As the summer comes to a close and another school year approaches, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an unbelievable summer of basketball here in Rockaway.
The week of the Charlie Marquardt Basketball Camp was everything we hoped it would be and more. Seeing so many young athletes come through the doors each day, compete, learn, make new friends and, most importantly, enjoy the game of basketball was truly special.
I want to extend my biggest thank-you to all of the parents who trusted us with their children and allowed them to be part of the camp. Your support means more than you know, and without the families in our community, none of this would be possible.
A special thank-you also goes out to the parish and everyone at St. Francis de Sales for being so accommodating and welcoming throughout the week. Having a place where our young athletes could come together, learn and compete was a tremendous blessing, and we are extremely grateful for everything the parish did to help make the week such a success.
But the camp was just one part of what made this summer so memorable.
The Summer Classic once again gave the athletes of Rockaway an incredible opportunity to compete, develop and represent their teams throughout the summer. Week after week, our community came together around basketball, and the energy around the courts was something that never gets old.
None of it happens without the people behind the scenes.
I want to give a tremendous thank-you to Bugsy Goldberg, who once again did an unbelievable job organizing the entire summer. The amount of time, effort and dedication that goes into putting together the Summer Classic cannot be overstated. From organizing the games and schedules to making sure everything runs smoothly, Bugsy continues to give so much to the basketball community.
And, of course, there are the too-many-to-name volunteers who give their time, energy and countless hours to make the Summer Classic possible. They may not always get recognized, but their contributions are a huge reason why our kids have the opportunity to play, compete and create memories every summer.
That is what makes Rockaway special.
It is not just about basketball. It is about the coaches who volunteer their time, the parents who drive their children to practices and games, the people who open their doors to our programs, and the countless members of the community who continue to invest in our kids.
As we turn the page on another summer, I want to wish every athlete in Rockaway — at every age and every level — the very best of luck in the upcoming school year and athletic seasons.
Whether you’re stepping onto a basketball court, football field, baseball diamond, soccer field, track, gymnasium or any other playing surface, remember to enjoy the journey. Work hard, be a great teammate, represent your family and community with pride, and never be afraid to chase a bigger goal.
To all of the athletes: believe in yourselves, support one another and keep pushing forward.
And to all of the parents, coaches, volunteers, parish members and community leaders who continue to support our young people — thank you.
Rockaway had an incredible summer.
Now it’s time to see what our athletes can accomplish next.
Have a great week!
