Stampede visits MHAFB, teaches basketball clinic

by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/11/2013 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho  -- The Idaho Stampede provided a basketball clinic for more than 20 children here Dec. 4.

The Stampede is an American basketball team that plays in the National Basketball Association Development League based in the Boise, Idaho, area.

"The team is here to give back to military youth and teach them the fundamentals of basketball," said Erin Arel, 366th Force Support Squadron youth sports and fitness center director. "This event is providing a safe environment for Gunfighter youth to learn the sport.

The Stampede has developed a number of local-outreach programs, many revolving around area youth.

"Having the opportunity to come out to the base and teach these kids the fundamentals of the game I love is such a rewarding experience," said Antoine Hood, Stampede point guard. "Military families and especially children, sacrifice so much for our country. Their parents are constantly away because of deployments downrange and that takes a toll on the kids."

From basketball camps to book-reading sessions, the team has been active in helping both the athletic and academic pursuits of the local youth.

"These kids need our support; they need to know we care, so they understand their sacrifice isn't going unnoticed," said Hood. "Having the opportunity to take time out of our day and invest it in these amazing children is absolutely worth it."

The youth basketball clinic also played a part in MHAFB's Healthy Base Initiative, which is designed to promote and educate the importance of nutrition and exercise among service members and their families.

"This clinic is important because the Youth Center is part of the Healthy Base Initiative, so we want to make sure the youth have every opportunity possible to be healthy and fit," said Arel. "Base personnel are required to be fit to fight and by providing this clinic for the youth we are teaching them healthy choices about exercise and lifestyle."

Hood, who attended the United States Air Force Academy, agreed saying, "The Academy taught me so much about responsibility, discipline, dedication and commitment, and those values have become a part of who I am both on and off the court."

The players began the clinic with dribbling, passing and rebounding drills for a specific reason.

"Today we are going to run through some basic drills in an effort to develop the fundamentals of the game," said Hood. "The basic foundations are keys to success whether it's succeeding at basketball or life. That's really why we are here, to help these children build their foundations and ultimately succeed by becoming intelligent, responsible adults."

As a professional athlete, Hood understands how important being a role model is and takes time to give back to the community.

"Anytime we have an opportunity to give back to the community that supports us, we jump on it," said Hood. "Personally, I want to say thank you to the service members and their families. Every day you are doing amazing things and making a real difference. The Idaho Stampede are proud to be a part of taking care of Gunfighters."