted him simply out of a sense of community. Imagine the feelings of an Irish kid from Massachusetts who gets the opportunity to train at the camp with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale! Naturally, it all ended at the training camp, Trant went to USBL. The ball with the autographs of the players of the “Celts” remained as a keepsake. After his basketball career, Trant became a trader. On September 11, 2001, a 40-year-old father of three, a Celtics commemorative ball and USBL championship winner who had just bought a house for his family, happened to work in one of the towers of the World Trade Center . ..
The stories of such invisible basketball players eventually form the stories of small teams.
1986
In 1986 the coaching staff changed. Gerald Oliver was replaced by a more famous person – Henry Bibby, as an NBA champion player, NCAA player, CBA champion coach, and Mike Bibby’s father. Just like Oliver, Bibby was able to win the title of “best USBL coach” in Springfield, but the team could not defend the championship. Despite the fact that the 1986 champion (Tampa Bay Flash) won only 22 meetings, and the Springfield Fame one more, the championship went to Florida. After all, Tampa played in the regular season as much as three meetings less than Springfield, and therefore the percentage of wins and losses was better. Different number of games? Fine! Westchester, for example, played only 23 games in total.
The Minor Leagues is a basketball story in miniature
Bibby’s coaching staff also brought their own. Ekman was released from coaching duties, his place was taken by Pete Broaka. A member of the Basketball Hall of Famer… not Naismith, but the New England Hall of Fame. The legend of the NCAA coaching shop … only the third division. The minor leagues are basketball history in miniature. By the way, Pete Broaka was an assistant at UMass and coached Julius Irving himself there.
Ekman focused on promoting the Springfield Fame brand. The biggest problem was, of course, attendance. Things were especially bad in the summer, when NBA teams held training camps. All USBL players went to try their luck at the tryouts, and three cripples came out to USBL matches. One day only 8 players showed up for a Springfield game. For two teams. The game had to be cancelled. Team owner Harry Gilligan also canceled the next meeting in an attempt to educate the public about the player shortage in July. In vain … At the end of the second season, it was decided to stop all activities under the guise of Springfield Fame, despite the successful game, because there was too little money and fame.
But thanks to one marketing ploy, Springfield Fame was talked about throughout the basketball world for several months, and sometimes it is still remembered today. For the first time in history, a woman began to play in the men’s league – 27-year-old Nancy Lieberman, one of the greatest basketball players in the world. So Fame entered the history of professional basketball. “Her presence will be a big plus for the league,” Bibby said. – She will add to our fame, will increase the audience. This is what we need. Great signing” .
Naturally, in terms of attendance, Fame became inaccessible to other USBL teams. In fairness, it should be noted that even without Lieberman in 1985 they were in the lead in terms of the number of viewers. 1609 people on average. Approximately so much goes to the matches of the Liechtenstein Cup football.
USBL PR director Mike Bovino agreed with Bibby: “ It would be foolish to deny that we consider her a source “ publicity ” for the league. But she takes it very seriously. She wants to play basketball. It’s impossible to imagine her coming into the league just as a publicity figure. She wants to understand if she can play on equal terms with men and”.
It was not possible to play on equal terms (she was given no more than 5 minutes per meeting on the court – although once Nancy scored 10 points), but she liked the lesson, and later Lieberman played several times for men’s teams in amateur tournaments. Perhaps she would have played for Springfield, but only the team ceased to exist …
Nancy’s own word about her stay in the men’s league: “ We played in Florida during a long outing tour. Two guys – Andre Patterson and Ron Spivey – pushed each other throughout the workout. I don’t know what the problem was between them, but they didn’t fight for the first week. There were skirmishes every practice, and in the end Andre punched Ron in the jaw. I was stunned. One of my partners, Michael Adams, came up to me and said, “Don’t worry, they’re fine.