Above: Coach Greg Dolan '89 provides guidance to a young
basketball player.

Hoopsters in Training

These have been busy days in the Xavier gym. While the independent film Wolves has been filming in the gym in the afternoons and evenings for the last several days, the days have seen returning and aspiring Xavier basketball players working hard under the direction of head basketball coach and CHSAA Hall of Famer Joe McGrane as the program prepares for McGrane’s 25th season at the helm. Working on skills, tactics, and conditioning, the players routinely finish each day tired, sore, and happy. One of the highlights of camp each year is the intensive plyometric workout program led by Jay Rennison. This year plyometrics appeared early in the week to the pleasant surprise of a number of the hoopsters, and the dismay of others! Coaches Greg Dolan ’89 and Mark Curley ’74 assisted Coach McGrane throughout the week.

Commenting on the camp, Coach McGrane said, “The June camp gives the coaching staff a chance to work intensely with next year’s JV and varsity hopefuls. Coach Dolan and I are able to work individually with players and give them the training tools they need to help them achieve their goals.”

Senior guard Christian Raslowsky ’16, an All-CHSAA honoree last season, noted: “The camp is great. The older, veteran players get the chance to work on their game while others who have yet to play wearing the Xavier varsity jersey get a chance to show their talent. It is difficult to get through a full week of intense training, but it is definitely worth it. The athletes want to work hard, and I am glad I got the chance to train with all of them.”

Sophomore Jack Pappas ’18, speaking about his first camp, said: “You can work on your skills as well as interact with upperclassmen. The camp is great and I look forward to returning in the future.”

From August 3-7, the Xavier Basketball Camp under the direction of Coach McGrane will take place at Xavier and is open to all 5th through 9th graders. For more information or to register, please click here. From August 10-14, the Xavier All Sports Camp will take place and is open to 5th through 9th grade boys. For more information or to register, please click here.